The 2025 NFL playoff picture tightened after Week 13's Thanksgiving tripleheader and Black Friday matchup, with surprises like the Bengals' upset over the Ravens reshaping AFC North contention. In the AFC, the New England Patriots lead at 10-2, while the NFC sees the Los Angeles Rams atop at 9-2. Several teams remain in the hunt as only five weeks remain in the regular season.
The 2025 NFL season heads into its final stretch following Thanksgiving and Black Friday games, with the playoff race intensifying. In the AFC, the New England Patriots hold the top spot at 10-2, bolstered by Drake Maye's MVP-caliber play under Mike Vrabel. They face a favorable remaining schedule including games against the Giants, Bills, Ravens, Jets, and Dolphins, positioning them for their first AFC East title since 2019.
The Denver Broncos sit at 9-2, driven by Bo Nix's composure and a strong defense led by Vance Joseph. Their path includes matchups with the Commanders, Raiders, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, and Chargers, with late games against rivals potentially deciding the AFC West. The Indianapolis Colts are 8-3, relying on Daniel Jones to maintain efficiency against tough defenses in games versus the Texans, Jaguars, Seahawks, 49ers, and another Jaguars tilt.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) lead the North amid rivals' struggles, with Aaron Rodgers flashing vintage form despite a recent injury. Their schedule features the Bills, Ravens, Dolphins, Lions, Browns, and Ravens. Wild-card contenders include the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4), and Buffalo Bills (7-4), with Josh Allen key for Buffalo's postseason push.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) top the standings, with Matthew Stafford slinging confidently ahead of games against the Panthers, Cardinals, Lions, Seahawks, Falcons, and Cardinals. The Chicago Bears (9-3) rose after defeating the Eagles, boosting their NFC North odds to 30%; they face the Packers twice, Browns, 49ers, and Lions. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) slipped to third after two losses, including to the Bears, with a schedule of Chargers, Raiders, Commanders, Bills, and Commanders.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) eye a fifth straight South title, Seattle Seahawks (8-3) hold West contention, Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) favor North victory at 65%, and San Francisco 49ers (8-4) remain strong despite Brock Purdy's ups and downs. Teams like the Detroit Lions (7-5) and Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) stay in the mix.
A key upset was the Bengals' 32-14 Thanksgiving win over the Ravens, where Joe Burrow threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury, improving Cincinnati to 4-8. Burrow noted, 'Every game from here on out is basically a must win, especially in the division.' The Ravens (6-6) and Chiefs (6-6) saw playoff odds drop after losses, with Baltimore at 55% and Kansas City at 35% per models.