With the 2024-2025 NFL playoffs on the horizon, fans are buzzing with excitement as we approach Super Bowl 59. As we dive into the current standings, it’s time to take a closer look at who’s in, who’s out, and how the playoff picture is shaping up as we head into Week 12 of the regular season.
NFL playoff picture: Who’s in and who’s out?
As we sit with over seven weeks left in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up. The stakes are high, and every game counts. So, who would make the cut if the playoffs started today? Let’s break it down by conference, starting with the AFC.
AFC playoff picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs 9-1 (first place, AFC West): The Chiefs are on a mission to secure home-field advantage, but their recent loss to the Bills has added some pressure. They need to bounce back quickly to fend off challengers like the Steelers.
2. Buffalo Bills 9-2 (first place, AFC East): After a thrilling victory over the Chiefs, the Bills are just a half-game behind. Their Week 12 bye gives them a chance to rest and strategize for the final stretch.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-3 (first place, AFC North): The Steelers stumbled against the Browns, but they still hold a slim lead in their division. With a one-game cushion over the Ravens, they’ll need to regroup and focus on maintaining their position.
4. Houston Texans 7-4 (first place, AFC South): The Texans are looking strong with a two-game lead over the Colts. They’ve beaten Indianapolis twice already, putting them in a great position to clinch the division title again.
5. Los Angeles Chargers 7-3 (second place, AFC West): The Chargers are riding high after a win against the Bengals, and they’re eager to extend their lead over the Ravens in their upcoming matchup.
6. Baltimore Ravens 7-4 (second place, AFC North): The Ravens are in a tight race with the Steelers. They need a victory against the Chargers to reclaim the wild-card spot and keep their playoff hopes alive.
7. Denver Broncos 6-5 (third place, AFC West): After a crucial win against the Falcons, the Broncos are holding onto a playoff position. They’ll look to build on this momentum as they face tough competition in the coming weeks.
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. Indianapolis Colts 5-6 (second place, AFC South)
- 9. Miami Dolphins 4-6 (second place, AFC East)
- 10. Cincinnati Bengals 4-7 (third place, AFC North)
The Colts are making a push for the wild-card spot, thanks to a recent win over the Jets. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have climbed ahead of the Bengals after a victory against the Raiders, keeping their playoff dreams alive.
Who’s left?
- 11. Cleveland Browns 3-8 (fourth place, AFC North)
- 12. New York Jets 3-8 (third place, AFC East)
- 13. New England Patriots 3-8 (fourth place, AFC East)
- 14. Tennessee Titans 2-8 (third place, AFC South)
- 15. Las Vegas Raiders 2-8 (fourth place, AFC West)
- 16. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-9 (fourth place, AFC South)
Now, let’s shift our focus to the NFC, where the competition is just as fierce.
NFC playoff picture
1. Detroit Lions 9-1 (first place, NFC North): The Lions are in prime position for home-field advantage, holding a slim lead over the Eagles. Their recent success has them looking strong as they head into the final weeks.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 8-2 (first place, NFC East): The Eagles are not far behind, having increased their division lead over the Commanders. They’re eyeing that top seed, but they’ll need to keep winning.
3. Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (first place, NFC West): After a Week 11 bye, the Cardinals are holding onto a narrow lead in a competitive division. They’ll need to step up their game to fend off the Rams and Seahawks.
4. Atlanta Falcons 6-5 (first place, NFC South): The Falcons are leading a weak division but must bounce back from a loss in Denver. They’ve already swept the Buccaneers, giving them a bit of breathing room.
5. Minnesota Vikings 8-2 (second place, NFC North): The Vikings are solidifying their wild-card position and are looking to stay hot against the Bears in Week 12. They’re not done yet!
6. Green Bay Packers 7-3 (third place, NFC North): The Packers are right in the mix, having survived a tough game against the Bears. They’ll need to keep their momentum going against the 49ers.
7. Washington Commanders 7-4 (second place, NFC East): After a tough loss to the Eagles, the Commanders are now focusing on the wild-card race. A rebound against the Cowboys is crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. Los Angeles Rams 5-5 (second place, NFC West)
- 9. Seattle Seahawks 5-5 (third place, NFC West)
- 10. San Francisco 49ers 5-5 (fourth place, NFC West)
- 11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-6 (second place, NFC South)
- 12. Chicago Bears 4-6 (fourth place, NFC North)
The Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are all vying for a playoff spot, and every game is critical. The Rams managed to pull ahead of the Bears, while the Buccaneers are hanging on by a thread.
Who’s left?
- 13. New Orleans Saints 4-7 (third place, NFC South)
- 14. Carolina Panthers 3-7 (fourth place, NFC South)
- 15. Dallas Cowboys 3-7 (third place, NFC East)
- 16. New York Giants 2-8 (fourth place, NFC East)
As we look ahead, the playoff race is only going to get more intense. Teams will battle it out, and every win will be crucial. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? The excitement of the NFL season is palpable, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
