With just seven weeks left in the regular season, the excitement is palpable as we gear up for the 2024-2025 NFL playoffs and the highly anticipated Super Bowl 59. As teams make their final pushes for postseason positioning, the current standings reveal a thrilling race for playoff spots. So, who’s in, who’s out, and where do all the potential contenders stand as we head into Week 15?
NFL standings for Week 15
AFC playoff picture
Let’s dive into the AFC, where the competition is fierce.
1. Kansas City Chiefs 13-1 (champions, AFC West): The Chiefs have clinched their ninth consecutive division title and are now eyeing the top seed in the playoffs. Despite their impressive record, they lost the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Bills due to a Week 11 loss in Buffalo. However, after a solid victory over the Browns in Week 15, they are determined to maintain their position as they head into the final three games.
2. Buffalo Bills 11-3 (champions, AFC East): The Bills faced a setback with a Week 15 loss to the Rams, which hurt their chances for the No. 1 seed. However, they showcased their resilience by overcoming a tough challenge against the Lions earlier in the season. With their sights set on the playoffs, every game is crucial for Buffalo.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-4 (first place, AFC North): The Steelers are in a tight race, leading the AFC North by just one game over the Ravens. Their recent loss to the Eagles has made things more complicated. With a challenging matchup against the Chiefs coming up, they need to regroup quickly to maintain their playoff position.
4. Houston Texans 9-5 (champions, AFC South): The Texans have clinched their second consecutive division title after a solid win against the Dolphins in Week 15. They’re not just resting on their laurels, though; they aim to improve their seeding in the final stretch of the season.
5. Baltimore Ravens 9-5 (second place, AFC North): Coming off a bye, the Ravens are looking to finish strong and catch the Steelers. They kicked off their second half of the season with a convincing win against the Giants, putting them back in the playoff conversation.
6. Denver Broncos 9-5 (second place, AFC West): The Broncos have established a comfortable lead over the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals for the second wild-card spot. Their recent win against the Colts has solidified their position, but they must keep their foot on the gas to fend off challengers.
7. Los Angeles Chargers 8-6 (third place, AFC West): The Chargers are feeling the heat after a tough loss to the Buccaneers. They need to focus on securing their spot, especially with the Bengals lurking behind them. Every game counts as they look to bounce back in Week 16.
Who’s in the hunt?
The teams in the hunt are facing uphill battles. They likely need to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, which is a tall order for all three squads.
Who’s left?
Sadly, some teams have already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans, but that’s the nature of the game.
NFC playoff picture
Now, let’s shift our focus to the NFC, where the race for the playoffs is equally exhilarating.
1. Detroit Lions 12-2 (first place, NFC North): The Lions have secured their playoff berth and are on the verge of repeating as division champions. However, they can’t afford to let their guard down, as the Vikings are right on their tail. With a superior conference record, the Lions are in a strong position, but they must continue to perform at a high level.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 12-2 (first place, NFC East): The Eagles are hot on the Lions’ heels after a decisive victory over the Steelers. They’ve already clinched a playoff spot, but the division title is still up for grabs. With the Commanders trailing three games behind, the Eagles must stay focused to secure their spot.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-6 (first place, NFC South): The Buccaneers have reclaimed the top spot in the NFC South, thanks to a win against the Chargers. They have two crucial division matchups coming up, and their experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable as they aim for another title.
4. Los Angeles Rams 8-6 (first place, NFC West): The Rams are leading the NFC West by a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks. After a strong performance against the 49ers, they’re looking to solidify their position in the playoffs. The upcoming rematch with the Seahawks will be pivotal.
5. Minnesota Vikings 11-2 (second place, NFC North): The Vikings are hoping to close the gap with the Lions. A win against the Bears on Monday night could set them up nicely for a rematch later in the season. They’re in a solid position to clinch at least a wild-card berth.
6. Green Bay Packers 10-4 (third place, NFC North): The Packers are still in the mix for a wild-card spot after a tough loss to the Lions. They bounced back with a strong win against Seattle, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
7. Washington Commanders 9-5 (second place, NFC East): The Commanders are back from a bye and looking to secure their playoff position. Their close victory over the Saints has given them a boost, but they need to keep winning to fend off the competition.
Who’s in the hunt?
The Seahawks and Cardinals are both trying to keep their playoff dreams alive, but they face an uphill battle. The Falcons need a victory against the Raiders to stay in the race.
Who’s left?
Unfortunately, the 49ers, Cowboys, and Saints are barely hanging on to their playoff hopes. The Bears, Panthers, and Giants have already been eliminated from contention, leaving their fans looking ahead to next season.
As we move deeper into the season, every game becomes more critical. The playoff picture is shaping up, and the intensity is only going to increase. Which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spots in the postseason? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the road to Super Bowl 59 is going to be thrilling!
