As we approach the thrilling climax of the NFL regular season, the excitement is palpable. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as teams fiercely compete for a coveted spot at Super Bowl LIX. With the stakes higher than ever, every game counts, and the pressure is on.
Chiefs aiming for a repeat
Last year, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a spectacular second consecutive Super Bowl victory in 2024, a feat not achieved in two decades since Tom Brady’s New England Patriots. Mahomes has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with, and the Chiefs are once again positioned as favorites to reclaim their title. Currently, they lead the AFC West and hold a strong standing in the conference, showcasing their dominance on the field.
NFC landscape heating up
On the other side of the league, the Detroit Lions have emerged as a formidable contender with an impressive 11-2 record following their Thanksgiving triumph. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation, and they are eyeing a Wildcard Week bye. This resurgence has ignited a passionate fan base, eager to see their team make a deep playoff run.
Playoff picture is forming
As we gear up for the postseason, expect plenty of twists and turns that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The playoff picture is beginning to take shape, and teams are gearing up for the all-or-nothing battles that will commence on January 11 with Wildcard Weekend.
We’ve compiled a snapshot of the current standings to give you an idea of what to expect as teams either go hard or go home.
AFC standings
The Kansas City Chiefs are leading the way in the AFC, and they will look to build on their impressive record in their upcoming match against the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday. Here’s how the AFC standings currently look:
Division Leaders
- Kansas City Chiefs (10-1) – AFC West
- Buffalo Bills (9-2) – AFC East
- Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) – AFC North
- Houston Texans (7-5) – AFC South
Wild-Card Race
- Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
- Denver Broncos (7-5)
- Indianapolis Colts (5-7)
- Miami Dolphins (5-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
- Cleveland Browns (3-8)
- New York Jets (3-8)
- Tennessee Titans (3-8)
- New England Patriots (3-9)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
NFC standings
The Lions are currently at the top of the NFC, having won ten consecutive games. Here’s a look at the NFC standings:
Division Leaders
- Detroit Lions (11-1) – NFC North
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) – NFC East
- Seattle Seahawks (6-5) – NFC West
- Atlanta Falcons (6-5) – NFC South
Wild-Card Race
- Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
- Green Bay Packers (9-3)
- Washington Commanders (7-5)
- Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)
- Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
- San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
- Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
- New Orleans Saints (4-7)
- Chicago Bears (4-8)
- Carolina Panthers (3-8)
- New York Giants (2-10)
Upcoming playoff schedule
As we look ahead, here’s what you need to know about the playoff schedule:
When is the NFL Wild Card weekend?
All times Eastern
Saturday, January 11, 2025
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 1 p.m. (CBS or FOX)
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 4:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 8 p.m. (Peacock)
Sunday, January 12, 2025
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 4:30 p.m. (CBS or FOX)
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Monday, January 13, 2025
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Matchup – 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
Divisional round and beyond
After the Wild Card weekend, the action continues with the Divisional Round:
Saturday, January 18, 2025
- AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 4:30 p.m.
- AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
- AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 3 p.m.
- AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 6:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Super Bowl LIX
The grand finale, Super Bowl LIX, is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025. New Orleans, the vibrant home of the Saints, will host this monumental event at the Caesars Superdome. This marks the first time the city has welcomed the Super Bowl since 2013, and fans can expect an unforgettable showdown as the best teams in the league battle for glory.
With the Chiefs holding the title after their nail-biting 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last year, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge victorious this time around? As the playoffs unfold, one thing is certain: the excitement is just beginning!
