2025 NFL Playoff Picture, Bracket, Schedule After Week 15 Early Sunday Games

Entering Week 15, no team in the NFL had clinched a playoff spot. However, that could change on Sunday. 

The Patriots, Broncos and Rams can each clinch a playoff spot with a victory Sunday. In the Patriots' case, a victory over the Bills would have clinched the AFC East title for the first time in six seasons. 

Here's the latest look at the NFL's playoff picture as Week 15 develops. 

NFL Playoff Picture

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (11-2)
2. New England Patriots (11-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
6. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
7. Houston Texans (9-5)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (7-7)

The AFC playoff picture got more interesting in the early slate of Sunday’s Week 15 action.

The Bills won a thriller in Foxborough over the Patriots, which means it’s only a one-game difference in the AFC East. New England still holds the upper hand, but it’s a statement that Buffalo will not go away easily.

Elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs were officially eliminated after their home loss against the Chargers. To make matters worse, Patrick Mahomes appeared to hurt his left knee on the first play after the 2-minute warning.

In the AFC North, the Ravens kept pressure on the Steelers by beating the Bengals in convincing fashion.

NFC

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (7-6)
5. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
6. Chicago Bears (10-4)
7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

The NFC is much more interesting than the AFC. The NFC South is firmly up for grabs with the Bucs and Panthers, with the team that finishes second looking highly unlikely to get a wild-card spot.

The Lions have already beaten the Bears this season, and the rematch will be Week 18. If Detroit can stay within striking distance and win that game, chances are it will be in. The Lions, though, face a tough test against the Rams on Sunday on FOX at 4:25 p.m. ET.

NFL Playoff Bracket

AFC

• (1) Broncos receive a bye
• (2) Patriots vs. (7) Texans
• (3) Jaguars vs. (6) Bills
• (4) Steelers vs. (5) Chargers

NFC

• (1) Rams receive a bye
• (2) Packers vs. (7) Bears
• (3) Eagles vs. (6) 49ers
• (4) Bucs vs. (5) Seahawks

NFL Playoff Schedule

• January 10-12, 2026: Wild-card round
• January 17-18: Divisional round
• January 25: AFC and NFC championship games
• February 8: Super Bowl LX (in Santa Clara, California)

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