The 2025 NFL season is entering its final stretch. After Thanksgiving’s tripleheader and a Black Friday upset, we’re now five weeks away from the playoffs, and the postseason picture is taking shape fast. While nothing is finalized, several teams have separated themselves, including some unexpected heavyweights.
Heres how the playoff pictures looks in the AFC after Week 13, including the remaining schedules for the top contenders.
AFC Playoff Standings
1. New England Patriots (11-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins
Drake Maye is running MVP-caliber football, and the Patriots are positioned for their first AFC East title since Tom Brady’s final season in 2019. With two games against teams with losing records and three divisional matchups, New England is a strong favorite to claim the top seed.
2. Denver Broncos (10-2)
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
Bo Nix’s clutch play and a stifling defense under Vance Joseph have Denver surging. A late-season showdown with Chiefs and Chargers will likely decide the AFC West, but the Broncos are essentially locked into the postseason.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, at Colts, vs. Titans
Liam Coen’s squad has been inconsistent, but three wins in the last four games—including a recent blowout of the Titans—have them poised for a late-season push. A light schedule could carry them confidently into the playoffs.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
The Ravens have claimed the AFC North lead by default, thanks to Pittsburgh’s struggles, but sloppy play and Lamar Jackson’s funk leave them vulnerable. The division could come down to Week 18 in Pittsburgh.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
Despite a convincing Week 13 win over the Raiders, the Chargers face a tough closing slate against elite defenses while protecting a banged-up Justin Herbert. Their wild card spot isn’t guaranteed.
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
Daniel Jones needs to rediscover his early-season efficiency to keep the Colts in the playoff conversation. Nearly every remaining opponent boasts a top-10 defense, making Indianapolis a risky bet to maintain its current position.
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
Josh Allen remains capable of Superman-level performances, but inconsistent defense has hampered Buffalo’s climb. The Bills have a clear path to a wild card berth if they can win two or three of their remaining five games.
Teams Still in the Hunt
Houston Texans (7-5)
remain alive in the AFC South, anchored by DeMeco Ryans’ top-ranked defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
are hanging onto the AFC North race despite losing five of their last seven.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
have rediscovered some late-game magic, but offensive inconsistencies remain a concern.
With just five weeks to go, the playoff seeding battle is heating up. Teams like the Patriots and Broncos are carving out top spots, while several wild card positions remain up for grabs. Expect every late-season matchup to carry massive implications as the 2025 postseason picture continues to take shape.
