NFL Playoff Picture: Updated AFC & NFC Seedings After A Wild Week 14
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season delivered drama, surprises, and major shifts in the NFL playoff picture. As the regular season nears its final stretch, both the AFC and NFC standings have tightened dramatically. With the Kansas City Chiefs slipping away from the playoff race, many other teams that seemed secure are struggling to find rhythm. At the same time, some wildcard teams surged into contention.
This article breaks down the updated seedings, wild-card races, and what each team needs to make the postseason.
AFC Playoff Standings After Week 14
| Seed | Team | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 11-2 | Top seed |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 11-2 | Division leaders, bye week |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 9-4 | AFC South lead |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7-6 | AFC North lead |
| 5 | Buffalo Bills | 9-4 | Wild-card spot |
| 6 | Los Angeles Chargers | 8-4 | Wild-card contention |
| 7 | Houston Texans | 8-5 | Final wildcard seed |
What Does The AFC Standing Mean After Week 14?
The Broncos and Patriots are neck-and-neck for the AFC’s top seed. Their similar 11–2 records make every remaining game crucial. Wild-card races remain fluid: the Bills hold a solid spot, but the Chargers and Texans stay within striking distance. Teams like the Colts, Ravens, and Chiefs must win out and catch help to crack the picture.
NFC Playoff Standings After Week 14
| Seed | Team | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles Rams | 10-3 | NFC West leaders |
| 2 | Green Bay Packers | 9-3-1 | NFC North leaders |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8-4 | NFC East leaders |
| 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-6 | NFC South leaders, wild-card hopeful |
| 5 | Seattle Seahawks | 10-3 | Wild-card contender |
| 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 9-4 | Wild-card spot |
| 7 | Chicago Bears | 9-4 | On the playoff bubble |
What Do The NFL Standings After Week 14 Reveal
NFC division leaders dominate the top four seeds, but wild-card contention is highly competitive. Seahawks and 49ers remain poised for wild-card berths, but must hold ground as Bears push for a seventh seed. Teams like the Lions, Panthers, and Cowboys still have hope but face increasingly narrow paths.
Key Takeaways From Week 14 Shift
- Division races are tightening. Several divisions in both conferences remain undecided. Wild-card battles are just as tight.
- Every remaining game matters. With only a handful of games left, a single upset can dramatically change a team’s playoff odds.
- Tiebreakers could decide fate. Conference record, head-to-head results, and divisional performance may become deciding factors if teams finish with similar records.
- No team is safe — but few are eliminated. As of now, standings show only a handful of teams officially out; many others are at risk depending on remaining matchups.
Conclusion
NFL Week 14 confirmed what many expected: the 2025 NFL season will come down to the wire. Division races remain wide open, and wild-card spots will likely be decided in the final weeks. With many teams still in the hunt, every matchup is crucial.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which teams have clinched playoff spots after Week 14?
A: In the AFC, the Broncos and Patriots look likely to clinch. In the NFC, Rams, Packers, Eagles, and Buccaneers are leaders, though final seeding isn’t locked yet.
Q: Who are the current wild-card teams in the AFC and the NFC?
A: AFC — Bills, Chargers, Texans. NFC — Seahawks, 49ers, Bears (as of current standings).
Q: Are any teams completely eliminated from playoff contention?
A: Yes. A few teams in both conferences lack mathematical paths to reach seven wins or catch needed tiebreakers.
Q: How many teams make the NFL playoffs in 2025?
A: Four division winners and three wild-card teams from each conference qualify — a total of 14 postseason teams.
Q: What should fans watch for in the final weeks?
A: Key divisional games, head-to-head matchups between wildcard contenders, and whether teams can avoid upsets — every game could shift NFL playoff fate.
