2025 NFL playoff picture, bracket: Broncos in after destroying Chiefs, Vikings-Lions loser will face Rams

Things always get kind of crazy during the final week of the NFL regular season, and this year was no different. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a win over the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South, and they got it in dramatic fashion. In a game where the Bucs trailed by double digits in the second half, they ended up rallying for a 27-19 win over the Saints that allowed them to clinch the final playoff spot in the NFC. 

In the AFC, the Broncos nabbed the conference’s final playoff spot with a 38-0 win over a Kansas City Chiefs team that was resting most its starters. The Broncos’ victory combined with the Chargers’ 34-20 win over the Raiders means that the AFC playoff field is now set. 

Although all seven spots in the NFC playoffs have been claimed, the seeding is still up in the air, and that won’t be finalized until after the Vikings-Lions game on Sunday night. If you’re wondering how that game will impact the playoffs, we’ll be covering that below. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at where the playoff picture stands following the 4 ET games. We’ll take a look at all the possible seeds and possible opponents for each team in the playoff race. 

AFC playoff standings

ELIMINATED
Bengals (9-8): To even have a chance to make the playoffs, the Bengals needed the Chiefs to beat the Broncos on Sunday and that didn’t happen, which means the Bengals will be spending the postseason at home for the second straight year.
Dolphins (8-9): The Dolphins were officially eliminated after the Broncos beat the Chiefs, but still lost to the Jets in their finale. 

AFC wild-card matchups

(7) Broncos at (2) Bills
(6) Steelers at (3) Ravens
(5) Chargers at (4) Texans

Bye: (1) Chiefs

NFC playoff standings

ELIMINATED
Falcons (8-9): For the Falcons to have any chance at winning the NFC South, they had to win and they needed the Buccaneers to lose, but neither of those things happened. The Falcons ended up losing to the Panthers, 44-38, in overtime in a game that ended after the Bucs had already beaten the Saints to clinch the division. 

NFC wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)

(Teams in bold have clinched their seed)

(7) Packers at (2) Eagles
(6) Commanders at (3) Buccaneers
(5) Vikings/Lions at (4) Rams

Bye: (1) Lions/Vikings