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 NFC after Week 13, including the remaining schedules for the top contenders.
NFC Playoff Standings
1. Chicago Bears (9–3)
Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions
Long labeled scrappy rather than dominant, the Bears are starting to silence critics after dismantling the defending champion Eagles. Their next challenge is a big one: trying to hold off the division-rival Packers in a crowded NFC North race.
2. Los Angeles Rams (9–3)
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
Matthew Stafford is playing with the same (if not more) confidence that fueled their Super Bowl run, but the Rams’ typically stingy defense disappeared in a surprising Week 13 loss to Carolina. A softer remaining schedule should help them bounce back.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8–4)
Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders
The defending champs have hit a skid, dropping back-to-back games to Dallas and Chicago. Vic Fangio’s defense looks worn down, and the offense isn’t controlling the trenches like it did early in the year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers
The Bucs always claw their way through the NFC South race, no matter who’s healthy around Baker Mayfield. A fifth straight division title is well within reach, though Week 12’s blowout loss to the Rams revealed they still have a gap to close with the NFC’s top tier.
5. Seattle Seahawks (9–3)
Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers
Even after a Week 11 setback to the Rams, Seattle’s physical Mike Macdonald-led defense keeps them firmly in the NFC West hunt. Their Week 13 shutout of Minnesota underscored their defensive ceiling.
6. Green Bay Packers (8–3–1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
Matt LaFleur’s offense has been hit-and-miss, but with three division games ahead, the NFC North remains very much in play. Jordan Love and Micah Parsons shined on Thanksgiving, giving Green Bay the look of a dangerous dark horse.
7. San Francisco 49ers (9–4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks
Brock Purdy has mixed highs and lows since returning from injury, but the 49ers continue to hover in the playoff picture. Their defense is trending up after strong performances against Carolina and Cleveland.
In the Hunt
Detroit Lions (7–5): Not as dominant as last year, with Dan Campbell’s aggressive calls backfiring more often, but their young stars keep them relevant down the stretch.
Dallas Cowboys (6–5–1): The defense is still settling in, but Dak Prescott is red-hot and thriving with George Pickens as his top target.
Carolina Panthers (7–6): After upsetting the Rams, Carolina remains firmly in the NFC South mix—just half a game behind Tampa Bay, with two head-to-head meetings still ahead.
As the regular season heads into its final stretch, the NFC playoff picture is shaping up to be highly competitive. While the Bears, Rams, and Seahawks have established themselves as front-runners, teams like the Packers, 49ers, and Bucs are still very much in contention, and the Lions, Cowboys, and Panthers could make late pushes to shake up the standings. With key divisional matchups looming and injuries continuing to play a role, the NFC promises an exciting and unpredictable road to the postseason
