NFL Playoff Picture 2025-26: Week 15 Bracket Clinching, Elimination Scenarios
The NFL Playoff Picture is beginning to take shape as we approach Week 15 of the 2025-26 season. Teams are jockeying for playoff positions, with high stakes resulting from recent performances. Here’s a quick overview of the current standings and playoff scenarios across both conferences.
AFC Standings and Scenarios
- Denver Broncos: 11-2, leading AFC West
- New England Patriots: 11-2, leading AFC East
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-4, leading AFC South
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-6, leading AFC North
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9-4
- Indianapolis Colts: 8-5
- Baltimore Ravens: 6-7
- Kansas City Chiefs: 6-7
- Cincinnati Bengals: 4-9
- Cleveland Browns: 3-10
- Las Vegas Raiders: 2-11
- Tennessee Titans: 2-11
The AFC playoff race is heating up. The Broncos edged out the Patriots for the No. 1 seed after their bye week, thanks to better conference winning percentages. The Jaguars and Steelers have boosted their chances in their respective divisions after last Sunday’s games.
However, the Colts have lost their playoff position after a series of unfortunate events, including the season-ending injury to quarterback Daniel Jones. With backup Riley Leonard also hurt, the Colts may turn to veteran Philip Rivers to salvage their season.
NFC Standings and Scenarios
- Los Angeles Rams: 10-3, leading NFC West
- Green Bay Packers: 9-3-1, leading NFC North
- Philadelphia Eagles: 8-5, leading NFC East
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-6, leading NFC South
- Seattle Seahawks: 10-3
- San Francisco 49ers: 9-4
- Carolina Panthers: 7-6
- Dallas Cowboys: 6-6-1
- Atlanta Falcons: 4-9
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-10
- New Orleans Saints: 3-10
- Washington Commanders: 3-10
- New York Giants: 2-11
The NFC landscape appears competitive with the Rams and Packers vying for the top seed. The Eagles are struggling, having suffered a loss against the Chargers, which jeopardizes their playoff status. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are in free fall, losing four of their last five games.
Key Matchups Ahead
As we look toward the final weeks, division rivals like the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers will face each other, which could dramatically impact the playoff picture. With teams like the Cowboys and Lions also fighting for a spot, the next few games will be crucial.
Conclusion
Week 15 promises to bring intense competition as teams battle for playoff positions and survival. Each game is now critical in determining the fate of teams heading into the critical end of the NFL season.
