NFL Standings Experience Unprecedented Shakeup After a Decade
The NFL standings are experiencing a significant upheaval during the 2025 season, unlike anything seen in the last decade. With just four weeks left in the regular season, nearly all preseason expectations have been turned upside down. Currently, seven out of eight divisions feature teams that either lead outright or share the top spot but did not win their divisions last year.
NFL Standings Shakeup Details
This unprecedented turnover at the top of the divisions has not been witnessed since 2011, when seven new division winners were crowned. The Kansas City Chiefs, reigning champions, will not win the AFC West for the first time in a decade. Their playoff hopes are precariously hanging by a thread, with potential scenarios leading to their elimination as early as this week. They face several possibilities:
- Kansas City loses and Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Indianapolis win.
- Kansas City loses, and Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Houston win.
- Kansas City loses, and Buffalo, Indianapolis, and Houston win.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the situation, emphasizing the need to give their all with limited opportunities left.
Other Contenders in Trouble
Teams that have dominated their divisions in the past are also at risk. The Buffalo Bills, who have won five consecutive AFC East titles, are in danger of losing that streak if they fall to the New England Patriots. Similarly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have won the NFC South for four straight years, are also facing challenges.
The Philadelphia Eagles could secure the NFC East title for the first time since 2004 if they win three of their last four games. However, after dropping their last three, this may prove difficult.
Playoff Picture and Elimination Risks
As of now, nine teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention:
- New York Giants (2-11)
- Tennessee Titans (2-11)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
- Washington Commanders (3-10)
- New Orleans Saints (3-10)
- Cleveland Browns (3-10)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
- New York Jets (3-10)
- Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
Further eliminations could occur this week, particularly for:
- Cincinnati Bengals (with a loss)
- Kansas City Chiefs (with a loss and other results)
- Miami Dolphins (with a loss and other results)
- Minnesota Vikings (with a loss)
Currently, no teams have clinched a playoff berth, but three could secure their spots with victories this week:
- Denver Broncos (11-2)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
- New England Patriots (11-2)
Key Games to Watch
Week 15 features several critical matchups:
- Ravens (6-7) at Bengals (4-9) – Cincinnati aims to keep playoff hopes alive.
- Bills (9-4) at Patriots (11-2) – New England seeks an 11-game win streak.
- Chargers (9-4) at Chiefs (6-7) – L.A. aims for a season sweep against Kansas City.
- Browns (3-10) at Bears (9-4) – Bears compete for playoff positioning.
- Cardinals (3-10) at Texans (8-5) – Houston’s strong defense on display.
- Jets (3-10) at Jaguars (9-4) – Jacksonville’s quarterback seeks consistency.
- Raiders (2-11) at Eagles (8-5) – Teams fighting to improve their standings.
The chaotic playoff picture, coupled with the potential fall of once-dominant teams, ensures that the 2025 NFL season will be one for the history books.
