2025-26 NFL Playoff Bracket and AFC, NFC Standings Before Week 18 SNF

The NFL playoff scenario for the 2025-26 season has been shaped dramatically after the final week of regular season games. The standings in the National Football Conference (NFC) have determined playoff positions for the upcoming games.

NFC Playoff Bracket Set

• 1. Seattle Seahawks – 14 wins, 3 losses (Clinched NFC West, No. 1 seed)
• 2. Chicago Bears – 11 wins, 6 losses (Clinched NFC North, No. 2 seed)
• 3. Philadelphia Eagles – 11 wins, 6 losses (Clinched NFC East, No. 3 seed)
• 4. Carolina Panthers – 8 wins, 9 losses (Clinched NFC South, No. 4 seed)
• 5. Los Angeles Rams – 12 wins, 5 losses (Clinched No. 5 seed)
• 6. San Francisco 49ers – 12 wins, 5 losses (Clinched No. 6 seed)
• 7. Green Bay Packers – 9 wins, 7 losses, 1 tie (Clinched No. 7 seed)

Key Developments in the Final Week

The Seahawks solidified their position as the top seed in the NFC, allowing them to rest on the last day of the season. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears faced a setback, losing 19-16 to the Detroit Lions, which left their playoff standing uncertain.

The Philadelphia Eagles, also resting their starters, suffered a loss to the Washington Commanders. This defeat secured their spot as the third seed in the conference.

The Carolina Panthers seized the NFC South title. Their playoff berth was confirmed when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints; the Panthers clinched the No. 4 seed due to tiebreaker rules.

Playoff Implications

The Los Angeles Rams capitalized on the opportunity to secure the fifth seed. They achieved this with a decisive victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The San Francisco 49ers fell to the sixth seed as a result.

Despite their loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers remained locked into the seventh seed, regardless of their results.

Teams Eliminated from Playoff Contention

• 8. Minnesota Vikings – 9 wins, 8 losses
• 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 8 wins, 9 losses
• 11. Atlanta Falcons – 8 wins, 9 losses
• 11. Dallas Cowboys – 7 wins, 9 losses, 1 tie
• 13. New Orleans Saints – 6 wins, 11 losses
• 14. Washington Commanders – 5 wins, 12 losses
• 15. New York Giants – 4 wins, 13 losses
• 16. Arizona Cardinals – 3 wins, 14 losses

Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only team eliminated in this final week. Their playoff hopes were dashed following the Falcons’ win over the Saints, despite the Buccaneers defeating the Panthers.

The 2025-26 NFL playoff bracket is now set, with teams gearing up for what promises to be an exciting postseason. As the playoffs approach, fans can look forward to intense matchups and high-stakes games.