2025-26 NFL Playoff Bracket and Standings Update After Week 18

The NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer as teams conclude Week 18 of the 2025-26 season. The final standings reveal key placements in both the AFC and NFC brackets.

Current NFL Playoff Bracket and Standings

NFC Standings

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

The Seahawks secured their position as the top seed following the conclusion of the regular season, allowing them to rest their team. The Bears’ attempt to clinch the No. 2 seed fell short as they suffered a close 19-16 defeat against the Lions. Despite this loss, the Eagles, who also rested key players, could not seize the opportunity, finishing as the No. 3 seed after a loss to the Commanders.

The Panthers, having clinched the NFC South, also celebrated as they’ll enter the playoffs as the fourth seed. Meanwhile, the Rams capitalized on their position, easily defeating the Cardinals to solidify the fifth seed, pushing the 49ers to sixth place.

Teams on the Bubble

• 8. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
• 9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
• 10. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
• 11. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
• 12. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
• 13. Washington Commanders (5-12)
• 14. New York Giants (4-13)
• 15. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)

The Vikings ended the season with a 9-8 record, just outside the playoff picture. The Buccaneers were notably eliminated after the Falcons’ victory over the Saints eliminated their slim chances for postseason play, even with a win against the Panthers in their final game.

Conclusion

The NFL playoff bracket is set as teams prepare for the playoffs. The Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, and Panthers emerge as top contenders in the NFC. As teams regroup, attention now turns to the upcoming playoff matchups in the 2025-26 NFL season.