NFL Playoff Picture 2026: The Final Push

Dec 29, 2025: Week 17 is in the books, and the road to Super Bowl LX is clearing up. As we head into the final week of the regular season, here is where things stand.

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AFC Standings

1. Denver Broncos (13-3) - Clinched AFC West. Currently the #1 Seed favorites.
2. New England Patriots (13-3) - Clinched AFC East. Battling Denver for the bye week.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) - Leaders of the AFC South.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) - Leading the chaotic AFC North.

Wild Card Race:

• Houston Texans (11-5) - Clinched.
• Buffalo Bills (11-5) - Clinched.
• LA Chargers (11-5) - Clinched.
• In the Hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-8).

NFC Standings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3) - NFC West Champs. One win away from home-field advantage.
2. Chicago Bears (11-4) - NFC North Kings.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) - NFC East Champs.
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8) - Holding onto the weak NFC South.

Wild Card Race:

• San Francisco 49ers (11-4) - Dangerous lower seed.
• Los Angeles Rams (11-4) - Clinched.
• Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) - Clinched.

Key Storylines for Week 18

• Broncos vs Patriots: The race for the AFC #1 seed is the biggest narrative. Bo Nix has led Denver to a renaissance.
• NFC South: Predicting the winner of this division is still a gamble, with Carolina and Tampa Bay fighting for the 4th seed.

Super Bowl LX is set for Feb 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium.

Source = https://unstory.app/sports/nfl-playoff-picture-2026-standings-afc-nfc