We're through Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season, and we're taking a quick look at the playoff picture and the road to Super Bowl LX as things stand right now. Which teams have the best chances to make the 14-team playoff field? Which still have a lot of work to do to ultimately get in?
We used ESPN's Football Power Index to project the rest of the season, looking at the playoff picture for both conferences. We included updated odds for every team to make the postseason, clinch its division and even make the Super Bowl.
Here's everything you need right now.
Last update: Oct. 21 at 11:15 a.m. ET
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AFC picture | NFC picture
Projecting the AFC playoff field
The Patriots have taken control of the AFC East. Drake Maye's incredible start to the season saw him complete 91.3% of his passes on Sunday -- breaking a franchise record set by Tom Brady. The Bills were on their bye week and will return to the field against the Panthers. Josh Allen hasn't lost three games in a row since his rookie season, and the battle for the AFC East is sure to be an interesting one -- even with the winless Jets and struggling Dolphins.
The Colts are enjoying their time at the top of the AFC, anchored by historic performances from running back Jonathan Taylor. He became the fourth player in NFL history with three games with three rushing touchdowns within the first seven games of the season.
Projecting the NFC playoff field
In a crucial "Monday Night Football" matchup, the Lions defeated the Buccaneers as they took the top spot in the playoff projections. Detroit's win was powered by RB Jahmyr Gibbs (136 yards and two touchdowns) and a defense that held Tampa Bay to just nine points (after averaging 27.5 PPG allowed in the first six weeks of the season), despite playing without its entire starting secondary.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks also got a boost from its own Monday matchup, defeating the Texans 27-19. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be a standout on Seattle's offense, with over 100 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown for the third game in a row. He has accounted for 46% of the team's receiving yards, the highest rate in the NFL.
NFL playoff schedule
Jan. 10-12, 2026: Wild-card round
Jan. 17-18: Divisional round
Jan. 25: AFC and NFC Championship Games
Feb. 8: Super Bowl LX (in Santa Clara, California)
