Nfl Playoff Picture: Chiefs Eliminated for First Time in Patrick Mahomes Era

The NFL Playoffs: A Crucial Week for Many Teams

Sun, December 14, 2025 at 9:19 PM UTC – The NFL playoff picture is shaping up to be a thrilling mix of excitement and disappointment as teams across the league prepare for their final regular season games. This week’s schedule will undoubtedly impact who qualifies for the playoffs and how they position themselves in the division standings.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Playoff Elimination

The Kansas City Chiefs, under the leadership of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have found themselves eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. A late-game injury to Mahomes during their 16-13 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers dealt a significant blow to their chances. This marks a turning point in what has been an impressive NFL career for Mahomes.

Denver Broncos: Locking Down Their Playoff Spot

The Denver Broncos, currently standing at 11-2, are firmly on track to make the playoffs. They can clinch their spot with either a victory over the Green Bay Packers or by tying the game and ensuring that the Indianapolis Colts lose or tie against Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos’ odds of making it into the postseason are virtually guaranteed at 99%, as per NFL.com.

New England Patriots: Struggling but Still in Play

The New England Patriots, with a record of 11-3, had their chance to clinch the AFC East title dashed by a loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, they still have a fighting chance at winning the division with a 76% probability according to The Athletic’s playoff scenario generator. Despite missing out on the top spot, the Patriots remain one of the most formidable teams in the league.

AFC South and North: Maintaining Their Dominance

The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) are leading the AFC South with a 56% chance to win the division. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6), despite being in the middle of their season, have maintained their lead in the AFC North and hold about a 70% probability of securing a playoff berth.

Los Angeles Chargers: Near but Not There Yet

The Los Angeles Chargers, with a 10-4 record, are still trying to catch up with the Broncos for the AFC West title. They have an 90% shot at making the playoffs according to NFL.com, but their divisional chances remain challenging.

Other Notable Teams and Their Chances

The Buffalo Bills (10-4) also maintain a strong playoff position with a virtual lock-in, though they are unlikely to catch the Patriots for the AFC East title. The Houston Texans (9-5) have a 97% chance of making the playoffs, while the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) face significant odds at just 28%. The Baltimore Ravens (7-7), with their playoff chances boosted by recent wins, now have a 42% shot.

The Los Angeles Rams (10-3) are still in contention for the NFC West title and hold about a 97% chance of making it to the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers (9-3-1), with their divisional odds improving significantly, now have nearly a 70% chance at winning the NFC North. The Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) have overcome a recent losing streak and are favored to make the playoffs.

The Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1), though still in contention, face an uphill battle with only an 11% chance of making it to the postseason. This week’s games will be crucial for several teams as they fight for playoff spots or attempt to secure their divisional titles.

Conclusion

The NFL is teetering on the edge, and every game this week could change the landscape of the playoffs. From the Chiefs’ surprise elimination to the Broncos’ strong position and other teams striving for a final push, the league remains in suspense until the very last game.

Stay tuned as we navigate through the remaining games and see which teams will secure their places in the upcoming playoff round.