NFC North Tops 2025 : The NFC North is the most likely division to send all four teams to the 2025 NFL playoffs, followed by the NFC West, AFC West, and NFC East, based on team performance, injury recovery potential, and remaining schedules.
Top Divisions for Playoff Contention
The NFC North leads the rankings with a combined Football Power Index (FPI) rating of 7.8, the highest among all divisions. The Detroit Lions (5.7) and Green Bay Packers (4.6) rank second and third in the NFL, respectively, while the Minnesota Vikings (−1.1) and Chicago Bears (−1.4) show strong potential for improvement. Through five weeks, it is the only division without a losing team, and all four clubs have realistic paths to the postseason due to favorable remaining schedules and positive momentum.
The NFC West ranks second with a 5.1 combined FPI, driven by strong performances from the Los Angeles Rams (3.1), San Francisco 49ers (2.3), and Seattle Seahawks (1.4). Despite a 2–3 start, the Arizona Cardinals (−1.7) have the league’s easiest remaining schedule and have lost three games by a total of five points, indicating they are competitive despite their record. If the Cardinals minimize mistakes, all four teams could remain in playoff contention deep into the season.
Mid-Tier and Struggling Divisions
The AFC West holds third place with a 6.7 combined FPI, anchored by the Kansas City Chiefs (6.1), the top-rated team in the NFL. The Denver Broncos (2.9) and Los Angeles Chargers (1.6) are solid contenders, but the Las Vegas Raiders (−3.9) face steep challenges due to a weak offense, injuries, and poor quarterback play. While the top three teams are playoff locks in most scenarios, the Raiders’ lack of improvement potential limits the division’s chance for a 4–4 playoff sweep.
The NFC East ranks fourth with a 2.1 combined FPI. The Philadelphia Eagles (4.3) and Washington Commanders (3.5) are strong playoff candidates, with the Eagles boasting the league’s top defense and the Commanders led by rising star QB Jayden Daniels. However, the Dallas Cowboys (1.3) have defensive flaws, and the New York Giants (−7.0) are far from contention, making a full division playoff appearance unlikely.
Lower-Ranked Divisions
#The AFC North (−12.2 combined FPI) ranks fifth despite being rated the worst by FPI, as teams like the Steelers (0.2) and Ravens (−1.6) have shown resilience and injury recovery potential. The AFC South (−3.6) follows, with the Colts (2.8) and Texans (1.8) in contention, but the Titans (−8.2) are a major obstacle. The AFC East (−5.2) ranks seventh, dragged down by the winless Jets (−5.6), while the NFC South (−11.5) is last, with only the Buccaneers (1.4) showing consistent playoff form.
