NFL Playoff Power Rankings: Ranking All 14 Teams

Power Ranking all 14 NFL teams that are in the playoff field before wild-card weekend.

NFL Playoff Power Rankings

14. Carolina Panthers (8-9) *5th seed in NFC

The Panthers won the NFC South on a technicality, securing a spot in the playoffs. At 8-9, the Panthers not only have a losing record, but they have the worst point differential of any playoff team this season. They will host the Rams, a team they beat a little over a month ago, ironically, but it’s clear that the Panthers are the worst team in the playoffs.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) *5th seed in AFC

The Steelers are a solid group comprised of older veterans who were once again able to string together some important wins and secure the AFC North division title. Pittsburgh has the oldest quarterback in the playoff field and an older defense as well.

12. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) *7th seed in AFC

The Chargers will have a shot to make noise in the AFC playoffs due to Justin Herbert, but injuries to the offensive line set the Chargers as one of the worst units in the playoffs, making things even tougher for Herbert.

11. Houston Texans (12-5) *5th seed in AFC

The Texans will head into the playoffs with arguably the best defense of anyone in the entire field. They allowed 17.4 points per game, which is in the top two in the NFL. If the Texans are to go on a run, it will be due to a strong defense, as their offense continues to be inconsistent.

10. Chicago Bears (11-6) *2nd seed in NFC

The Bears ended the regular season on a two-game losing streak and will get a rubber match with the Packers in the first round of the playoffs. Chicago’s offense is a well-oiled machine, with Ben Johnson calling plays and Caleb Williams playing quarterback, but their defense, on a down-to-down basis, could hold the team back.

9. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) *7th seed in NFC

The Packers are the seventh seed in the NFC and could very well win their matchup against the second-seeded Bears, and it won’t be looked at as an upset. Not having Micah Parsons will hurt, but the Packers are more than capable of winning a playoff game or two.

8. San Francisco 49ers (12-5) *6th seed in NFC

The 49ers had a shot at the one seed in the NFC in their last game of the season before falling to the Seahawks. Their offense in the last month of the season has been one of the hottest in the league, but their defense and injuries on both sides of the ball could mean one and done for SF.

7. Buffalo Bills (12-5) *6th seed in AFC

Buffalo has the best player in the 2025 playoff field in 2024 MVP Josh Allen. Allen could put a flawed Bill team on his back and reach the conference championship game or Super Bowl.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) *3rd seed in AFC

No team has been hotter heading into the playoffs than the Jaguars, who have won nine of their last ten games, including eight straight.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) *3rd seed in NFC

They are the defending champions until otherwise, but aside from a swarming defense, the Eagles lack consistency elsewhere on the team. However, the Eagles found a way to reach and win the Super Bowl last season despite issues.

4. New England Patriots (14-3) *2nd seed in AFC

The Patriots have had one of the weakest strengths of schedule in recent memory, but they did what they were supposed to do in taking advantage of that schedule. Drake Maye could be the MVP of the league, and Mike Vrabel could be the Coach of the Year.

3. Denver Broncos (14-3) *1st seed in AFC

The Broncos have the top seed in the AFC, and Bo Nix has been able to make plays when needed in his second NFL season.

2. Los Angeles Rams (12-5) *5th seed in NFC

The Rams have the second-best point differential in the league behind the Seahawks. They also, like the Patriots, have an MVP candidate at quarterback, and they have a coach in Sean McVay who is one of the best in the league. They finished the season first in total offense and in the top ten in scoring defense.

1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3) *1st seed in NFC

The Seahawks have the best point differential in the NFL, and they have a top defense. Sam Darnold has been solid on offense, being one of a few NFL quarterbacks in NFL history to lead two different teams to 13-plus win seasons. The Seahawks are the rightful favorites to win the Super Bowl on every sportsbook.