Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL's ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday's and Thursday's games or Saturday's, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we'll be watching then, too).
What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's where things stand with Week 13 underway:
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.2 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.3 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.4 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.5 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
6 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.7 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
8 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.9 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.10 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.11 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.12 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
13 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
14 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
15 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.16 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
17 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
18 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.19 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.20 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.21 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.22 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.23 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
24 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.25 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.AFC playoff picture
1. New England Patriots (10-2), AFC East leaders: Sunday's narrow defeat of the Bengals gave the Pats the league's best record, moving them past Denver and into the conference's top spot. Good chance they hold onto it when they hit their off week. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins
2. Denver Broncos (9-2), AFC West leaders: Being idle during Week 12 cost them first place in the conference, but you can bet the break was welcome − especially for a team that will need to be close to fully charged for a brutal four-game stretch at the end of its regular season. Remaining schedule: at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement3. Indianapolis Colts (8-3), AFC South leaders: They've dropped two of their past three to fall off the conference pace ... and are now only one game ahead of Jacksonville and two better than Houston in the division. The next two intra-divisional matchups should be crucial. Remaining schedule: vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-5), AFC North leaders: They sleepwalked past the Jets on Sunday ... but past Pittsburgh and into first place by virtue of a better record in divisional games − and the Ravens will play in three more over the next three weeks, starting Thanksgiving night against Cincinnati. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), wild card No. 1: They needed last week off ... and Buffalo's loss granted the battered Bolts improved positioning. Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4), wild card No. 2: Wins over the Chiefs and Chargers could serve them well when it's time to sort out tiebreakers. Despite beating the Bolts in Week 11, the Jags check in behind them because LA's 6-2 record in AFC games gives it precedence in the current three-way wild-card tiebreaker. Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. Buffalo Bills (7-4), wild card No. 3: QB Josh Allen took a beating − as did the Bills' hopes of catching the Patriots in the AFC East race in last week's loss to Houston. Now 4-3 in conference games, Buffalo sits behind the Chargers and Jags in the wild-card seeding. Remaining schedule: at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), in the hunt: Sunday's loss at Chicago dropped them from first place in the AFC North all the way out of the field. A Bengals ambush of Baltimore on Thanksgiving would definitely help. Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens
9. Houston Texans (6-5), in the hunt: They've won four of five, including three in a row without injured QB C.J. Stroud. If they want to win the AFC South for a third straight year, the Texans likely need to sweep the Colts while continuing their surge ... but the pieces are falling into place for a late charge to the top. Remaining schedule: at Colts, at Chiefs, vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, vs. Colts
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-5), in the hunt: Their nine-year run atop the AFC West appears practically over. Still plenty of time to recover otherwise − and maybe that began last Sunday vs. Indy − for a team that's never missed the AFC championship game since Patrick Mahomes became the QB1 in 2018. Still, Thursday's Thanksgiving throwdown at Dallas looms as important ... if not quite must-win. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Texans, vs. Chargers, at Titans, vs. Broncos, at Raiders
Willie Anderson, T - 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2021-26 )
Drew Brees, QB - 2001-05 San Diego Chargers, 2006-2020 New Orleans Saints | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )
Lomas Brown, T - 1985-1995 Detroit Lions, 1996-98 Arizona Cardinals, 1999 Cleveland Browns, 2000-01 New York Giants, 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )
Jahri Evans, G - 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 - 2023-26 )
Larry Fitzgerald, WR - 2004-2020 Arizona Cardinals | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )
Frank Gore, RB - 2005-2014 San Francisco 49ers, 2015-17 Indianapolis Colts, 2018 Miami Dolphins, 2019 Buffalo Bills, 2020 New York Jets | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )
Rodney Harrison, S - 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2021, 2023-26 )
Torry Holt, WR - 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 2 - 2015 -2026 )
Luke Kuechly, LB - 2012-19 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26)
Eli Manning, QB - 2004-2019 New York Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )
Robert Mathis, DE/LB - 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts |(Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26)
Philip Rivers, QB - 2004-2019 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, 2020 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )
Steve Smith Sr., WR - 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26 )
Terrell Suggs, LB/DE - 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )
Fred Taylor, RB - 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 7 - 2020-26 )
Earl Thomas, S – 2010-18 Seattle Seahawks, 2019 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2025-26 )
Adam Vinatieri, K - 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )
Hines Ward, WR - 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 - 2017- 2026)
Reggie Wayne, WR - 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 7 - 2020-26)
Richmond Webb, T - 1990-2000 Miami Dolphins, 2001-02 Cincinnati Bengals | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )
Vince Wilfork, DT - 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26)
Kevin Williams, DT - 2003-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014 Seattle Seahawks, 2015 New Orleans Saints | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026)
Steve Wisniewski, G - 1989-2001 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2014, 2025-26 )
Jason Witten, TE - 2003-2019 Dallas Cowboys, 2020 Las Vegas Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026)
Darren Woodson, S - 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 - 2015, 2017, 2019-2026)
Marshal Yanda, G/T - 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )1 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Willie Anderson, T - 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2021-26 )1 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Willie Anderson, T - 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 - 2021-26 )2 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Drew Brees, QB - 2001-05 San Diego Chargers, 2006-2020 New Orleans Saints | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )3 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Lomas Brown, T - 1985-1995 Detroit Lions, 1996-98 Arizona Cardinals, 1999 Cleveland Browns, 2000-01 New York Giants, 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )4 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Jahri Evans, G - 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 - 2023-26 )5 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Larry Fitzgerald, WR - 2004-2020 Arizona Cardinals | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )6 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Frank Gore, RB - 2005-2014 San Francisco 49ers, 2015-17 Indianapolis Colts, 2018 Miami Dolphins, 2019 Buffalo Bills, 2020 New York Jets | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )7 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Rodney Harrison, S - 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2021, 2023-26 )8 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Torry Holt, WR - 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 2 - 2015 -2026 )9 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Luke Kuechly, LB - 2012-19 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26)10 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Eli Manning, QB - 2004-2019 New York Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )11 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Robert Mathis, DE/LB - 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts |(Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26)12 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Philip Rivers, QB - 2004-2019 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, 2020 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026 )13 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Steve Smith Sr., WR - 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26 )14 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Terrell Suggs, LB/DE - 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )15 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Fred Taylor, RB - 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 7 - 2020-26 )16 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Earl Thomas, S – 2010-18 Seattle Seahawks, 2019 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2025-26 )17 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Adam Vinatieri, K - 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )18 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Hines Ward, WR - 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 - 2017- 2026)19 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Reggie Wayne, WR - 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 7 - 2020-26)20 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Richmond Webb, T - 1990-2000 Miami Dolphins, 2001-02 Cincinnati Bengals | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )21 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Vince Wilfork, DT - 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 - 2022-26)22 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Kevin Williams, DT - 2003-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014 Seattle Seahawks, 2015 New Orleans Saints | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026)23 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Steve Wisniewski, G - 1989-2001 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 - 2014, 2025-26 )24 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Jason Witten, TE - 2003-2019 Dallas Cowboys, 2020 Las Vegas Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 - 2026)25 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Darren Woodson, S - 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 - 2015, 2017, 2019-2026)26 / 2626 NFL players named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Marshal Yanda, G/T - 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 - 2025-26 )NFC playoff picture
1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2), NFC West leaders: While Philly owns the head-to-head tiebreaker, it doesn't matter now that the Rams have the better record in the aftermath of the Eagles' demise in Week 12. Still, LA has scant breathing room between itself and the Seahawks plus 49ers in the division. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3), NFC East leaders: Last Sunday's collapse likely won't cost them the division. But it did drop them behind the Rams and served as another worrisome potential harbinger for the defending champs. Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders
3. Chicago Bears (8-3), NFC North leaders: They've won eight of nine since an 0-2 start to stunningly take over first place in the division. An inferior record (5-2) in NFC games keeps Chicago behind the Eagles. But the winner of their Black Friday matchup will assume sole possession of second place in the conference. Remaining schedule: at Eagles, at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5), NFC South leaders: Their divisional lead over Carolina was (barely) restored Monday night, but it might not be worth much if injured QB Baker Mayfield is severely limited on the field. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers
5. Seattle Seahawks (8-3), wild card No. 1: All three of the 'Hawks' losses are against NFC opponents, including two in the division − defeats that won't serve them well in the tiebreaker department. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1), wild card No. 2: They can't improve their positioning in the wild-card ranks or division with a win in Detroit on Thanksgiving. But a loss would drop them out of the field entirely. Remaining schedule: at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
7. San Francisco 49ers (8-4), wild card No. 3: Not a pretty win Monday night, but the Niners will take it as they solidify their hold on the conference's final playoff spot. Remaining schedule: at Browns, BYE, vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs for a first down against Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.8. Detroit Lions (7-4), in the hunt: Thanksgiving is a huge game and won the Lions' can ill afford to lose after getting whacked by the Pack in Week 1. But salvage a sweep, and Detroit moves into second place in the NFC North and into the seventh seed in the conference (while pushing the Niners to sixth). Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, vs. Cowboys, at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement9. Carolina Panthers (6-6), in the hunt: The Panthers (still) only have one win against a team (Green Bay) currently above .500 after losing in Silicon Valley on Monday night. But Carolina has beaten the .500 Cowboys, who they're otherwise virtually tied with. Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, BYE, at Saints, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers
10. Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1), in the hunt: Two wins in a row continues to fuel fresh postseason hope in Big D. But beating K.C for three in a row would only move Dallas past Carolina − and perhaps just temporarily. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, at Lions, vs. Vikings, vs. Chargers, at Commanders, at Giants
NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025
▶ New York Giants
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL playoff picture Week 13: Thanksgiving big for Cowboys, Packers
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