It’s crunch time in the NFL, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Four teams have already locked in their spots, four more can clinch this weekend, and about four others are sitting comfortably close to a postseason berth. But with just four games left in the regular season, that doesn’t leave much room for surprises.
Still, there are 11 teams hanging on by a thread—mathematically alive in the playoff race but with slim chances. Some might be dreaming big, while others are just hoping for a miracle. Let’s break down these bubble teams, what they’re facing, and whether there’s still a shot at glory.
Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
The Rams showed they’re not going down quietly with a wild win over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. Their offense is starting to click, and with quarterback Matthew Stafford slinging passes and Sean McVay cooking up plays, they could make some noise. They’re just one game back in both the NFC West and the wild-card race. The road ahead isn’t easy—they’ve got tough games against the 49ers in San Francisco and the Jets in New York. But their final stretch looks promising, with home games against the struggling Cardinals and division-leading Seahawks.
Playoff chances: 33%
Outlook: Pretty solid, if Stafford keeps firing and the Rams stay sharp.
Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
A month ago, the Falcons looked like they might run away with the NFC South. Now, they’re in freefall, having lost four straight games. Even worse, quarterback Kirk Cousins has been in a nightmare stretch, throwing eight interceptions and zero touchdowns during that time. The good news? They’re just one game behind the division-leading Buccaneers and hold the tiebreaker. The bad news? One game feels like a mountain with the way they’re playing.
Playoff chances: 39%
Outlook: Decent—if Cousins can turn things around fast.
Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
The Colts are hanging on, but just barely. They’re two games back in both the AFC South and the wild-card race. To stay alive, they have to beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Denver—a tall order considering their recent struggles. They’ve lost four of their last six games, and their wins have come against bottom-tier teams like the Patriots and Jets. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson needs to step up, but against Denver’s tough defense, that’s a big ask.
Playoff chances: 25%
Outlook: Bleak—unless they pull off a shocker in Denver.
Miami Dolphins (6-7)
After a rough 2-6 start, the Dolphins are heating up, winning four of their last five games. Tua Tagovailoa is back and healthy, and the offense is finally delivering on its potential. Their remaining schedule is manageable, with games against the Texans, 49ers, Browns, and Jets. The problem? They need the Ravens, Chargers, or Broncos to stumble, and that’s no guarantee.
Playoff chances: 14%
Outlook: A long shot, but if a contender falters, the Dolphins could pounce.
Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
The Cardinals’ season has taken a nosedive. They were in first place in the NFC West just a few weeks ago but have lost three straight games. They still have time to regroup with upcoming matchups against the Panthers and Patriots. But by the time they get back on track, the playoff window might already be shut.
Playoff chances: 9%
Outlook: Grim—they’ll look back on missed opportunities.
San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
It’s been a rocky season for the 49ers, and their playoff hopes rest on a crucial game this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. They’re two games back in the NFC West, but a win here—combined with a Seahawks loss—could reignite their chances.
Playoff chances: 6%
Outlook: Sunday is do-or-die.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)
With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading the offense, it’s shocking the Bengals are this far out of contention. They’re three games back in the wild-card race, and even if they win out, they’d need a miracle of epic proportions. It feels like a wasted season for such a talented roster.
Playoff chances: 3%
Outlook: A frustrating “what could have been.”
New Orleans Saints (5-8)
The Saints have shown some life, winning three of their last four games since firing Dennis Allen as head coach. Unfortunately, injuries to quarterback Derek Carr and a brutal final stretch against the Commanders, Packers, and Buccaneers all but seal their fate.
Playoff chances: Less than 1%
Outlook: Slim to none—but hey, they didn’t lose to the Giants.
Dallas Cowboys (5-8)
After a humiliating loss to the Bengals on Monday night, the Cowboys’ hopes are officially on life support. They’d need to win out and have multiple teams above them collapse, which feels like a pipe dream with Cooper Rush under center.
Playoff chances: Less than 1%
Outlook: Time to start thinking about next season.
Chicago Bears (4-9)
The Bears were flying high at 4-2, but they’ve since nosedived, losing seven straight games. Their remaining schedule is a nightmare, with games against the Vikings, Lions, Seahawks, and Packers. Ending the season with 11 straight losses feels more likely than a miracle playoff push.
Playoff chances: Less than 1%
Outlook: The goal now is to avoid complete disaster.
Carolina Panthers (3-10)
The Panthers’ playoff hopes are all but nonexistent. The list of things that would need to go their way is so long, it’s almost laughable. Their season will likely end on Sunday, but hey, 2025 is looking brighter.
Playoff chances: Less than 1%
Outlook: Better luck next year.
So there you have it—11 teams still technically alive but mostly just playing for pride. The odds might not be in their favor, but as every sports fan knows, anything can happen in the NFL.
