Current NFL playoff picture shows all NFC North teams in contention
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 10:43 PM
Last updated Oct 21, 2026
As of Week 7, all four NFC North teams are positioned in the playoff field, a notable achievement since the playoff format expanded in 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs lead the AFC with a 5-0 record, while the Buffalo Bills hold a 5-1 mark heading into their bye week. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns also remain competitive with strong early-season records. The current standings highlight how teams like the Rams and Texans must improve to make the postseason, as past seasons show that many teams often fall out of playoff contention by midseason.
- •Chiefs lead the AFC with a 5-0 record.
- •Bills are 5-1 heading into their bye week.
- •All four NFC North teams are currently projected for the playoffs.
- •Previous seasons show early playoff contenders often miss the postseason.
- •More than six teams in the current standings could significantly change by year's end.
- 10:43 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Playoff Picture Week 7: All 4 NFC North teams are in the field for now
"Here is the current playoff field entering Week 7, listed by divisional seed.
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