Who Is Built to Last in the NFC Playoff Race?
Just five weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the NFC’s playoff picture could be starting to take shape, and it is already packed with storylines. Teams are starting to set themselves apart strategically and statistically as momentum builds and depth charts are evolving. Whether through consistency, quarterback play, or defensive dominance, the Lions, Eagles, 49ers, Buccaneers, Packers, Rams, and Commanders are all entering the week with winning records. We are already at the point in the season where every game matters, and from here on out, it will become clear which teams can flash greatness and which can sustain it. Here is how the conference’s most compelling teams have been faring as they head into Week Six—and why they have a legitimate path to January football.
Detroit Lions
Coming into Week Six with only one loss thus far, the Lions have solidified themselves as one of the NFC’s top contenders. Offensively, the team has demonstrated a well-balanced rushing and receiving attack—Jahmyr Gibbs has dominated on the ground with 325 yards so far, and Amon-Ra St. Brown currently leads the team with 407 receiving yards. Jared Goff has thrown just under 1,200 yards with a 75% completion rate over five games. As for the team's solid defense, it has done well pressuring the QB and forcing turnovers. Key playmakers include Aidan Hutchinson, who has five sacks so far, and Kerby Joseph, who has recorded three interceptions in 2025. Detroit has been able to dominate as both favorites and underdogs, highlighting their growth and complementary football strategy. On both sides of the ball, the Lions have all the makings of a team poised to make a deep postseason run.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are sitting at 4-1 as they head into their sixth game on a short week. Throughout their season, they have displayed how resilient and talented they are, but they are also showing growing pains. Despite some inconsistency, Philadelphia’s depth and experience have kept them competitive in every matchup. Jalen Hurts' passing ability has been questioned, but he is finding rhythm with his dual-threat abilities both on the ground and in the air. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert have been the most productive offensive players this season, but a collective effort has kept the team driving downfield. Defensively, Cooper DeJean, Zack Baun, and rookie Jihaad Campbell have helped keep opponents in check, while special teams have been coming up big across many games. The Eagles are expected to make the playoffs, and if they can keep the pressure on for the duration of the games, they could make another deep run.
San Francisco 49ers
Despite star players George Kittle and Brock Purdy being sidelined with injuries, ESPN has reported that San Francisco has the NFC’s highest probability of making the playoffs at 87%. The team's only loss has been to the Jaguars in Week Four, but last Thursday, QB Mac Jones played one of his career-best games—with a completion rate of 70% and two passing touchdowns—to lead the team to a win over the Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan uses a versatile offense that finds scrappy ways to win games, but his once run-heavy offense—that includes dynamic veteran Christian McCaffrey—has been struggling on the ground as of late. Defensively, the 49ers have had a hard time pressuring quarterbacks and have yet to notch an interception, but the team is full of potential, and we will likely see them playing late January.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Of all the teams on this list, the Buccaneers have shown the most fighting power to win games. Except for their loss in Week Four, every game has come down to the last two minutes, where Tampa Bay has had game-winning drives. Led by Baker Mayfield, who is complemented by his best receiver this season, Emeka Egbuka, and elite running back Bucky Irving, the Buccaneers play until the last whistle, and it has been paying off with wins. They have been able to execute even when key players are sidelined due to injuries, but no team can survive on last-minute wins for an entire season. However, the team is packed with talent, and if they can start getting ahead earlier, they could absolutely make a playoff run.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have two wins, one loss, and one tie this season. Quarterback Jordan Love has been having a great campaign, with 1,000 passing yards and eight touchdowns over four games. The tie game against Dallas—where Love passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns—marked a turning point that proved the offense's explosive potential. With RB Josh Jacobs stacking up rushing yards, and Tucker Kraft and Romeo Doubs as dependable targets with a combined six touchdowns, the offense has become one of the league's most efficient. Defensively, Green Bay has been improving each week, especially with the addition of Micah Parsons, who has brought a new level of intensity to the pass rush and a defense that is finding its identity. The Packers have been emerging as one of the NFL’s most promising teams, which makes them a strong contender for a playoff spot this season.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams currently have a record of 3-2, but their offense has all the tools necessary to compete with the league's best. Between veteran QB Matthew Stafford and his elite receivers, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the Rams rank second in the NFL in yards per game. Defensively, they have an exceptional pass rush that forces pressure and quick decisions from any QB they face, and they have recorded 15 sacks so far. They do, however, have some loose ends to sort through with their secondary, as cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon continues to nurse an injury, but they are otherwise in good shape to see the postseason.
Washington Commanders
Heading into Week Six, the Commanders have a record of 3-2. Though teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings share this record, it could be argued that Washington has the best fighting chance. Last week, the team flashed its talent ceiling when scoring 27 unanswered points after falling 10-0 to the Chargers in the first quarter, even without Terry McLaurin, the team's best receiver. The veteran-led defense has blended its experience with physicality to keep games close, even when the offense trails. However, the team hinges on quarterback Jayden Daniels, and without him, they cannot sustain their success. His ability to both scramble and use his arm to move the chains is what drives the team, and if RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt keeps showing up like he has been, Washington has real playoff potential.
