JARED GOFF (16) AND AMON-RA ST. BROWN (14) celebrates a Lions victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (USA Today)
Carson Neuhausen | News Editor
November 16, 2025
The NFL season has officially reached its midpoint, and the dust is settling from the early-season chaos. Some teams are beginning to form playoff plans while others are already preparing for next year.
The AFC has been far more unpredictable this season with several traditional contenders struggling and a few unexpected teams sitting at the top. The Indianapolis Colts are back on top after a nearly 20-year run of disappointing seasons. The new owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has brought some life back to this team, which now stands atop the AFC South with an 8-2 record.
Another strong performer this year has been the Denver Broncos. Their suffocating defense and under-performing offense have led to some very close games, but the Broncos have managed to get the job done week by week. They are currently leading the competitive AFC West, with the Chargers (7-3) close behind. Chargers fan and Senior at SCHS, Luke Karidis, said that he is “excited for the rest of the season. [He thinks] the Broncos are shaky and the Chargers are getting into stride.”
The New England Patriots, led by Drake Maye, seem to be back on top of the AFC following a 4-year rebuild period. On Thursday night, the young team pulled out another win against their division rival, the Jets (2-8), pushing the Patriots’ record to an impressive 9-2. The Chiefs are among many AFC teams labeled disappointments this year. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance last year and two Super Bowl wins in 2023 and 2024, they were expected to be top contenders this year; however, due to a slow offense and ageing defense, they have fallen to a mediocre 5-4 this year.
The NFC has some more consistent traditional top contenders, but a volatile middle tier. The reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, are another example of a shaky offense but a top-tier defense. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have not been playing up to the standards set by the 2024-2025 season; however, the Eagles’ defense has saved them on numerous occasions, allowing them to move to the top of a weak NFC East with a 7-2 record.
Jared Goff and the Lions are currently leading the tight NFC North division with a 6-3 record. With one of the most productive offenses in the league, the Lions hope to replicate some of the late-season success they had last year. The Seattle Seahawks are making a surprising run with San Clemente’s hometown quarterback, Sam Darnold, leading the charge. At 7–2, they share the top spot in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams. Rams fan and Senior at SCHS, Jack Blaney, said that he’s “excited for the late season” and wants to “see the Seahawks and Rams in the playoffs.”
From early-season surprises to tight divisional races, NFL fans are optimistic for the back-half of the 25-26 season.
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