December football always shifts the NFL landscape. Records tighten, injuries pile up, and every game starts to feel like a playoff preview. As teams enter the final stretch of the 2025 season, here are three storylines shaping the month ahead and potentially the NFL postseason.
Playoff Races Tightening Across the League
The standings across both conferences are crowded, and even one slip in December could be the difference between a home playoff game and missing the postseason entirely.
In the AFC, the AFC South is the closest division in football. Jacksonville and Indianapolis are locked at 8–4, while Houston (7–5) has surged back into contention after winning four straight. The AFC North is equally tight: Baltimore and Pittsburgh are both 6–6, and divisional matchups still loom large.
Over in the NFC, the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are tied for the conference’s best record at 9–3, with the Philadelphia Eagles (8–4) pushing to stay close. The seeding race is far from settled — and with so many teams stacked between 6 and 8 wins, the battle for wild-card positioning may go down to Week 18.
December tends to expose teams that peaked early, and this year is no exception.
Quarterback Health and Stability Will Shape Final Runs
No factor impacts playoff hopes more in December than quarterback availability, and several teams are walking a fine line with injuries or recent returns.
For the Texans, C.J. Stroud’s return from a concussion couldn’t have come at a better time. He lifted Houston to a critical division win over the Colts, keeping the AFC South within reach. Joe Burrow’s early return from toe surgery gave the Bengals stability heading into the final month, even with the team outside the playoff picture.
In Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers is playing through multiple fractures in his left wrist, and his ability to protect the football and withstand contact will directly influence the Steelers’ chances of keeping pace with Baltimore. In Los Angeles, the Chargers held their breath when Justin Herbert briefly exited with a left hand injury before returning with a protective glove. He ultimately had surgery on the fractured hand and plans to continue playing but time will tell if it Herbert is impacted moving forward.
December is unforgiving. Teams with healthy, reliable quarterback play have a massive edge, and for several contenders, that remains an open question every week.
Teams Trying to Rebound After Late-Season Setbacks
December doesn’t just spotlight who’s hot, it exposes how teams respond when momentum breaks. Several contenders or playoff-caliber teams took unexpected losses in recent weeks, and their ability to recover will shape the postseason race.
- Los Angeles Rams: After winning six straight, the Rams had their run snapped with a 31–28 loss to the Panthers. Even with the setback, Los Angeles sits in strong playoff position, but the loss cost them control of the NFC’s top seed. Their December response will determine whether they regain footing or slip into the crowded middle of the NFC pack.
- Indianapolis Colts: A tightly contested AFC South race took a hit when the Colts dropped a divisional matchup to the Texans, losing ground in what has been the league’s most competitive division. With Jacksonville and Houston both pushing, Indianapolis now moves from leading the race to chasing momentum.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Despite hanging around in the AFC North standings, inconsistency, particularly on offense, continues to slow their push. The question isn’t whether they can win games; it’s whether they can find stability in time to make the final stretch meaningful.
Final Takeaway
December isn’t just another month of the regular season. It’s where playoff seedings shift, Super Bowl hopefuls separate themselves, and quarterback health becomes as important as any scheme. With tight races, unexpected setbacks and multiple teams heating up at the right time, the final month of the NFL season promises drama on every field.