NFL Playoff Bracket Picture 2026-27 and AFC, NFC Standings After Week 9 Early Slate

The NFL Playoff picture is heating up following an explosive and dramatic Week 9 early slate.

Who is currently in the Wild Card Hunt, and what teams are on the outside looking in?

Find out in this coverage of the day's action.

AFC Standings

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Division Leaders

1. Buffalo Bills (6-1, AFC East)

2. Denver Broncos (7-2, AFC West)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2, AFC South)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2, AFC North)

Wild Card

5. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)

6. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)

7. New England Patriots (5-3)

In the Hunt

8. Cleveland Browns (5-4)

9. Las Vegas Raiders (4-4)

10. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)

11. Houston Texans (2-5)

12. Indianapolis Colts (2-6)

13. New York Jets (2-7)

14. Miami Dolphins (1-7)

15. Tennessee Titans (1-7)

16. Los Angeles Chargers (0-7)

NFC Standings

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Division Leaders

1. San Francisco 49ers (6-1, NFC West)

2. Minnesota Vikings (6-1, NFC North)

3. New York Giants (5-2-1, NFC East)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5, NFC South)

Wildcard

5. Detroit Lions (6-2)

6. Chicago Bears (6-2)

7. Green Bay Packers (5-3)

In the Hunt

8. Los Angeles Rams (5-4)

9. Seattle Seahawks (5-4)

10. Carolina Panthers (3-5)

11. Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

12. Dallas Cowboys (4-5)

13. Atlanta Falcons (3-6)

14. Washington Commanders (2-5-1)

15. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-7)

Rams Above .500 for the First Time

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The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 season with Super Bowl expectations but a poor start amid "super team" claims left some wondering whether they would make the playoffs, let alone compete for a Lombardi Trophy.

While there are still plenty of concerns, including the lack of a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver with Davante Adams on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, the team is above .500 for the first time this season.

Matthew Stafford carved up the Washington Commanders' defense, finding star wideout Puka Nacua 14 times for 150 yards and a touchdown.

Myles Garrett returned from the IL to record three sacks and a forced fumble. The Rams defense tallied four total sacks and two forced fumbles in another dominant afternoon for coordinator Chris Shula's squad.

The 20-13 win did little to calm tensions among fans who believe this team pales in comparison to last year's squad, which fell short of the Super Bowl by one game, but a Week 10 match-up against Arizona and a much-needed bye week are just what the proverbial doctor ordered for a team that has been banged up.

After the bye? A Thanksgiving Eve date with the Green Bay Packers.