The 2025 NFL season has been fairly unpredictable, and several teams that looked like playoff locks in September are now in serious trouble. Inconsistency, coaching, injuries, and tough second-half schedules have pushed these three teams, who are now in danger of missing the playoffs.
Three Teams That in Serious Danger of Missing the Playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
The Jaguars currently hold the final AFC Wild Card spot at 5-4, but their grip is slipping fast. They started the season strong at 4-1 after a statement 31-28 win over the Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 5. That game made many believe Jacksonville was ready to join the AFC elite. Since then, though, it’s been a different story.
The Jaguars have dropped three of their last four, with their lone victory coming against a struggling Raiders team, and even that one was close. Their latest loss to Houston and backup quarterback Davis Mills raised major concerns about the team’s direction. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t been playing like a top-tier quarterback, and the offense around him is breaking down. Brian Thomas Jr. has been inconsistent, and Travis Hunter just landed on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered during the bye week.
The midseason addition of Jakobi Meyers should help, but the schedule ahead is rough. The Jaguars still have to face the Chargers, Broncos, and Colts (twice), all teams capable of giving them trouble. If Lawrence and the passing game don’t find their rhythm, Jacksonville could easily fall out of the playoff picture, especially with Baltimore and Kansas City right behind them.
Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
After finishing 14-3 last season, the Vikings have been mediocre in 2025. They sit at 4-5, two games out of a Wild Card spot, and face a brutal road ahead.
Losing J.J. McCarthy for five games was a huge setback, and while Carson Wentz managed a 2-3 record filling in, the offense has been inconsistent. Even their big Week 9 win over Detroit didn’t fully hide the flaws. The Vikings have struggled to sustain drives, and they are taking too many penalties, which cost them 40 yards against the Ravens.
The remaining schedule doesn’t do them any favors: Chicago, Seattle, Detroit (twice), and Green Bay all loom. Five of their final eight games come against legitimate playoff teams. If McCarthy doesn’t continue to improve, Minnesota could easily miss the postseason, a shocking outcome for a team that won 14 games a year ago.
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
The Steelers are 5-4 and sit in first place in the AFC North, but their season feels like it’s slipping away again with Baltimore heating up and only one game back. The Steelers started 4-1 before another midseason collapse. A trend that’s become all too familiar under Mike Tomlin.
The defense has looked vulnerable for most of the year, and while it’s improved slightly lately, the offense is trending downward. Their performance in the recent loss to the Chargers was downright painful to watch. With a brutal stretch ahead, including games against the Bears, Bills, Ravens (twice), and Lions, Pittsburgh’s margin for error is basically gone.
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2017, and fan frustration is boiling over. If this slide continues, a major shake-up could finally be coming in Pittsburgh.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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