Okay, NFL fans, seven weeks down, and we’re starting to see some separation between the contenders and the "maybe next year" squads. It’s that time of the season where we grab our crystal balls and start predicting who’s going to be battling it out in the playoffs come January 2026.

AFC: Colts Leading the Charge, But It’s a Wild Race

In the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts are sitting pretty at 6-1, thanks to a schedule that’s been, shall we say, kind. But hey, they’ve taken care of business, snagging wins against some solid teams. You can pretty much pencil them in for a playoff spot at this point.

The New England Patriots are right behind them at 5-2, and much like the Colts, they’ve had a relatively smooth ride so far. Don’t sleep on them – they’ve got a favorable schedule ahead and could easily challenge for the AFC East crown. Wild card? Minimum expectation for these guys.

Then we have the Denver Broncos. Talk about drama! These guys have made a habit of pulling off ridiculous comebacks, including one from 19 points down in the fourth quarter. Seriously? Their schedule’s about to get a bit easier, but with the Kansas City Chiefs lurking, their hold on the AFC West is tenuous, to say the least.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in control of the AFC North, even after a loss to the Bengals. But their schedule is getting tougher, with two games against the Ravens on the horizon. If they can’t handle the Packers and Colts coming up, things could get interesting.

Buffalo Bills have stumbled a bit, losing two in a row, but let’s be real – they’re still a Super Bowl contender. They’ll be battling the Patriots for the AFC East title, and it would be a major shock if they missed the playoffs. A win against the Chiefs could jumpstart their season.

The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other hand, are trending in the wrong direction. After a hot 3-0 start, they’ve lost three of their last four. It’s starting to look like they might be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Wins against the Chiefs and Broncos could change their trajectory.

Rounding out the top seven in the AFC are the Jacksonville Jaguars. They went from surprise team to "meh" after losing two straight. The Raiders and Texans are up next, but they’ll be fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot all year.

Who’s In, Who’s Out (AFC Edition):

• Trending Down: Chargers, Jaguars
• Trending Up: Chiefs (Kansas City has Rashee Rice back from suspension, along with a healthy Xavier Worthy to team up with Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce).

AFC Playoff Predictions (as of Week 7):

• Division Winners: Colts, Patriots, Broncos (barely), Steelers
• Wild Cards: Bills, Chiefs, whoever survives the Broncos/Chargers battle

NFC: Packers Reign Supreme, But the West is a Beast

Over in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers are sitting atop the standings at 4-1-1. They haven’t even played their best football yet, which should scare the rest of the conference. They’ve got a tough stretch coming up, but they’re a safe bet for the playoffs.

The San Francisco 49ers have been battling injuries left and right, but they’re still leading the NFC West. Their schedule is pretty manageable, and they’re already 3-0 in the division. Playoff team? Absolutely. Home-field advantage contender? You bet.

The Philadelphia Eagles are in control of the NFC East, having already beaten the Cowboys. They’ve got a tough schedule after their bye week, but they’re one of the most talented teams in the league. They’ll be in the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leading the NFC South, and despite a loss to the Lions, they’re still in a good position. The Panthers are improving, but the NFC South is still Tampa Bay’s to lose.

The Detroit Lions are on the rise after their big win over the Buccaneers. They’re in the mix for the NFC North, but they’ve got a brutal schedule ahead. Still, they’re one of the most talented teams in the NFL.

The Seattle Seahawks are looking like a playoff team. Their win over the Texans was huge for their playoff chances. Two games against the Rams and a rematch with the 49ers will be fun.

Rounding out the top seven in the NFC are the Los Angeles Rams. They’ve got a tough schedule in November, but they’re right in the mix for the division. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, they’re a Super Bowl contender.

Who’s In, Who’s Out (NFC Edition):