The tenth week of the 2025 NFL season delivered thrilling finishes, historic performances, and a clear picture of which teams are genuine contenders. From a red-hot streak in New England to a record-setting quarterback in Los Angeles, the playoff landscape is beginning to take shape.
Division Leaders Stay Red Hot
The New England Patriots (8-2) somehow managed to turn up the heat even further, securing their seventh consecutive victory with a hard-fought 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3). The match, held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, was a tight contest ultimately decided by a few explosive plays.
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was the standout, silencing any pre-draft doubters by breaking free for two touchdown runs, each covering more than 50 yards. The Patriots' offence also capitalised on a major defensive error by the Buccaneers, turning a coverage bust into a decisive 72-yard touchdown pass.
Out in the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are now level with 7-2 records after both secured double-digit wins. The Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers (6-4), while the Seahawks took down the Arizona Cardinals (3-6).
Stafford's Unprecedented MVP Bid
A serious conversation is now underway regarding Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his claim to the MVP award. His performance in Week 10 was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his place in the record books.
Stafford has now thrown for at least four touchdowns and zero interceptions in three consecutive games, a feat no other quarterback in NFL history has ever achieved. This incredible run of form is a primary reason the Rams are riding a four-game winning streak and are firmly in the hunt for the top seed in the NFC.
Playoff Picture Begins to Emerge
While it's still early, the playoff races are heating up across the league. In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens (4-5) have been revitalised by the return of star quarterback Lamar Jackson. They have ridden a three-game winning streak, including a 29-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings (4-5) this week.
With a favourable schedule ahead that includes games against the Cleveland Browns (2-7) and New York Jets (2-7), the Ravens are poised to challenge the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) for the division. The Steelers' prospects took a hit after quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered a poor performance in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3).
In other parts of the league, several teams seemed to improve after making major changes. The New York Jets, despite trading their two best defensive players, rallied for just their second win of the season against the Cleveland Browns. The New Orleans Saints also earned their second victory after trading a key wide receiver, marking the first win for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins (3-7) looked oddly improved after a front-office shake-up, stunning the heavily favoured Buffalo Bills (6-3) by shutting down their league-best rushing attack.
Panic Index: Who Should Be Worried?
Not every team is on the rise. The Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) have been marked with a high panic index, as their season appears to be a lost cause. The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4) are on medium alert after losing three of their last four games, with the resurgent Houston Texans (4-5) closing in. Even the Denver Broncos (8-2), despite their stellar record, raise concerns with their struggling offence, which could be their undoing come playoff time.
