Key Highlights
- The Bills, Chargers, Jaguars, Broncos, Patriots, Bears, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers have secured postseason berths.
- In the AFC, the Broncos and Patriots are in contention for playoff positions with specific scenarios to clinch their spots.
- In the NFC, teams like the Bears, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are vying for higher seeds and division titles.
- The final two games of Week 17 will determine several playoff outcomes.
AFC Playoff Picture and Clinching Scenarios
As we approach the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season, the playoffs are beginning to take shape in the AFC. Teams like the Broncos and Patriots have already secured their spots, while others such as the Chargers, Jaguars, Bills, and others are still fighting for their futures.
Broncos’ Path to No. 1 Seed
The Denver Broncos (12-3) are well on their way to clinching the AFC West with just one opponent left above .500. A win against the Chiefs in Week 18 would secure them the division title, provided that the Chargers lose to the Texans.
Patriots’ Title Chase
The New England Patriots (12-3) are also aiming for the AFC East crown but face a tougher challenge. They will clinch the title if they win their final two games against the Jets and Dolphins, or if the Bills fail to secure the division.
Jaguars’ AFC South Title
The Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) have already locked up a playoff spot but still hope to clinch the AFC South. They can achieve this by beating the Colts in Week 17 and having the Texans lose to the Chargers, assuming the Jaguars win.
Steelers’ Quest for AFC North
The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) are looking to secure their division title with a pair of wins against the Browns. If they manage this, it would be a significant achievement, especially considering their recent struggles in past seasons.
NFC Playoff Picture and Clinching Scenarios
Meanwhile, in the NFC, teams like the Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Rams, and 49ers are all vying for higher seeds and division titles. The final two games of Week 17 will be crucial to determining several playoff outcomes.
Seahawks’ Northwest Challenge
The Seattle Seahawks (12-3) need a win over the Panthers in Week 17 and hope that both the Rams and 49ers lose. This would solidify their position as NFC West champions, ensuring home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Bears’ Control of North
The Chicago Bears (11-4) are in complete control of the NFC North. A win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football will ensure they hold onto first place and secure their division title, while a loss would hand that honor to the Eagles.
Eagles’ Path to Third Seed
The Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) are very likely to be the third seed in the NFC. They have already won the NFC East but will face the Bills in Week 17, adding another layer of complexity to their playoff positioning.
49ers’ West Title Ambition
The San Francisco 49ers (11-4) can clinch the NFC West and home-field advantage with victories over the Bears and Seahawks. Their path is clearer now that they have secured a playoff spot by beating the Colts on Monday night.
Rams’ Title Chase
The Los Angeles Rams (11-4) aim to regain first place in the NFC West. They need the Panthers to knock off the Seahawks and the Bears to handle the 49ers for this to happen, adding layers of complexity to their playoff ambitions.
Final Two Games of Week 17
The final two games of Week 17 will determine several playoff outcomes. Teams like Green Bay (9-5-1) can clinch a spot by beating the Ravens at home on Saturday, or by having the Lions lose to the Vikings on Christmas.
As we move into this critical weekend, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching these games to see how they shape up. The NFL is always full of surprises, and anything can happen in these final weeks.
Stay tuned for updates as the 2025 NFL regular season draws to a close.