As the NFL approaches Week 17 of the regular season, the playoff picture has become significantly clearer, with eight teams securing their spots in the postseason after an exhilarating Week 16. This week saw the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos clinch playoff berths early in the season, but they have now been joined by an impressive roster of teams.
Notable additions to the playoff lineup include the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills in the AFC. The NFC welcomed the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers to the playoff fold. With only four postseason berths still up for grabs—two in each conference—Week 17 promises to be critical for the remaining hopefuls.
The NFL’s playoff format allows each of the eight divisions to secure a berth for its champion, while the next three teams based on their records in each conference achieve wild-card status. The top seeds earn a coveted bye into the second round, intensifying the competition heading into the final games.
In the NFC playoff picture, the standings currently look as follows:
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3) – Clinched playoff berth
2. Chicago Bears (11-4) – Clinched playoff berth
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) – Clinched playoff berth
4. Carolina Panthers (8-7) – Leading NFC South
5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4) – Clinched wild card
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) – Clinched wild card
7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) – Wild card contender
Meanwhile, the AFC playoff landscape is led by:
1. Denver Broncos (12-3) – Clinched playoff berth
2. New England Patriots (12-3) – Clinched playoff berth
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) – Clinched playoff berth
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) – Leading AFC North
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) – Clinched wild card
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4) – Clinched wild card
7. Houston Texans (10-5) – Wild card contender
The teams hoping to clinch a playoff spot or maintain their positions will face off in crucial matchups this week, with anticipation building among fans and players alike.
As we get ready for Week 17, the atmosphere is electric—every game could shift the playoff dynamics dramatically. The competition remains fierce, and there’s a palpable excitement for which teams will ultimately secure the remaining playoff opportunities. With the intensity of the games and the stakes at an all-time high, this NFL season is shaping up to be a memorable one.