As the NFL approaches Week 17, the playoff picture for the 2025 season is rapidly coming into focus, with only four spots still available. Following an exciting Week 16, eight teams have already secured their places in the postseason, making the upcoming weekend critical for several franchises hoping to join them.
With only two playoff spots remaining in each conference, clarity could emerge as soon as this weekend. In addition to the playoff spots, seven division titles still hang in the balance, and the race for No. 1 seeds in both conferences remains fiercely competitive.
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos have already clinched a playoff berth and can secure the AFC West title in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. To do so, they must either defeat the Chiefs while the Chargers lose or tie against the Texans, or they can clinch with a tie against Kansas City if the Chargers lose. Furthermore, Denver can also claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a combination of their own victory and key losses from the Chargers, Patriots, Bills, and Jaguars.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have also secured a playoff spot and can clinch the AFC South with a win over the Indianapolis Colts, provided the Texans lose or tie against the Chargers. The New England Patriots, already in the playoffs, can take the AFC East title with a win against the New York Jets, contingent on Bills dropping their game against the Eagles. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch their playoff spot and the AFC North with a victory over the Cleveland Browns or if the Ravens stumble against the Broncos.
The Houston Texans can nail down their playoff inclusion by defeating the Chargers, or if they secure a tie while also achieving advantageous outcomes in games involving the Colts.
On the NFC side, the Chicago Bears have also secured a playoff position and can clinch the NFC North with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Green Bay Packers can ensure their place in the playoffs with a win or tie against the Ravens while also relying on the Lions to falter against the Vikings. The Carolina Panthers, who face the Seattle Seahawks, have the opportunity to clinch both a playoff spot and the NFC South title, but they will need to win and hope for a Buccaneers loss.
The Seattle Seahawks, already in the postseason, can claim the NFC West by beating the Panthers, while they also have a shot at the NFC’s No. 1 seed depending on the outcomes of the Bears and 49ers matchup.
The stage is set for an electrifying Week 17 in the NFL, as teams jockey for playoff positions and division titles, and fans can expect high stakes and thrilling action as the playoff race intensifies.