Introduction

As the 2025 NFL season hurtles towards its conclusion, the playoff picture is gaining clarity with just two weeks remaining. With a few teams already clinching their spots, the upcoming Week 17 promises critical showdowns that will define division titles and playoff seedings.

Division Leaders

The current leaders in the AFC include the Denver Broncos (12-3), New England Patriots (12-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4), and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6). Despite their Week 16 loss, the Broncos maintain the top spot in the AFC due to tiebreakers. They can secure the AFC West with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs and a loss by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Patriots have a straightforward path to clinch the AFC East, needing to win their final two games or securing a win along with a loss from the Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars have already made the playoffs and can claim the AFC South with a win and a Texans loss. The Steelers, boasting heavy odds to qualify, need a win over the Cleveland Browns or a Ravens loss to ensure their playoff berth.

Wild Card Contenders

As for the Wild Card teams, the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4), Buffalo Bills (11-4), and Houston Texans (9-5) are currently in position. With the Chargers clinching a playoff spot after the Colts' loss, a victory over the Texans will keep their division title hopes alive.

The Bills also secured their postseason spot and can still challenge for the AFC East crown, needing to win out and pray for a Patriots stumble. The Texans, however, face an uphill battle, being significantly favored to make the playoffs.

Teams in Danger

The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) and Baltimore Ravens (7-8) are precariously close to elimination. Both teams could see their playoff hopes dashed this week: a Texans win eliminates the Colts while a Steelers victory would knock out the Ravens.

NFC Update

In the NFC, leading teams include the Seattle Seahawks (12-3), Chicago Bears (11-4), Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), and Carolina Panthers (8-7). The Eagles are the only team to have secured a division title. The Seahawks can claim the NFC West and the top seed in the conference with victories over their remaining opponents.

The Bears are on the verge of clinching the NFC North, needing to win against the 49ers this week and then again against the Lions. The Panthers can secure the NFC South with a win over Seattle and a loss from the Buccaneers.

Wild Card Race

For the Wild Cards, the San Francisco 49ers (10-4), Los Angeles Rams (11-4), and Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) are in contention. The 49ers could still vie for the division by winning their last two games. The Packers, looking to simplify their path, need just a win or a Lions loss to secure their postseason spot.

Conclusion

With elimination looming for several teams and others vying for crucial playoff positions, Week 17 is set to deliver exciting football action. The thrills of the NFL season crescendo as teams position themselves for the highly anticipated postseason.