NFL Week 17: Playoff Races Tighten as Nine Teams Face Season‑Defining Stakes
Ten teams are already in — but nearly everything else is still up for grabs. It’s the first NFL playoffs to not feature the perennial favorite Kansas City Chiefs in a decade.
Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season arrives with 10 teams already in the playoffs, yet four postseason spots, seven division titles, and both No. 1 seeds still undecided. With so much on the line, this week could reshape the entire NFL playoff picture.
AFC Playoff Scenarios: Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars Lead the Race
The AFC has three division champions locked in — Denver (12–3), New England (12–3), and Jacksonville (11–4) — but the conference’s top seed and final wild‑card spot remain wide open.
Denver Broncos: AFC No. 1 Seed in Reach
A win keeps Denver in control of home‑field advantage throughout the playoffs.
New England Patriots: AFC East Still in Play
The Patriots have clinched a playoff berth but still need Week 17 to tighten their grip on the division.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Seeding Battle Continues
Jacksonville has secured the AFC South but remains in the hunt for a top‑two seed. Trevor Lawrence seemingly has returned to form. Can it continue as the stakes get higher?
Behind them, several 8–7 and 7–8 teams face must‑win games to stay alive in the AFC wild‑card race.
NFC Playoff Picture: Four Teams In, Seven Divisions Undecided
Only Seattle, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago have clinched playoff spots in the NFC. The Eagles are the only team to clinch their division, leaving the rest of the conference in chaos.
NFC North: Lions, Bears, Packers in a Three‑Team Battle
Detroit, Chicago, and Green Bay all remain alive for the division title.
NFC West: 49ers and Seahawks Fighting for Position
Both teams are in the postseason, but the division crown and seeding remain unsettled.
NFC Wild‑Card Race: High Stakes for Bubble Teams
A cluster of 7–8 and 8–7 teams enters Week 17 with elimination on the line.
Key NFL Week 17 Games With Playoff Implications
Patriots vs. Jets
New England can move closer to the AFC East title. The Jets aim to play spoiler.
Broncos vs. Chiefs
Denver continues its push for the AFC’s top seed.
Jaguars vs. COLTS
Jacksonville looks to strengthen its playoff position.
49ers, Bears, Seahawks, Eagles
All four have clinched, but seeding and division titles remain in play.
What’s at Stake in Week 17
- Four playoff spots remain open
- Seven divisions could be decided
- Multiple teams face win‑or‑go‑home scenarios
- Both No. 1 seeds are still up for grabs
Final Thoughts: Week 17 Will Shape the 2025 NFL Playoffs
With top seeds, division titles, and wild‑card berths still undecided, Week 17 stands as the defining moment of the 2025 NFL season. The results this weekend will either bring clarity to the playoff picture — or set up a chaotic Week 18 finale.
Dan Brown
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)
A career-changing journey has led me to pursue a passion for NFL writing, fueled by decades of unwavering devotion to the Chicago Bears. I am focused on crafting compelling NFL content. Drawing on a unique skill set honed from self-publishing three children’s picture books, this Chicago native, now residing in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom in SE Kansas, offers a unique viewpoint on the NFL landscape, combining a deep understanding of Bears history with a front-row seat to the modern dominance of the Chiefs. With a background as a retired cook and an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, the transition to writing has been a natural progression, providing a fulfilling outlet for a passion that has always been expressed best on paper. Eager to contribute engaging and insightful NFL articles to a wider audience, I am seeking opportunities to leverage this blend of lifelong fandom, creative writing experience, and dedication to the craft.