Key Highlights
- Bills, Chargers, Jaguars, Broncos, Patriots, Bears, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks and 49ers have locked down postseason berths.
- Matt Verderame reports on the playoff picture and clinching scenarios for both AFC and NFC divisions as of Monday night’s games.
- In the AFC, the Broncos and Patriots are in strong positions to secure their division titles. The Chargers, Jaguars, and Bills have also clinched playoff spots.
- Four teams remain in contention for the final two playoff berths in both conferences: Steelers, Chargers, Bills, and 49ers.
AFC Playoff Picture and Clinching Scenarios
The 2025 NFL regular season is coming to a close, and the playoff picture is beginning to clear. As of Monday night’s games, several teams have secured their postseason berths. The Bills, Chargers, Jaguars, Broncos, Patriots, Bears, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are currently in.
For example, the Bills will host the Eagles with the hopes of clinching the AFC East title.
In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos have a strong chance to win their division if they can beat the Chiefs on Christmas and the Chargers lose to the Texans in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are in great shape for the AFC East title with only two more games left. If the Patriots can beat the Jets and Dolphins, or if the Bills fail to secure a win, the Patriots will clinch their first division title since 2018.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have clinched a playoff spot after winning six consecutive games and are now set to take on the Colts in Indianapolis.
If they win and the Texans lose against the Chargers, Jacksonville could lock up the AFC South for the first time since 2022.
For the Steelers, their path to securing an AFC North title is more complex. They will need to beat the Browns on the road and have both the Ravens lose at Green Bay and the Bills fail to secure a win in either of their final two games.
NFC Playoff Picture and Clinching Scenarios
The NFC playoff picture is also beginning to take shape, with several teams in contention. The Seahawks are currently leading with a record of 12-3 and will face the Panthers next week. If they win and both the Rams and 49ers lose their games this weekend, Seattle could clinch the NFC West title.
The Chicago Bears are in complete control of the NFC North after their impressive finish with a victory over the Packers on Saturday night.
They will host the 49ers next week before finishing up at home against the Lions. The Bears need to beat either the 49ers or the Seahawks to maintain their title chances.
The Philadelphia Eagles, despite a less dominant record of 10-5, are very likely to be the third seed in the NFC playoffs. They have already secured the NFC East and will face the Bills this week with their divisional title still secure.
The Eagles’ path to advancing is clear unless unforeseen results occur.
The Carolina Panthers can clinch the NFC South by beating the Seahawks at home, while having the Buccaneers lose on the road to the Dolphins. For now, the 49ers remain in contention for the NFC West with a strong record of 11-4 and three opponents left above .500.
The Los Angeles Rams will try to regain first place in the NFC West by beating the Falcons on Monday night while ensuring both the Panthers lose at Seattle and the Bears defeat the Seahawks. The Green Bay Packers, currently with a 9-5-1 record, can clinch a playoff spot by beating the Ravens at home or having the Lions lose to the Vikings on Christmas.
Week 17 Playoff-Clinching Scenarios
The final week of the regular season will determine several key playoff spots. For example, the Packers need to beat the Ravens at Lambeau Field and hope for specific results from other teams. The Seahawks can clinch their division by beating the Panthers next week while ensuring both the Rams and 49ers lose in their games this weekend.
The Chicago Bears are in a strong position with home-field advantage locked up but will host the 49ers on Sunday Night Football and finish at home against the Lions. The Eagles, despite a less dominant record, still have a shot at securing a higher seed if they can beat the Bills next week.
