Eight extra NFL groups punched their ticket into the postseason throughout Week 16 of the 2025 NFL common season, which is probably the most in a single week by a non-strike season in league historical past, per ESPN Analysis. Meaning 10 of 14 groups have certified for the playoffs with two weeks to go.
The Seahawks received in after beating the Rams on Thursday night time, and the Eagles made it with a victory Saturday. On Sunday, a loss for the Lions meant the 49ers and Bears clinched. The Patriots secured a postseason spot by beating the Ravens on Sunday night time. Lastly, the Payments, Chargers and Jaguars all clinched after the Colts misplaced to the 49ers on “Monday Evening Soccer.”
So what’s at stake in Week 17? 5 AFC groups and 4 NFC groups have an opportunity to safe one thing this week, whether or not or not it’s a No. 1 seed, divisional title or playoff berth. Let’s check out Week 17 clinching eventualities for these 9 groups.
Extra NFL playoff race protection:
Projecting the ultimate seeding
FPI scores for each group
Projected 2026 draft order
Week 17 playoff-clinching eventualities within the AFC
The matchup: at Kansas Metropolis on Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video
How the Broncos can clinch the AFC West:
How the Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field benefit within the AFC:
The matchup: at L.A. Chargers on Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Community
How the Texans can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: at Indianapolis on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
How the Jaguars can clinch the AFC South:
The matchup: at N.Y. Jets on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
How the Patriots can clinch AFC East:
The matchup: at Cleveland on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Steelers can clinch the AFC North:
Week 17 playoff-clinching eventualities within the NFC
The matchup: at Seattle on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Panthers can the NFC South:
The matchup: at San Francisco on Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
How the Bears can clinch the NFC North:
1:55
Can Bears make a Tremendous Bowl run this season?
The “Get Up” crew debates whether or not the Bears could make a Tremendous Bowl run after Caleb Williams led the group to an OT win vs. the Packers.
The matchup: vs. Baltimore on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Peacock
How the Packers can clinch a playoff berth:
The matchup: vs. Carolina on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
How the Seahawks can clinch the NFC West:
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Win + L.A. Rams loss at Atlanta (8:15 p.m. ET, Monday) + San Francisco loss vs. Chicago (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)
