Playoff-clinching scenarios: What’s at stake in the final week of the regular season?

Playoff-clinching scenarios: What's at stake in the final week of the regular season?

Two more NFL teams officially made the postseason during Week 17 of the 2025 NFL regular season, and three division titles were clinched.

On Christmas Day, a loss for the Lions meant the Packers clinched a playoff spot. But Green Bay’s loss to the Ravens on Saturday night allowed the Bears to secure the NFC North title. On Saturday afternoon, the Texans made the playoffs with a win over the Chargers, which also helped the Broncos clinch the AFC West title. And finally, the Patriots won the AFC East title after the Bills lost to the Eagles on Sunday.

So what’s at stake in the final week of the regular season? There are two spots left in the playoffs (one in each conference), neither No. 1 seed has been clinched and four division titles are still up for grabs. Let’s take a look at how those spots can be claimed.

More NFL playoff race coverage:
Projecting the final seeding
FPI ratings for every team

Week 18 playoff-clinching scenarios in the AFC

The matchup: vs. L.A. Chargers on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:


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    The matchup: vs. Indianapolis on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

    How the Texans can clinch the AFC South:


    The matchup: vs. Tennessee on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

    How the Jaguars can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:

    How the Jaguars can clinch the AFC South:


    The matchup: vs. Miami on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

    How the Patriots can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:


    The matchup: vs. Baltimore on Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

    How the Steelers can clinch the AFC North and make the playoffs:

    play

    2:31

    Cam Newton: John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin are victims of their own success

    Dan Orlovsky and Cam Newton discuss what’s at stake for John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin ahead of the pivotal Week 18 matchup between the Ravens and Steelers.


    The matchup: at Pittsburgh on Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

    How the Ravens can clinch the AFC North and make the playoffs:

    Week 18 playoff-clinching scenarios in the NFC

    The matchup: at Tampa Bay on Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

    How the Panthers can clinch the NFC South and make the playoffs:


    The matchup: vs. Seattle on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

    How the 49ers can clinch the NFC West, No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the NFC:

    play

    1:49

    Orlovsky: Kyle Shanahan is Coach of the Year

    Adam Schefter and Dan Orlovsky praise Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers for their resilience in the face of injuries this season.


    The matchup: at San Francisco on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

    How the Seahawks can clinch the NFC West, No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:


    The matchup: vs. Carolina on Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

    How the Bucs can clinch the NFC South and make the playoffs:

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    NFL playoff matchups as things stand

    AFC


    NFC

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