Week 17 NFL Playoff Scenarios for 2025 Season
The NFL playoff scenarios for Week 17 of the 2025 season present an intricate web of opportunities for several teams. As the season nears its conclusion, multiple clubs still vie for playoff spots and division titles.
AFC Division Standings and Playoff Berths
This week, key matchups will define playoff positioning for teams in the AFC. Here are the current records and playoff status for notable teams:
- Buffalo Bills (11-4) — currently seeking playoff berth
- Denver Broncos (12-3) — playoff berth clinched
- Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) — currently seeking playoff berth
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) — currently seeking playoff berth
- New England Patriots (12-3) — playoff berth clinched
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) — playoff berth hunt
Key Matchups and Outcomes
A number of critical games are set for this weekend. Each has the potential to impact playoff qualification significantly:
- Denver Broncos at Kansas City (6-9); Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video.
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis (8-7); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX.
- New England Patriots at New York Jets (3-12); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX.
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland (3-12); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS.
- Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers (11-4); Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network.
Playoff Scenarios
Several scenarios will determine how teams secure their postseason positions:
- Denver Broncos: Clinch AFC West title with a win and a loss or tie for both the Chargers and Buffalo. They also secure the No. 1 seed with a Denver win alongside losses or ties from the Chargers, Patriots, and Bills, as well as Jacksonville.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Secure the AFC South title with a win over Indianapolis and a loss or tie for Houston.
- New England Patriots: Clinch AFC East title by winning against the Jets and with a loss or tie for Buffalo.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Can win the AFC North title with a tie or win against Cleveland or if Baltimore loses or ties.
- Houston Texans: Secure a playoff berth with a win or tie against the Chargers, regardless of outcomes elsewhere.
Conclusion
Week 17 is pivotal in shaping the playoff picture for the 2025 NFL season. Teams are intensely focused on their matchups, knowing that victories can secure their places in the postseason.
