Week 17 delivered everything the NFL promised: clinching scenarios resolved, playoff dreams crushed, and enough chaos to set up a spectacular final week. Here's your complete breakdown of where every contender stands with one game remaining.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Denver Broncos (13-3) — Clinched AFC West. Can secure the No. 1 seed with a Week 18 win against the Dolphins.
2. New England Patriots (13-3) — Clinched AFC East after the Bills lost to the Eagles. Still alive for the top seed if Denver stumbles.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) — Control their own destiny in the AFC South. Beat the Titans in Week 18 to claim the division.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) — Lost to the Browns in stunning fashion. Must beat the Ravens in Week 18 to win the AFC North and make the playoffs.
5. Houston Texans (11-5) — Clinched a playoff berth. Can win the AFC South if they beat the Colts and the Jaguars lose.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) — Locked into the playoffs with little to play for in Week 18.
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5) — Lost the AFC East to the Patriots. Secured as a wild card but slid to the seventh seed.
In the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-8) — Beat the Packers to stay alive, then watched the Browns upset the Steelers. Winner-take-all in Pittsburgh awaits.
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) — Lead the NFC West and own the top seed heading into a Week 18 showdown with the 49ers for the division title.
2. Chicago Bears (11-5) — Clinched the NFC North after the Packers lost. No longer in play for the No. 1 seed after falling to the 49ers.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) — NFC East champions after a gritty win over the Bills.
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8) — Still lead the NFC South despite losing to Seattle. Face the Buccaneers in a potential winner-take-all Week 18 matchup.
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) — Beat the Bears and will host the Seahawks for the NFC West crown. A win gives them the division and keeps No. 1 seed hopes alive.
6. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) — Clinched a wild card spot but can no longer win the NFC West.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) — Locked into the final wild card spot after losses to the Vikings and Ravens.
Week 18 Games That Matter
Ravens at Steelers (AFC North title) — Winner takes the division and a playoff spot. Loser goes home. Expected to be flexed to Sunday Night Football.
Panthers at Buccaneers (NFC South title) — Winner claims the division, though the Falcons' results could affect tiebreaker scenarios.
49ers vs Seahawks (NFC West title + No. 1 seed) — The winner takes the division. If the 49ers win, they'll claim the conference's top spot.
Broncos vs Dolphins (AFC No. 1 seed) — Denver clinches home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win.
Draft Order Update
The Las Vegas Raiders moved into pole position for the No. 1 overall pick after their loss to the Giants. They'll secure the top selection with a loss to the Chiefs in Week 18. The Giants could still claim the pick if they lose to Dallas and the Raiders somehow win.
The 2026 draft class is expected to be quarterback-heavy at the top, making this race particularly consequential for both franchises.
What We Learned This Week
The NFL regular season rarely disappoints when it comes to late-season drama. The Steelers' collapse against the Browns might be the story of Week 17—a team that needed one win to clinch their division falling flat against a two-win opponent.
The 49ers' resilience continues to impress. Despite playing without George Kittle and starting the game with a pick-six, they found a way to beat a quality Bears team on national television.
And the playoff picture, which seemed settled just two weeks ago, now features multiple win-or-go-home scenarios heading into the final Sunday of the regular season.
This is why we watch.