AFC Playoff Picture
The AFC features Denver Broncos atop the standings at the No. 1 seed, earning a first-round bye despite a Week 16 loss to the Jaguars. New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars have clinched, with Chargers also securing a spot. Two playoff berths remain open.
Pittsburgh Steelers control the AFC North after beating the Lions and Ravens' defeat. Houston Texans sit at 10-5 as the No. 7 seed. Week 17 clinching scenarios loom for Bills, Chargers, and Jaguars per updated projections.
Tight races persist, with ESPN Analytics tracking live odds for division titles and seeds. Broncos lead, but No. 1 seed unclinched.
NFC Playoff Picture
In the NFC, Seattle Seahawks (12-3), Chicago Bears (11-4), Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), and San Francisco 49ers (11-4) have clinched. The 49ers jumped to No. 5 seed with a Monday night victory over Indianapolis.
NFC West boasts three playoff teams, a rare feat with two weeks left. Contenders like Carolina Panthers (8-7), Detroit Lions (8-7), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) stay in the hunt. Rams and Bears vie for higher seeds.
Two NFC spots and division titles remain undecided. Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, and Rams hold secured berths, per FOX Sports and ESPN updates.
Week 17 Clinching Scenarios
Nine teams face stake-filled Week 17 matchups, with scenarios for clinching playoffs or divisions. ESPN details paths for top contenders to lock in berths or byes.
Focus on swings in close races: AFC North (Steelers vs. Ravens), NFC West depth, and wild-card hunts. Live projections from ESPN FPI update odds throughout games.
With regular season winding down, these outcomes shape the bracket and Super Bowl path.