NFC Playoff Picture After Week 16
The NFC playoff race saw significant movement with four teams clinching spots. The Seattle Seahawks (12-3) lead as a top contender, followed by the Chicago Bears (11-4) who secured their berth after a Saturday win and the Lions' Sunday loss to the Steelers.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) and San Francisco 49ers also clinched, with the Los Angeles Rams (11-4) holding a strong wild card position. Contenders like the Detroit Lions (8-7) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) remain in the hunt but face tough roads ahead, including the Bears' matchup against the 49ers and Lions.
Chicago now eyes the NFC North crown, needing to fend off the Packers with a challenging close to the schedule. These shifts highlight the NFC's competitive depth entering the final stretch.
AFC Playoff Picture and Key Shifts
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos cling to the No. 1 seed despite a critical loss to the Jaguars, which could prove pivotal. The New England Patriots clinched a playoff spot by defeating the Ravens, boosting their seeding prospects.
Other notable teams include the Buffalo Bills (11-4), Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans (10-5), and Pittsburgh Steelers gaining ground in the AFC North over the faltering Ravens. The Bills and Chargers have also reportedly clinched berths in some updates.
The AFC North tightens with the Steelers ahead, setting up high-stakes Week 17 scenarios. Clinching possibilities and tiebreakers will dominate the final week.
Week 17 Clinching Scenarios and Bracket Outlook
Heading into Week 17, multiple clinching scenarios loom. NFC teams like the Bears must navigate tough foes to secure division titles, while AFC leaders battle for byes and the top seed.
The playoff bracket takes shape with projected seeds: Seahawks and Rams strong in NFC West, Eagles in the East. AFC features Broncos-Patriots atop, with wild cards filling out via Bills, Jaguars, and Texans.
Fans should watch for eliminations among bubble teams like the Lions and Buccaneers. Updated odds and projections from experts underscore the drama of the 2025 postseason race.