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Playoff Picture: What's at Stake in the Final Week of the NFL Season?

December 30, 2025
Philthy In Philly

The NFL regular season is coming to an end, and the stakes are higher than ever before. With playoff spots still up for grabs and the race for the top seeds heating up, Week 18 is set to be an exciting one. Let's take a look at the updated playoff scenarios.

AFC:

Clinched:

  • Denver Broncos (13-3) - AFC West
  • New England Patriots (13-3) - AFC East
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) - playoff berth
  • Buffalo Bills (11-5) - playoff berth
  • Houston Texans (11-5) - playoff berth
  • Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) - playoff berth

Denver Broncos (13-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

The Broncos can secure the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage with a win or tie, or if the Patriots lose or tie, or if the Jaguars lose. It's a must-win situation for the Chargers if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

New England Patriots (13-3) vs. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

The Patriots can clinch the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage with a win and a Broncos loss or a tie. They can also secure the top seed with a tie and a Broncos loss. The Dolphins won't be an easy opponent, but the Patriots have a lot on the line and will be determined to secure the top spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-13)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

The Jaguars are already in the playoffs, but they still have a lot to play for. They can secure the top seed and a first-round bye with a win, along with a Broncos and Patriots loss. And if they want to win the AFC South division title, they just need a win or tie, or a Texans loss or tie.

Houston Texans (11-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Texans have a chance to win the AFC South division title if they beat the Colts and the Jaguars lose. It won't be an easy task, but the Texans will be giving it their all to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens (8-8) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

In the AFC North, it's a winner-takes-all situation for the Ravens and the Steelers. The winner of this game will advance to the playoffs, while the loser will be eliminated. It's a high-stakes game that is sure to be filled with intensity and drama.

NFC:

Clinched:

  • Seattle Seahawks (13-3) - playoff berth
  • San Francisco 49ers (12-4) - playoff berth
  • Chicago Bears (11-5) - NFC North
  • Los Angeles Rams (11-5) - playoff berth
  • Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) - NFC East
  • Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) - playoff berth

San Francisco 49ers (12-4) vs. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

It's a battle for the NFC West division title and the top seed in the NFC between the 49ers and the Seahawks. The 49ers can clinch both with a win, while the Seahawks just need a win or tie to secure the top spot.

Carolina Panthers (8-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

The Panthers can win the NFC South division title with a win or tie, or if the Falcons win. On the other hand, the Buccaneers need a win and a Falcons loss to clinch the division title. It's going to be a close and exciting game as both teams fight for a spot in the playoffs.

With so much at stake, Week 18 is sure to be filled with thrilling matchups and intense battles as teams fight for playoff spots and top seeds. Which teams will come out on top and secure their spot in the postseason? Only time will tell. Don't miss out on the action and tune in to catch all the excitement of the final week of the regular season.