🏈 NFL playoff-clinch scenarios: What's at stake?

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ESPN staffDec 30, 2025, 10:15 AM ET

Two more NFL teams officially made the postseason during Week 17 of the 2025 NFL regular season, and three division titles were clinched.

On Christmas Day, a loss for the Lions meant the Packers clinched a playoff spot. But Green Bay’s loss to the Ravens on Saturday night allowed the Bears to secure the NFC North title. On Saturday afternoon, the Texans made the playoffs with a win over the Chargers, which also helped the Broncos clinch the AFC West title. And finally, the Patriots won the AFC East title after the Bills lost to the Eagles on Sunday.

So what’s at stake in the final week of the regular season? There are two spots left in the playoffs (one in each conference), neither No. 1 seed has been clinched and four division titles are still up for grabs. Let’s take a look at how those spots can be claimed.

More NFL playoff race coverage:
Projecting the final seeding
FPI ratings for every team

Denver Broncos (13-3)

The matchup: vs. L.A. Chargers on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:

Win or
New England loss vs. Miami (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday) + Jacksonville loss vs. Tennessee (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Houston Texans (11-5)

The matchup: vs. Indianapolis on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

How the Texans can clinch the AFC South:

Win + Jacksonville loss vs. Tennessee (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

The matchup: vs. Tennessee on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Jaguars can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:

Win + Denver loss vs. L.A. Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday) + New England loss vs. Miami (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

How the Jaguars can clinch the AFC South:

Win/tie or
Houston loss/tie vs. Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

New England Patriots (13-3)

The matchup: vs. Miami on Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

How the Patriots can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the AFC:

Win + Denver loss vs. L.A. Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

The matchup: vs. Baltimore on Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

How the Steelers can clinch the AFC North and make the playoffs:

Win/tie

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