As the 2025 NFL regular season heads into its final weekend, the postseason picture is coming sharply into focus. According to information published on the NFL’s official website, several playoff spots and division titles have already been decided, but Week 18 still holds major significance for seeding, home-field advantage and the final few places in the bracket.
With Super Bowl LX scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, teams across the league are preparing for one last push—either to fine-tune their playoff position or keep their championship hopes alive for another week.
Here’s a complete look at where things stand after Week 17—who’s in, who’s out and who still has a shot.
Teams Already In
(According to current NFL rankings and playoff seeding)
AFC
1. Denver Broncos (13-3, AFC West champions)
According to NFL rankings, Denver currently sits atop the AFC. The Broncos have clinched a playoff berth and remain in control of the conference’s No. 1 seed. A Week 18 home win against the Los Angeles Chargers would secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
2. New England Patriots (13-3, AFC East champions)
Ranked second in the AFC, New England remains firmly in the hunt for the top seed. The Patriots will be watching Denver closely while closing out the regular season against the Miami Dolphins.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, AFC South leaders)
Third in the AFC rankings, Jacksonville has caught fire at the right time. The Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 with a division title within reach and an outside chance of climbing higher in the seeding.
5. Houston Texans (11-5, AFC South)
According to NFL rankings, Houston sits fifth. A dominant defensive unit has powered the Texans into the postseason for a third consecutive year, though their final playoff position is still to be determined.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, AFC West)
Ranked sixth in the AFC, the Chargers are already playoff-bound but face a difficult Week 18 road test against Denver that could reshape the conference bracket.
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5, AFC East)
Seventh in the AFC rankings, Buffalo has secured a wild-card spot despite a dramatic Week 17 loss. The Bills wrap up the regular season at home against the New York Jets.
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3, NFC West leaders)
According to NFL rankings, Seattle currently holds the NFC’s top seed. Back in the postseason after two missed campaigns, the Seahawks strengthened their grip on home-field advantage with a Week 17 win and now face the San Francisco 49ers in a crucial finale.
2. Chicago Bears (11-5, NFC North champions)
Ranked second in the NFC, the Bears are playoff-bound for the first time since 2020. While the return to relevance has energized Chicago, the team remains focused on improving its seeding as it hosts the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, NFC East champions)
Slotted third in the NFC rankings, the defending Super Bowl champions are back to defend their title. With a first-round bye no longer in play, Philadelphia may manage workloads in its Week 18 matchup against Washington.
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4, NFC West)
Ranked fifth, the 49ers appear dangerous with Brock Purdy back in form. Hosting Seattle in Week 18, San Francisco still has a chance to climb the NFC ladder.
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5, NFC West)
Sixth in the NFC rankings, the Rams have clinched a wild-card berth as part of a powerful NFC West trio, despite a frustrating loss in Week 17.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, NFC North)
According to NFL rankings, Green Bay holds the final NFC playoff spot. Though recent form has dipped, the Packers are safely in heading into a Week 18 road game against Minnesota.
Still Fighting for a Spot
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Pittsburgh missed a chance to clinch in Week 17 and now faces a winner-takes-all clash against division rival Baltimore. A victory sends the Steelers into the playoffs; a loss could bring their season to an end.
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Baltimore’s season appeared derailed by injuries, but a strong Week 17 performance has kept hope alive. Entering Week 18 with momentum, the Ravens control their fate.
NFC
Carolina Panthers (8-8, NFC South leaders)
Despite a Week 17 loss, Carolina still sits atop the NFC South. A win over Tampa Bay in Week 18 would seal the division title and a playoff berth.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
The Buccaneers’ path is simple but unforgiving—beat Carolina, or go home. Everything rides on the final game of the regular season.
Eliminated from Playoff Contention
AFC
Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders
NFC
Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants
Week 18 promises drama across the NFL—from battles for the No. 1 seed to division-deciding rivalries and season-defining finales. While much of the playoff field is set, the final weekend will shape matchups, momentum and legacies as the road to Super Bowl LX officially begins.
(All standings, rankings and playoff scenarios in this report are based on information published on the NFL’s official website.)
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