Dec 24, 2025, 11:30 PM CUT

All Key Playoffs Scenarios You Need to Know About Before Game Week 17

There are just two weeks left before the Wild Card game, and the playoff race is still wide open!

14 teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention. From the AFC, the latest Chiefs became the latest eliminated team following their humiliating 26-9 loss against the Titans.

From the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings were the latest team to get knocked out. Despite their third consecutive win over the Giants, they have no chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

With 4 teams from both conferences left to qualify, let’s analyze all permutations and combinations.

Playoff Scenarios for all AFC Teams

NFL, American Football Herren, USA Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders Nov 30, 2025 Landover, Maryland, USA Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton 14 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders with wide receiver Troy Franklin 11 and running back Tyler Badie 28 in the second quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Landover Northwest Stadium Maryland USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPeterxCaseyx 20251130_hlf_bc1_037

Five teams from the NFC have already qualified for the postseason:

Denver Broncos (12-3) - 1st in AFC West
New England Patriots (12-3) - 1st in AFC East
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) - 1st in AFC South
Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) - 2nd in AFC West
Buffalo Bills (11-4) - 2nd in AFC East

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on top of the NFC North with a 9-6 record. In Week 16, they defeated the Lions by 29-24 and now have a 91% chance of playoff qualification. They can clinch it with a win over the Browns next week. Interestingly, they would also claim the AFC North with a win and hope that the Ravens lose their next game against the Packers.

The Houston Texans are on a seven-game winning streak and are 2nd in the AFC South with a 10-5 record. They could lock in their playoff spot by winning their next game against the Chargers, or hope the Colts lose their game against the Jaguars.

The Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens remain on the brink of elimination. After suffering a 48-27 loss against the 49ers, Philip Rivers' team now only has 3% chance of playoff qualification. If they lose their next game against the Jaguars, they’re out!

As for the Ravens, they can still be in contention to claim the AFC North. But for that to happen, Baltimore must win their next game against Green Bay and hope that the Steelers lose to the Browns.

Playoff Scenarios for all NFC Teams

NFL, American Football Herren, USA Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold 14 during pregame of a NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, CA. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 21-19. Jon Endow/Image of Inglewood California United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xJonxEndowx JonxEndowx iosphotos385947

Five teams from the NFC have already qualified for the postseason:

Seattle Seahawks (12-3) - 1st in NFC West
Chicago Bears (11-4) - 1st in NFC North
Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) - 1st in NFC East
San Francisco 49ers (11-4) - 2nd in NFC West
LA Rams (11-4) - 3rd in NFC West

The Carolina Panthers have dethroned the Buccaneers from the top spot of the NFC South following a 23-20 win. They can clinch the NFC South with a win over Seattle and hope that the Bucs lose to Miami. If they lose against the Seahawks, things could get spicy in the final game week against Tampa Bay, provided they win their next game against the Dolphins.

Green Bay took a tremendous hit to its playoff hopes following a 22-16 loss against its divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears. However, the scenario for them is quite easy; they have to win their next match against the Ravens.

They are also in contention to clinch the NFC North division. But for that to happen, not only do the Packers need to win their remaining games, but they will also hope that the Bears worsen their record by losing to the 49ers and the Lions.

The Lions could be the very next team to get eliminated if they suffer a loss to the Vikings, who are unbeaten in their last 3 games. The only way for them to clinch the Wild-Card spot is to win their remaining games, coupled with the Packers losing theirs.

As for the Buccaners, all is not over for them. They can still claim their playoff ticket if the Panthers lose their next game to the Seahawks and they end up winning theirs against the Dolphins.

In that scenario, it will all come down to the final week in a winner-takes-all showdown. Whoever wins claims the NFC South and the #4 NFC seed. Which team do you think will qualify for the playoffs? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar