With two weeks until the end of the NFL regular season, the 32-team league has been divided into three classes.
Twelve teams have already claimed a playoff spot: the AFC’s Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars, Chargers, Texans and Bills, as well as the NFC’s Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, 49ers, Packers and Rams.
Sixteen other teams already know they won’t make the playoffs.
Where does that leave the playoff field heading into Sunday? There are two unclaimed playoff spots remaining – one in the NFC and one in the AFC.
We arrived here after a combined five games played on Christmas and Saturday that eliminated playoff hopes. Minnesota’s Christmas victory in an NFC North division game against Detroit clinched a playoff spot for Green Bay. Then on Saturday, Houston clinched its spot by beating the Chargers — and, in doing so, knocked Indianapolis out of the playoffs.
In the AFC, last place goes to Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Baltimore’s win over Green Bay on Saturday avoided playoff elimination — but maybe for just one day. If Pittsburgh wins on Sunday, it will clinch the AFC North division title. And eliminate the Ravens.
In the NFC, Carolina and Tampa are fighting for last place. Carolina can win the NFC South and secure its first playoff berth since 2017, but that will require a Panthers win or tie on Sunday. And a loss to Tampa Bay.
What else are we watching in week 17
Patriots (12-3) at Jets (3-12): The Patriots are already in the playoffs, but can win their first AFC East title since 2019 with a combination of victory against the Jets and Buffalo’s loss to Philadelphia.
Jaguars (11-4) at Colts (8-7): Trevor Lawrence’s four-game streak without a turnover is the longest of his career. In a lost season, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor could still achieve an exceptional feat if he maintains his touchdown pace; his 19 scrimmage touchdowns lead the NFL.
Cardinals (3-12) vs. Bengals (5-10): This is the fourth consecutive season without a playoff for Arizona, and the third consecutive season without a playoff for Cincinnati.
Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12): The sack record watch remains active for Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, who has 22.0 and is one step away from setting the single-season record.
Saints (5-10) at Titans (3-12): The Titans won last week for their first home victory this season, but they are 0-11 in their last 11 games following a victory.
Buccaneers (7-8) at Dolphins (6-9): How bad is the NFC South? Even after losing six of their last seven games, the Bucs still control their path to a division title if they win.
Seahawks (12-3) at Panthers (8-7): The Seahawks can win the NFC West in three stages. Seattle is expected to win, and the Rams and 49ers are also expected to lose this week.
Giants (2-13) at Raiders (2-13): Whoever loses this game will have a better chance of landing the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Perhaps on a related note, Las Vegas has already decided to rule out standout defenseman Maxx Crosby (knee) for the remainder of the season.
Eagles (10-5) at Bills (11-4): Buffalo’s James Cook had a league-high 1,532 yards. He has five touchdowns during his team’s four-game winning streak. Buffalo is 6-1 at home.
Bears (11-4) at 49ers (11-4): The Packers’ loss on Saturday also ensures that rival Chicago is the NFC North division champion. If the Bears win their final two games and Seattle loses once, Chicago will earn first place in the NFC overall and the all-important bye to avoid the wild-card round.
Rams (11-4) at Falcons (6-9) Monday: Matthew Stafford’s league-leading 40 touchdown passes are within striking distance of tying his career high set in 2011 and 2021. The Falcons have won two in a row.
