With just two weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season, only one team has locked up a division crown - and no surprise, it’s the reigning Super Bowl champs. The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high once again, and they’re one of five NFC squads already punching their ticket to the postseason. Over in the AFC, five teams have also clinched, leaving four playoff spots still up for grabs - two in each conference - and a whole lot of chaos still to come.
Week 17 kicks off with a Christmas Day tripleheader, followed by a Saturday double feature. That’s five games in the books before we even get to Sunday. Here's what to watch as the playoff picture sharpens heading into the final stretch.
Thursday, Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Tripleheader
Cowboys (6-8-1) at Commanders (4-11)
Dallas heads to D.C. trying to stop a three-game skid that’s seen them outscored 112-73.
The Cowboys have dominated this rivalry lately, winning seven of the last nine matchups since getting swept back in 2020 - including a 44-22 win earlier this season. But momentum is not on their side, and with the playoffs slipping away, they’ll need to rediscover some of that early-season spark.
Lions (8-7) at Vikings (7-8)
A year ago, these two teams combined for a 29-5 record.
Now, they’re both fighting to stay above water. Minnesota took the first meeting in Detroit and has a shot to sweep the Lions for the first time since 2020.
The Lions are coming off a rough outing where they managed just 15 rushing yards against Pittsburgh. That ground game has to get going if they want to stay in the wild-card hunt.
Broncos (12-3) at Chiefs (6-9)
Denver’s playoff ticket is already punched, but they’re coming off a humbling home loss to a red-hot Jaguars team.
Still, there’s a chance to make a little history here - a win would give the Broncos their first season sweep of the Chiefs since 2014. Kansas City, meanwhile, is down to its third starting quarterback in as many weeks after Gardner Minshew went down.
Not ideal against a playoff-caliber defense.
Saturday, Dec. 27 - Doubleheader Drama
Texans (10-5) at Chargers (11-4)
This one has a little playoff revenge flavor.
Last year, Houston picked off Justin Herbert four times in a 32-12 postseason beatdown. Fast forward to now - the Chargers have won four straight and are looking like a team peaking at the right time.
But don’t sleep on Houston, who’s riding a seven-game win streak of their own. This could be a playoff preview, and it’s got fireworks written all over it.
Ravens (7-8) at Packers (9-5-1)
Baltimore heads to Lambeau for the first time since 2017, still clinging to hope in the AFC North.
Both teams are coming off losses and have questions under center. Will we get a Lamar Jackson vs.
Jordan Love showdown? That remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that both squads are in must-win territory if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Sunday, Dec. 28 - The Main Slate
Seahawks (12-3) at Panthers (8-7)
Seattle holds the NFC’s best record and is in the driver’s seat, but Carolina is making things interesting.
The Panthers just took over first place in the NFC South with a win over Tampa Bay and have been the definition of inconsistent - alternating wins and losses for nine straight weeks. If the pattern holds, they’re due for a loss.
But this team’s got fight, and they’ll need all of it against a top-tier Seahawks squad.
Cardinals (3-12) at Bengals (5-10)
Arizona rolls into Cincinnati trying to snap a seven-game losing streak.
The Bengals, fresh off a big win in Miami, have struggled at home (2-5) and haven’t beaten an NFC team all year (0-4). They’ve allowed 159 points in those four games, so if the Cardinals are going to find a spark, this might be the time.
Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12)
Pittsburgh already beat Cleveland 23-9 back in Week 6 and now has a chance to sweep the season series for the first time since 2021.
The Steelers are in the thick of the playoff race, while Cleveland’s season has been defined by injuries and inconsistency. The Browns will be without DK Metcalf the rest of the way, but Myles Garrett continues to be a one-man wrecking crew with 22 sacks on the year.
Jaguars (11-4) at Colts (8-7)
Jacksonville is red-hot and already playoff-bound after a statement win in Denver.
They’ve now rattled off six straight wins and look like a team nobody wants to face in January. The Colts, meanwhile, are heading in the opposite direction.
Monday’s loss to the 49ers was their fifth straight, and they’ll need to snap that streak quickly to stay alive.
Buccaneers (7-8) at Dolphins (6-9)
Two Florida teams that started with promise but have faded fast.
The Bucs have dropped six of seven after a 6-2 start, and the Dolphins never quite found their footing after a 2-7 opening stretch. One bright spot for Miami?
Rookie back De’Von Achane, who’s been electric all year and could be a building block for the future.
Patriots (12-3) at Jets (3-12)
What a turnaround in New England.
A year removed from finishing behind the Jets in the AFC East, the Patriots are now playoff-bound for the first time since 2021 and eyeing their first division title since 2019. The Jets, meanwhile, are still searching for their first interception of the season - a stat that pretty much sums up how things have gone in 2025.
Saints (5-10) at Titans (3-12)
It’s a battle of last-place teams, but both are coming off wins.
Tennessee has won two of its last three after a brutal 1-11 start, and Kellen Moore’s Saints have matched last year’s win total with two games to go. Not much on the line here playoff-wise, but pride - and maybe a little momentum heading into 2026 - is still up for grabs.
Giants (2-13) at Raiders (2-13)
Two teams tied at the bottom of the standings and both riding nine-game losing streaks.
The Giants and Raiders have struggled mightily this season, and the stats show it - Las Vegas ranks dead last in both total offense and points scored. This one's more about draft positioning than postseason dreams.
Eagles (10-5) at Bills (11-4)
Two playoff-bound powerhouses collide in Buffalo.
The Eagles have already clinched the NFC East and are postseason-bound for the fifth straight year. The Bills, now with the league’s longest active playoff streak at seven seasons, will look to slow down a rejuvenated Saquon Barkley.
This one’s got heavyweight vibes and could be a tone-setter for January.
Bears (11-4) at 49ers (11-4)
What a difference a year makes.
Both Chicago and San Francisco finished last in their divisions in 2024 - now they’re playoff-bound and surging. Caleb Williams continues to deliver in big moments, while the Niners have strung together five straight wins.
This matchup could have major seeding implications, and it’s a great test for two teams that have flipped the script in a hurry.
Monday, Dec. 29 - TBD
The final week of the regular season is on the horizon, but Week 17 is where the playoff race really hits a fever pitch. With only four spots left and plenty of teams still in the mix, buckle up - the road to the postseason is about to get bumpy.