As we head into Week 17, the NFL is gifting us a massive triple-header on Christmas Day followed by a Saturday slate that could decide the No. 1 seeds. With only two weeks left in the 2025 regular season, the playoff bracket is nearly full, but the seeding is total chaos.
Here is everything you need to know for Week 17.
Christmas Day Triple-Header (Thursday, Dec 25)
Netflix and Prime Video are taking over Christmas with three games that feature major playoff implications.
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Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (11:00 AM MST | Netflix): The Cowboys (6-7-1) are on life support. They essentially need to win out and hope the Eagles collapse to steal the NFC East.
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Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (2:30 PM MST | Netflix): The Lions (8-7) are in a “win and you’re likely in” scenario for the Wild Card, but they’ve lost two straight. They face a Vikings team led by J.J. McCarthy, who is questionable with a hand injury.
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Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (6:15 PM MST | Prime Video): The Broncos (12-3) are fighting to keep the AFC’s No. 1 seed after a shocking loss to Jacksonville last week. The Chiefs (6-9) have already been eliminated from playoff contention but would love nothing more than to spoil Denver’s bye-week hopes at Arrowhead.
Saturday Showdowns (Saturday, Dec 27)
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Houston Texans at L.A. Chargers (2:30 PM MST | NFLN): A massive AFC battle. The Chargers (11-4) are hunting for a higher seed, while the Texans (9-6) are trying to keep their Wild Card lead over the surging Colts.
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Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers (6:00 PM MST | Peacock): The Packers (9-4-1) are coming off an “Instant Classic” overtime loss to the Bears. They need this win to stay in the hunt for the NFC North title. The Ravens (7-8) are currently on the outside looking in and must win out to have any chance at a Wild Card spot.
Key Sunday & Monday Matchups
| Matchup | Time (MST) | The Stakes |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills | Sun, 2:25 PM | The Eagles have clinched the NFC East, but Buffalo (11-4) can clinch the AFC East with a win and a Patriots loss. |
| Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers | Sun, 6:20 PM | Game of the Week. Both teams clinched playoff spots in Week 16. This is purely for seeding and potential home-field advantage. |
| L.A. Rams at Atlanta Falcons | Mon, 6:15 PM | The Rams (11-4) are trying to reclaim the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They’ll likely be without Davante Adams (hamstring). |
The Playoff Picture “If the Season Ended Today”
AFC Seeds:
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Denver Broncos (12-3) – Clinched
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New England Patriots (12-3) – Clinched
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Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) – AFC South Leader
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Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) – AFC North Leader
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L.A. Chargers (11-4) – Wild Card
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Buffalo Bills (11-4) – Wild Card
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Houston Texans (9-6) – Wild Card
NFC Seeds:
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L.A. Rams (11-4) – Clinched
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Seattle Seahawks (11-4) – Clinched
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Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) – Clinched NFC East
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Carolina Panthers (8-7) – NFC South Leader
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Chicago Bears (10-4) – Clinched
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San Francisco 49ers (10-4) – Clinched
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Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) – Wild Card
Key Injuries to Watch
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J.J. McCarthy (QB, Vikings): Questionable (hand). His absence would make the Lions’ Christmas much easier.
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Davante Adams (WR, Rams): Likely OUT (hamstring). The Rams’ offense looked human without him in Week 16.
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Lane Johnson & Jalen Carter (Eagles): Both are expected to return this week just in time for a physical battle against the Bills.
