The 2025 NFL season is almost over, and Week 18 is here. This is an exciting time because many teams are fighting for playoff spots. Four division titles are still open, and the No. 1 seeds in both the AFC and NFC are not decided yet. Every game this weekend is very important because it can change the playoff picture and who gets to play at home in the playoffs.
AFC Playoff Scenarios: The Battle for the Bye
In the AFC, three teams are fighting for the No. 1 seed: the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The No. 1 seed is important because it gives a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
- The Denver Broncos (13-3) are in the lead. They have already won the AFC West. If they beat the Los Angeles Chargers, they get the No. 1 seed. Even if they tie, they can still get it if New England loses or ties.
- The New England Patriots (13-3) must beat the Miami Dolphins and hope Denver loses or ties to get the No. 1 seed.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) can take the top seed if they beat the Tennessee Titans and both Denver and New England lose.
Division Duels and Wild Card Chaos
Other AFC division titles are also undecided.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars can win the AFC South if they win or tie, but the Houston Texans (11-5) can take it if they beat the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville loses.
- A key game is Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The winner will win the AFC North and get the No. 4 seed. The loser might miss the playoffs depending on tiebreakers. This is a very important and historic rivalry game.
NFC Playoff Scenarios: A Saturday Night Showdown
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) will play the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) on Saturday. This game is like the NFC West championship. The winner will likely get the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage.
- Seattle: If they win or tie, they get the division and the No. 1 seed.
- San Francisco: If they win, they will take the division and the No. 1 seed.
The 49ers have won six games in a row with help from Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. The Seahawks have a strong defense, so this will be a tough game.
The NFC South and Final Seeding
Some NFC teams are already in the playoffs: Chicago Bears (11-5), Philadelphia Eagles (11-5), Los Angeles Rams (11-5), and Green Bay Packers (9-6-1).
The NFC South is still not decided.
- The Carolina Panthers (8-8) can win the division if they beat or tie the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9).
- The Buccaneers can win the division if they beat Carolina and the New Orleans Saints lose to the Falcons.
Key Takeaways Before the Final Whistle
- Elite Competition: Six AFC teams are already in the playoffs, but only Denver, New England, and Jacksonville can get the No. 1 seed.
- Historical Rivalries: The Ravens-Steelers game is the first time these teams have played for the division in the final week.
- Home-Field Advantage: Denver is trying to get its first home AFC Championship since 2016, which coach Sean Payton says is very important.
As the season ends, the final games will decide everything. Fans from Denver to Charlotte are ready for an exciting weekend where every play can change who makes the playoffs and who goes home early.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.