As the 2025 NFL regular season enters its final weeks, the playoff picture is rapidly crystallizing with updated odds, seed projections, and implications for the upcoming draft. Live data from ESPN Analytics and reports from Yahoo Sports provide a detailed look at which teams are clinching spots, fighting for division titles, and positioning for postseason advantages.
In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks lead the conference with a 12-3 record and are in prime position to secure the No. 1 seed, holding a 46% chance according to The Athletic’s playoff predictor. The Chicago Bears have clinched a playoff berth and control the NFC North with an 89% probability of winning the division, while the Philadelphia Eagles have secured their spot as back-to-back NFC East champions. The Carolina Panthers currently top the NFC South but face a tight race with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have a 54% shot at the division title. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are also locked in, with the Rams’ odds for the top seed dropping to 12% after recent results.
The Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot with the Detroit Lions’ elimination on Christmas Day, a significant shift from last season’s expectations. The Lions, along with the Minnesota Vikings, have been eliminated, highlighting the unpredictability of the NFL. Meanwhile, the Packers’ path to the NFC North is narrow at 11%, but their postseason ticket is secured.
Over in the AFC, the Denver Broncos are the frontrunners with a 13-3 record and a 46% chance at the No. 1 seed, bolstered by a recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The New England Patriots have punched their playoff ticket and are 82% likely to win the AFC East, while the Jacksonville Jaguars control the AFC South with an 82% probability. The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the AFC North with a 91% chance, and the Los Angeles Chargers are alive for the AFC West title if they win out.
Several key scenarios remain unresolved. In the NFC, the final playoff slot in the South is up for grabs, with the Panthers and Buccaneers set to face off in the season finale. The AFC still has two wild-card spots open, with teams like the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts on the bubble. The Texans have a 21% chance to win the South, while the Colts are on the brink with just a 2% playoff probability.
Beyond the playoffs, the draft order for non-playoff teams is taking shape, with projections for the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams like the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Lions are among those already eliminated, affecting their positioning for top prospects. The draft will see 28 teams with first-round picks, as four have been traded, adding another layer of strategy to the offseason.
The final games of Week 17 and Week 18 will determine seeding, division crowns, and the last playoff entrants. Key matchups include the Broncos vs. Chargers, Seahawks vs. 49ers, and the Panthers vs. Buccaneers, all with significant implications. Fans and analysts alike are tracking live updates as win probabilities shift with every play.
In summary, the 2025 NFL playoff race is delivering high drama and tight competitions, with updated odds and scenarios painting a vivid picture of the postseason landscape. As teams jockey for position, the coming days will seal fates and set the stage for an exciting playoffs.
