Four Divisional Titles On The Line For The 2025-2026 NFL Season Finale
Week 17 is officially in the books. As Week 18 approaches, all but two spots are locked for the 2026 NFL Playoffs. Apart from the final two spots, four divisional titles and seeding is still undetermined. The #1 seeds will be rewarded with first-round byes. Several teams must also play for higher seeding in order to gain home-field advantage.
Final Playoff Spots
The season finale will feature a winner-take-all game between divisional rivals. The AFC North title will be settled on Sunday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC South title will likely be determined Saturday evening between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, there is a caveat. If first place Carolina wins, they obviously win the NFC South. In the scenario where Tampa Bay wins, they still need help on Sunday. The New Orleans Saints will take on the Atlanta Falcons. Although neither team can make the playoffs, the Falcons own the tie-breaker between Tampa. This means that if Atlanta wins, Carolina makes the playoffs regardless of a win or loss on Saturday.
Summary
Steelers Win = Pittsburgh makes Playoffs
Ravens Win = Baltimore makes Playoffs
Panthers Win OR Falcons Win = Carolina makes Playoffs
Buccaneers Win AND Falcons Lose = Tampa Bay makes Playoffs
#1 Seeds
The NFC #1 Seed is simple. The Seattle Seahawks will play the San Francisco 49ers for a winner-take-all game to determine not only the #1 seed but also the NFC West title. Similarly, this exact scenario happened last year between NFC North rivals, in which the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings for the #1 seed and division title.
Three teams can claim the AFC’s #1 seed depending on the outcomes in Week 18. Here are the scenarios.
The current first place Denver Broncos control their own destiny. They will clinch the #1 seed and a first-round bye with a win on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, if the Broncos lose, the second place New England Patriots will own the top seed with a win against the Miami Dolphins. The third place Jacksonville Jaguars path is not nearly as simple and requires three outcomes. They must win Sunday against the Tennessee Titans along with Broncos’ and Patriots’ losses. Although, this dream scenario for the Jaguars could turn into a nightmare with a loss/tie and a Texans’ win, as Houston would win the AFC South title outright.
Summary
Broncos Win = Denver #1 Seed
Patriots Win AND Broncos Loss = New England #1 Seed
Jaguars Win AND Broncos/Patriots Loss = Jacksonville #1 Seed/AFC South Title
Texans Win AND Jaguars Loss/Tie = Houston AFC South Title
