NFL playoff picture: 49ers-Seahawks to decide No. 1 seed in NFC; Patriots clinch AFC East title

NFL playoff image: 49ers-Seahawks to determine No. 1 seed in NFC; Patriots clinch AFC East title; Steelers-Ravens set for winner-take-all showdown
NFL Playoff Image Sharpens as Remaining Week Units Up Excessive-Stakes Showdowns Throughout the League
With the NFL common season nearing its conclusion, Sunday’s slate of video games introduced main readability to the playoff panorama whereas concurrently setting the stage for a dramatic Week 18 stuffed with division-deciding clashes and winner-take-all eventualities. A number of groups punched their postseason tickets, others strengthened their positioning, and some important races will now come down to 1 last recreation.
The largest highlight within the NFC shines on the West Coast, the place the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are headed for a blockbuster showdown that can decide each the NFC West champion and the convention’s No. 1 seed. Residence-field benefit all through the NFC playoffs—and an important first-round bye—can be on the road when the 2 rivals meet within the regular-season finale.
Within the AFC, the New England Patriots emerged as division champions as soon as once more, securing the AFC East title after their very own dominant efficiency mixed with the Buffalo Payments’ dramatic loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In the meantime, the AFC North race stays unresolved after the Pittsburgh Steelers stumbled towards the Cleveland Browns, preserving the Baltimore Ravens alive and organising a decisive Week 18 conflict in Pittsburgh.
The NFC South additionally stays unsettled, with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers each falling in Week 17 however nonetheless positioned to determine the division title head-to-head within the last recreation of the season.
NFC Playoff Image After Week 17
(Clinched playoff spot)
Seattle Seahawks (13-3) – No. 1 Seed
Remaining recreation: at San Francisco 49ers (Week 18)
Seattle strengthened its grip on the highest seed by caring for enterprise towards Carolina. With the win, the Seahawks now management their future. A victory over the 49ers would clinch each the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed, securing a bye and home-field benefit all through the playoffs. Superior projections at the moment give Seattle a slight edge to complete atop the convention, however nothing is assured heading right into a hostile atmosphere in San Francisco.
Chicago Bears (11-5) – No. 2 Seed
Remaining recreation: vs. Detroit Lions (Week 18)
The Bears are safely locked into the postseason however have restricted mobility within the standings. They can’t attain the No. 1 seed and can end both second or third relying on Week 18 outcomes. A win over Detroit would doubtless arrange a wild-card matchup towards longtime rival Inexperienced Bay, including additional intrigue to Chicago’s season finale.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – No. 3 Seed
Remaining recreation: vs. Washington Commanders (Week 18)
Contemporary off an enormous win that reshaped the AFC East race, the Eagles are locked into the third seed within the NFC. As back-to-back NFC East champions, Philadelphia has little at stake within the last week, making relaxation and well being the highest priorities because the playoffs method.
Carolina Panthers (8-8) – No. 4 Seed (Division Not But Clinched)
Remaining recreation: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 18)
Regardless of one other loss, Carolina stays in place to say the NFC South. The Panthers’ matchup towards the Buccaneers is anticipated to operate as a de facto division championship recreation. Whereas there may be an unlikely tiebreaker situation that might nonetheless favor Carolina in a loss, essentially the most easy path is obvious: win and safe the division crown and a house playoff recreation.
San Francisco 49ers (12-4) – No. 5 Seed
Remaining recreation: vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 18)
The 49ers saved their top-seed hopes alive by surviving a high-pressure matchup towards Chicago. Now, every part comes down to 1 recreation. A win over Seattle would vault San Francisco to the No. 1 seed and ship the NFC West title. A loss would ship the 49ers into the playoffs as a harmful wild-card workforce with no bye.
Los Angeles Rams (11-4) – No. 6 Seed
Remaining video games: at Atlanta Falcons; vs. Arizona Cardinals (Week 18)
The Rams are firmly locked right into a wild-card place and can’t win their division. With postseason qualification already secured, their focus shifts to sustaining momentum, managing accidents, and fine-tuning their roster earlier than the playoffs start.
Inexperienced Bay Packers (9-6-1) – No. 7 Seed
Remaining recreation: at Minnesota Vikings (Week 18

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