Playoff Drama: What We Learned from Week 17
The holiday week certainly didn't hold back in delivering both gifts and coal for NFL teams. With the playoff picture tightening and spots on the line, the action was electrifying. Week 17 revealed that the AFC North and NFC South are still up for grabs, creating a potential frenzy for Week 18.
Key Takeaways from Week 17
The biggest revelations from this week were undeniably the shocking upsets and how they set the stage for the final week of regular-season play. Let's dissect the critical moments that defined these matchups.
"Only one more week of the 2025 NFL regular season remains, as Week 17 brought about some more playoff implications and even 2026 NFL Draft key positions."
AFC North Showdown
In a stunning upset, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Cleveland Browns at home. A controversial late-game play involving Aaron Rodgers left fans buzzing. The equation for the AFC North now rests on a decisive matchup on Week 18 between the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, where the division title is up for grabs.
NFC South Drama
Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both faced losings this week, making their Week 18 clash a must-win for division championship stakes.
Draft Implications
While playoff contenders made headlines, the implications of the draft loomed large as well. The New York Giants faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders in a battle for the first overall pick. In a twist of fate, the Giants not only avoided the pick but also secured a big win against the Raiders, shifting the draft spotlight back to Las Vegas.
Scores from Week 17
Here's a complete rundown of the scores that impacted the playoff race:
Thursday, December 25
- Dallas Cowboys 30, Washington Commanders 23
- Minnesota Vikings 23, Detroit Lions 10
- Denver Broncos 20, Kansas City Chiefs 13
Saturday, December 27
- Houston Texans 20, Los Angeles Chargers 16
- Baltimore Ravens 41, Green Bay Packers 24
Sunday, December 28
- Cincinnati Bengals 37, Arizona Cardinals 14
- Cleveland Browns 13, Pittsburgh Steelers 7
- New Orleans Saints 34, Tennessee Titans 26
- Jacksonville Jaguars 23, Indianapolis Colts 17
- Miami Dolphins 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
- New England Patriots 42, New York Jets 10
- Seattle Seahawks 27, Carolina Panthers 10
- New York Giants 34, Las Vegas Raiders 10
- Philadelphia Eagles 13, Buffalo Bills 12
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears (TBD)
Looking Ahead
As we gear up for the final week of the regular season, the stakes couldn't be higher. The playoff berths, the draft order, and the glory of victory all hinge on the outcome of crucial matchups. Get ready for a thrilling finish!
Stay Tuned
Be sure to follow all the action as we head into Week 18. The NFL is not just a game; it's an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and the pure grit of competition.
Source reference: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-week-17-scores-afc-north-nfc-south-up-grabs-playoff-picture-almost-complete
