Week 17 of the NFL left decisive results in the fight for divisional titles. The Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars achieved fundamental victories that put them in a privileged position to close the regular season in control of their own destiny on the road to the playoffs.
Seahawks clinch the NFC West
⚪️ Seahawks remain in control of the NFC.
⚪️ DeMarcus Lawrence has been such a great addition.
⚪️ It was Zach Charbonnet’s turn to shine.Rapid Reactions ” https://t.co/rVtzaqb4t6
Presented by @BECU pic.twitter.com/Mj9bSzK7kt
– x – Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 28, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Carolina Panthers 27-10 with authority, reaching a record of 13-3, which allows them to depend exclusively on themselves to be crowned champions of the Western Division of the National Conference (NFC).
Seattle not only remains the divisional leader, but also retains the possibility of finishing as the best team in the entire NFC, provided they get a win in their final game of the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers.
For Carolina, the defeat was especially costly.
The Panthers (8-8) squandered the opportunity to secure the NFC North title, even though their main pursuer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9), also fell 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins. This leaves the divisional definition open until the last week.
Jaguars, one win away from the AFC South title
Running up that road.#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/aCWVVBDu7P3
– Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 28, 2025
In another high-impact duel, the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 as visitors, a result that leaves them with a 12-4 record and as leaders of the American Football Conference (AFC) South Division.
With this victory, Jacksonville was just one win away from securing the divisional title, without depending on other results.
A win in their last game will be enough to stay ahead of the Houston Texans, who are 11-2 and are still in the hunt.
The consistency shown by the Jaguars in this final stretch of the season has been key to establishing themselves as one of the most solid teams in the AFC.
Steelers and Browns complicate the AFC North
Final. @PALottery pic.twitter.com/2bfQ7tdExj
– Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 28, 2025
In Cleveland, the Browns, already eliminated from the postseason, surprised by beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6.
The result left Pittsburgh (9-7) still leading the AFC North, but forced to play for first place in the final week.
The Steelers must beat the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) in a head-to-head matchup that will define the divisional champion, as a loss could cost them the lead.
Patriots keep the pressure on in the AFC
BACK AT THE TOP! pic.twitter.com/gxmyr1ywTd
– z – New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 29, 2025
The New England Patriots turned in one of the most convincing performances of the day by crushing the New York Jets 42-10 to post a 13-3 record.
With this victory, New England remains in the fight for first place in the AFC, in pursuit of the Denver Broncos.
Quarterback Drake Maye was the star of the game, throwing five touchdown passes, leading an offense that had no difficulties against the Jets.
Other results of the day
In games with no impact on playoff contention, the Cincinnati Bengals edged the Arizona Cardinals 37-14, while the New Orleans Saints beat the Tennessee Titans 34-26.
Both teams were left without postseason options.
Later on Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders hosted the New York Giants, the Buffalo Bills faced the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers clashed with the Chicago Bears.
Week 17 will conclude on Monday with the game between the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons, closing a decisive day, in which the Seahawks and Jaguars are on the road to the NFL playoffs.
Filed under: Seahawks and Jaguars on their way to the title
