The playoff picture in two NFL divisions has not become any clearer due to three losses and a pivotal win. Now, the final week of the regular season will feature games deciding both the AFC North and NFC South.
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Four teams entered Week 17 with a chance to make some big moves by winning. Only one achieved this feat.
The Baltimore Ravens went into Lambeau Field and beat up on the Green Bay Packers despite having a backup quarterback in charge of the offense. Running back Derrick Henry led the way with 216 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
This win put the Ravens one game back of the rival Steelers, who just needed to avoid an upset loss to the 3-12 Browns to remain in control of the AFC North. Well, the Steelers failed to accomplish this. The team, which did not have DK Metcalf due to a suspension for striking a fan, lost 13-6.
AFC North title showdown, Week 18: #Ravens vs #Steelers pic.twitter.com/pa9cvLyeyY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2025
Now, the Ravens and Steelers will meet during the final week of the regular season with the division on the line. Whichever wins the game will win the AFC North and take the final playoff spot in the AFC. The team that loses will move forward into the offseason.
A similar situation unfolded in the NFC South. The Panthers and Buccaneers both entered Week 17 in control of their destinies.
The Buccaneers needed to beat the seemingly hapless Dolphins to move to eight wins on the season and one step closer to the NFC South crown. The Panthers needed to beat the playoff-bound Seahawks to remain in control of the division, a far more difficult proposition considering the Seahawks are in contention for the top seed in the NFC.
Neither of these NFC South teams won on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers lost to the Seahawks 27-10 after failing to contain running back Zach Charbonnet. This dropped the Panthers to 8-8 though they remained in control of the NFC South.
The Buccaneers lost 20-17 to the Dolphins despite facing off with backup quarterback Quinn Ewers. This dropped the team to 7-9 on the season, yet it remained in contention for the NFC South crown.
Now, the Panthers and Buccaneers will face off in Week 18 for the final spot in the NFC playoffs. The winner of this game will take the division and continue with the season. The loser will head into the offseason.
The NFL has not yet revealed the times for any of the Week 18 games. The expectation is that the AFC North battle will become the Sunday night game. The NFC South game will likely take center stage in the 4 p.m. window.
