The 2025-26 NFL playoff picture took major shape on Saturday as the Seattle Seahawks clinched the NFC’s top seed with a dominant defensive performance. Two division championships remain undecided heading into Sunday’s slate of games.
Want to test different scenarios? Check out our Free Playoff Picture Simulator for Week 18 to see how each game impacts the playoff race.
AFC Playoff Standings (After Saturday Games)
| Seed | Team | Record | Division | Playoff Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 13-3 | 1st AFC West | Clinched |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 13-3 | 1st AFC East | Clinched |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 12-4 | 1st AFC South | Clinched |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-7 | 1st AFC North | 39% |
| 5 | Houston Texans | 11-5 | 2nd AFC South | Clinched |
| 6 | Los Angeles Chargers | 11-5 | 2nd AFC West | Clinched |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills | 11-5 | 2nd AFC East | Clinched |
On The Bubble:
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8, 2nd AFC North) – 61% playoff odds
Eliminated: Indianapolis Colts (8-8), Miami Dolphins (7-9), Cincinnati Bengals (6-10), Kansas City Chiefs (6-10), Cleveland Browns (4-12), Tennessee Titans (3-13), New York Jets (3-13), Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)
NFC Playoff Standings (After Saturday Games)
| Seed | Team | Record | Division | Playoff Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks | 14-3 | 1st NFC West | Clinched |
| 2 | Chicago Bears | 11-5 | 1st NFC North | Clinched |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 11-5 | 1st NFC East | Clinched |
| 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 | 1st NFC South | 40% |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers | 12-5 | 2nd NFC West | Clinched |
| 6 | Los Angeles Rams | 11-5 | 3rd NFC West | Clinched |
| 7 | Green Bay Packers | 9-6-1 | 2nd NFC North | Clinched |
On The Bubble:
- Carolina Panthers (8-9, 2nd NFC South) – 60% playoff odds
Eliminated: Minnesota Vikings (8-8), Detroit Lions (8-8), Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1), Atlanta Falcons (7-9), New Orleans Saints (6-10), Washington Commanders (4-12), Arizona Cardinals (3-13), New York Giants (3-13)
Saturday’s Game Results
Buccaneers 16, Panthers 14 Tampa Bay kept their playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought victory in the rain at Raymond James Stadium. Baker Mayfield threw for 203 yards and a touchdown to Cade Otton. Bryce Young threw a late touchdown to cut the lead to two points but the Panthers couldn’t complete the comeback. The NFC South title now depends on Sunday’s Falcons-Saints game.
Seahawks 13, 49ers 3 Seattle’s defense dominated San Francisco to clinch the NFC West title and the conference’s No. 1 seed. The Seahawks held the NFL’s hottest offense to just 173 total yards and intercepted Brock Purdy in the red zone. Sam Darnold completed 20 of 26 passes for 198 yards. Kenneth Walker rushed for 97 yards and Zach Charbonnet added 74 yards and a touchdown. Seattle earns a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
- Check out our NFL Week 18 Picks
Key Storylines
Seahawks Shut Down 49ers to Claim NFC’s Top Seed
The Seattle Seahawks delivered one of the season’s most impressive defensive performances to beat San Francisco 13-3 and clinch the NFC West championship. Seattle’s defense held the 49ers to just 173 total yards marking the fewest yards allowed in any game under Kyle Shanahan since 2017. The Seahawks sacked Brock Purdy multiple times and intercepted him in the red zone on fourth quarter. Seattle earns home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and a first-round bye. The 49ers drop to the No. 5 seed and will play on Wild Card Weekend.
Buccaneers Beat Panthers But Need Help
Tampa Bay defeated Carolina 16-14 in a rain-soaked game but their playoff fate rests in another team’s hands. The Buccaneers must wait for Sunday’s Falcons-Saints game to determine the NFC South champion. If Atlanta beats New Orleans the Panthers win the division despite Saturday’s loss due to a three-way tiebreaker. If the Saints win or tie Tampa Bay claims the NFC South title. Baker Mayfield threw for 203 yards and a touchdown but also threw a costly interception that kept Carolina in the game.
Two Division Championships Decided Sunday
Two division titles remain up for grabs heading into the final day of the regular season. The AFC North will be decided when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. The winner makes the playoffs as the No. 4 seed while the loser is eliminated. In the NFC South the Saints-Falcons game determines whether Tampa Bay or Carolina wins the division. The winner finishes 8-9 and hosts a Wild Card playoff game.
Division Race Snapshot
- AFC West: Broncos clinched
- AFC East: Patriots clinched
- AFC South: Jaguars clinched
- AFC North: Steelers vs Ravens Sunday night for division title
- NFC West: Seahawks clinched
- NFC East: Eagles clinched
- NFC North: Bears clinched
- NFC South: Buccaneers or Panthers (depends on Falcons-Saints result)
What’s At Stake Sunday
AFC North Title Game (SNF): Ravens at Steelers – Winner takes division and No. 4 seed, loser is eliminated
NFC South Tiebreaker: Saints at Falcons – If Falcons win Panthers take division, if Saints win or tie Buccaneers take division
Seeding Implications: Multiple games will determine final Wild Card seeding for both conferences
Week 18 Saturday Results
Saturday (January 3):
- Buccaneers 16, Panthers 14
- Seahawks 13, 49ers 3
The regular season concludes Sunday with 14 games including the winner-take-all AFC North showdown on Sunday Night Football. Two teams will punch their playoff tickets while the final seeding across both conferences will be determined.
