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Summary:

Heading into Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, but several key games carry significant postseason implications. The NFL’s Next Gen Stats playoff probability model highlights games with the most “leverage,” meaning the outcome significantly impacts a team’s chances of making the playoffs and/or seeding. Key games to watch include Ravens vs. Packers, Panthers vs. Seahawks, and Buccaneers vs. Dolphins, each with division or wild card implications. Other important games are Texans vs. Chargers and 49ers vs. Bears.

News Article:

Playoff Chaos Looms: Key Week 17 NFL Games to Reshape Postseason Picture

NEW YORK – The 2025 NFL regular season is hurtling towards its conclusion, and Week 17 promises to deliver a seismic shift in the playoff landscape. According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats playoff probability model, several crucial matchups this week will dramatically alter the postseason odds for a host of teams.

Ali Bhanpuri, Senior Director, Content & Editorial and the NFL Research team have identified a handful of games with significant “playoff leverage,” meaning the results will directly influence which teams secure playoff berths and where they will be seeded.

“Week 17 is shaping up to be a dramatic week of NFL football,” says Bhanpuri. “Several teams are facing must-win scenarios, and the outcome of these games will have a ripple effect across both conferences.”

Among the games with the highest stakes are:

  • Ravens vs. Packers (Saturday Night, Peacock, NFL+): With potential injuries plaguing the Ravens this game is a must win if they want to make the playoffs. If the Lions lose their previous game the Packers will have already clinched their playoff spot. However, if they win it could mean playoffs for the Packers.

  • Panthers vs. Seahawks (Sunday, FOX, NFL+): The Panthers need a win in this contest to clinch the NFC South title. On the other hand, the Seahawks must win if they want to retain the top seed heading into the final week.

  • Buccaneers vs. Dolphins (Sunday, FOX, NFL+): With playoffs in sight, the Buccaneers will go head to head with the Dolphins. The Buccaneers need to pull out a win to stay in the game.

  • Texans vs. Chargers (Sunday, FOX, NFL+): This AFC contest could influence not only the wild-card race, but also two division competitions and the race for the one seed.

  • 49ers vs. Bears (Sunday Night, NBC, NFL+): While both teams have clinched, this game could give the 49ers a chance at the No. 1 seed. If they lose the 49ers could cede ground in the NFC standings.

Fans can track the ever-changing playoff probabilities live on NFL.com’s Playoff Picture, which updates every five minutes during games using Next Gen Stats. With division titles and playoff spots on the line, Week 17 is set to be a rollercoaster ride for teams and fans alike.

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