The 2025 NFL regular season is coming to a close, with Week 17 delivering exciting matchups and setting the stage for dramatic finales. Several teams are heading into Week 18 with everything on the line, and the results from this week have also shifted the outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft.
One of the biggest stories of Week 17 is that two divisions, the AFC North and NFC South, will be decided in Week 18 when key rivals face off.
In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ unexpected loss against the Cleveland Browns has made their Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens a battle for the division title. This high-stakes game was made possible by the Baltimore Ravens’ impressive road victory against the Green Bay Packers, where Derrick Henry had a standout performance, scoring four touchdowns.
The NFC South also has a Week 18 showdown to determine its champion. Despite both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers losing their respective games, NFL rules mean their Week 18 game will decide who takes the division title.
While the playoff picture was the main focus, another game between the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders had significant implications for the 2026 NFL Draft. The team that lost was in line to get the top pick in the draft.
The New York Giants upset the Raiders, which means that the Raiders are now in line for the number one pick.
Here’s a look at how the games played out in Week 17:
Thursday, Dec. 25
- Dallas Cowboys 30, Washington Commanders 23: The Cowboys secured a win over the Commanders in a Christmas Day matchup.
- Minnesota Vikings 23, Detroit Lions 10: The Vikings defeated the Lions, adding another win to their season.
- Denver Broncos 20, Kansas City Chiefs 13: The Broncos triumphed over the Chiefs in a close contest.
Saturday, Dec. 27
- Houston Texans 20, Los Angeles Chargers 16: The Texans edged out a victory against the Chargers.
- Baltimore Ravens 41, Green Bay Packers 24: The Ravens dominated the Packers, showcasing a strong performance.
Sunday, Dec. 28
- Cincinnati Bengals 37, Arizona Cardinals 14: The Bengals had a decisive win against the Cardinals.
- Cleveland Browns 13, Pittsburgh Steelers 7: The Browns pulled off an upset, defeating the Steelers.
- New Orleans Saints 34, Tennessee Titans 26: The Saints secured a victory over the Titans.
- Jacksonville Jaguars 23, Indianapolis Colts 17: The Jaguars triumphed over the Colts in a close game.
- Miami Dolphins 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17: The Dolphins narrowly defeated the Buccaneers.
- New England Patriots 42, New York Jets 10: The Patriots had a dominant performance against the Jets.
- Seattle Seahawks 27, Carolina Panthers 10: The Seahawks secured a win against the Panthers.
- New York Giants 34, Las Vegas Raiders 10: The Giants defeated the Raiders.
- Philadelphia Eagles 13, Buffalo Bills 12: The Eagles won a tight game against the Bills.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears (TBD): This game has not yet been played.
Monday, Dec. 29
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons (TBD): This game has not yet been played.
As Week 18 approaches, fans can look forward to several intense games that will determine playoff spots and division titles. The outcomes of these games will shape the NFL landscape as teams prepare for the playoffs and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
