{"id":29122,"date":"2025-12-25T21:08:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T01:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/nfl-playoff-picture-seahawks-control-nfcs-no-1-seed-with-two-weeks-left-heres-what-broncos-and-patriots-must-do-to-catch-them\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T21:08:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T01:08:16","slug":"18748-nfl-playoff-picture-seahawks-claim-nfc-s-no-1-seed-broncos-and-patriots-battle-f","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/18748-nfl-playoff-picture-seahawks-claim-nfc-s-no-1-seed-broncos-and-patriots-battle-f\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL playoff picture: Seahawks control NFC’s No. 1 seed with two weeks left, here’s what Broncos and Patriots must do to catch them"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NFL playoff picture<\/b> is taking dramatic shape with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. The Seattle Seahawks<\/b> have claimed the NFC’s No. 1 seed<\/b> with a 12-3 record after their incredible comeback against the Rams. Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Denver Broncos<\/b> and New England Patriots<\/b> are locked in an intense battle for the top spot, both sitting at 12-3 with one final push ahead.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Seattle Seahawks<\/b> hold the NFC’s No. 1 seed at 12-3<\/b> after beating the Rams in dramatic OT fashion<\/li>\n
  • Denver Broncos<\/b> (12-3) lead the AFC race but face uncertain tiebreaker scenario versus Patriots<\/li>\n
  • New England Patriots<\/b> (12-3) have 47.5% chance to clinch AFC’s top seed per CBS Sports projections<\/li>\n
  • Only two weeks remain before postseason begins with high stakes for all contenders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Seahawks Storm Back to Claim NFC’s Top Spot<\/h2>\n

    The Seattle Seahawks<\/b> made the most dramatic statement of Week 16 by overcoming a 16-point deficit against the Los Angeles Rams<\/b> to win 38-37 in overtime. This victory wasn’t just significant for clinching a playoff berth. It propelled them to the NFC’s coveted No. 1 seed position<\/b>, giving them the conference’s only bye week.<\/p>\n

    With their 12-3 record<\/b>, the Seahawks control their destiny heading into the final stretch. They face the Carolina Panthers<\/b> in Week 17 and conclude with a critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers<\/b>. According to multiple sources, winning out secures them the top seed outright.<\/p>\n

    The Seahawks’ path features an interesting dynamic. Both the Chicago Bears<\/b> (11-4) and 49ers<\/b> (11-4) are nipping at their heels. If Seattle stumbles even once, either team could jump ahead in the race.<\/p>\n

    AFC’s Top Seed Battle Intensifies Down the Stretch<\/h2>\n

    The AFC championship race has emerged as one of the season’s most compelling storylines. The Denver Broncos<\/b> and New England Patriots<\/b> both carry identical 12-3 records<\/b> into Week 17, creating unprecedented drama at the conference’s summit.<\/p>\n

    The Broncos<\/b> hold the slimmest of advantages in tiebreaker scenarios, but that could shift dramatically. Denver faces the Kansas City Chiefs<\/b> and has the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/b> coming up. The Patriots meanwhile will take on the Buffalo Bills<\/b>, another playoff contender fighting for positioning.<\/p>\n

    According to CBS Sports’ latest projections, the Broncos have a 47.5% chance<\/b> of landing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, while the Patriots trail at a lower probability. However, as many analysts note, one loss could swing everything depending on results across the league.<\/p>\n

    Wildcard Race Heats Up Across Both Conferences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Seed Position<\/td>\nTeam<\/td>\nRecord<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    NFC #1<\/b><\/td>\nSeattle Seahawks<\/td>\n12-3<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    NFC #2<\/b><\/td>\nChicago Bears<\/td>\n11-4<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    NFC #3<\/b><\/td>\nPhiladelphia Eagles<\/td>\n10-5<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    AFC #1<\/b><\/td>\nDenver Broncos<\/td>\n12-3<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    AFC #2<\/b><\/td>\nNew England Patriots<\/td>\n12-3<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    AFC #3<\/b><\/td>\nJacksonville Jaguars<\/td>\n11-4<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Beyond the top seeds, the playoff bubble remains incredibly volatile. The Los Angeles Rams<\/b> and San Francisco 49ers<\/b> both sport 11-4 records<\/b> and are fighting for wildcard positioning. In the AFC, the Buffalo Bills<\/b> (11-4) hope to secure home playoff games as the season enters its final two weeks.<\/p>\n

    The wildcard round configurations can still shift significantly. Multiple teams remain on the playoff bubble with realistic elimination scenarios based on unexpected results.<\/p>\n

    Clinching Scenarios for Week 17 and Beyond<\/h2>\n

    Week 17 represents the final opportunity for several franchises to secure their postseason berths before the regular season concludes. The Philadelphia Eagles<\/b> need just one more victory to clinch an NFC East title. Meanwhile, teams like the Green Bay Packers<\/b> enter decision-making territory where specific results trigger advancement.<\/p>\n

    The Chicago Bears<\/b> can clinch a playoff berth with one additional win or even with strategic losses from ahead of them. Every game matters as coaches manage remaining strength during a season’s final stretch.<\/p>\n

    \n“The race for the No. 1 seed is going to go down the wire, and right now, the computer views the Seahawks as the heavy favorite.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 CBS Sports<\/b>, Playoff Picture Analysis<\/p>\n

    Will the Seahawks, Broncos, or Patriots Claim Their Division Titles?<\/h2>\n

    As December enters its final week with Christmas behind us, the NFL playoff picture<\/b> showcases everything fans love about football’s closing stretch. Destiny remains unwritten for nearly every contender still in the hunt. Can the Seahawks<\/b> hold off the Bears<\/b> and 49ers<\/b> for NFC supremacy? Will the Broncos<\/b> finish ahead of the Patriots<\/b> despite identical records? And which teams currently on the bubble will punch their tickets during the field’s final opportunities?<\/p>\n

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    Watch: 2025 NFL Playoff Picture Breakdown<\/h3>\n