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2d ago

Week 17 NFC Playoff Math: Seahawks’ Clinch Paths and Panthers’ Shot at the South

Prime-time outcomes could either cement Seattle’s lead or extend the NFC South fight to Week 18.

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass on Dec. 14, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass.

Overview

  • The Seahawks enter Week 17 at 12-3 with a playoff berth secured and the conference lead heading into Sunday.
  • Seattle clinches the NFC West only with a win over Carolina plus a 49ers loss or tie to the Bears and a Rams loss or tie to the Falcons.
  • Their route to the No. 1 seed this week is narrower, requiring a Seahawks win, a Rams loss to Atlanta, and a 49ers tie against Chicago.
  • Carolina, now 8-7, can clinch the NFC South by beating Seattle if Tampa Bay loses or ties against Miami.
  • The Bears–49ers game on Sunday night and Rams–Falcons on Monday will reset the seeding picture, with San Francisco currently holding the divisional tiebreaker over Los Angeles.