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Week 17 Reshapes NFL Playoff Picture as Patriots Clinch and Steelers-Ravens Set Winner-Take-All Finale

Simultaneous Week 18 kickoffs, with Justin Herbert sitting, concentrate the AFC’s seeding drama.

Overview

  • Philadelphia edged Buffalo 13-12 on a blocked extra point and a failed two-point try, a result that sealed New England’s first AFC East title since 2019 after the Patriots routed the Jets.
  • Cleveland beat Pittsburgh 13-6, denying the Steelers an AFC North clinch and setting up a Sunday night showdown with Baltimore for the division crown.
  • Myles Garrett and several observers said Pittsburgh’s quick-trigger passing plan aimed to avoid a sack record opportunity for Garrett, drawing scrutiny after the Steelers’ offensive struggles.
  • Houston’s 20-16 win over the Chargers handed Denver the AFC West, dropped Los Angeles to the No. 6 seed and coincided with Indianapolis’ elimination from playoff contention.
  • The NFL slated Patriots–Dolphins and ChargersBroncos for 4:25 p.m. ET in Week 18 and placed Ravens–Steelers on Sunday night, as Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Herbert will sit against a Denver team that can secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win.