### NFL Playoff Picture: A Critical Update as the Season Winds Down As the 2025 NFL season approaches its conclusion, the playoff race intensifies with only two weeks remaining. Currently, seven playoff spots are still available—five in the AFC and two in the NFC—along with several division titles yet to be decided. The Pittsburgh Steelers are emerging as strong contenders, potentially clinching a postseason berth in Week 17, especially following the Baltimore Ravens' recent loss to the New England Patriots, which has shifted the dynamics in the AFC North. Analysts are closely monitoring team performances, win-loss records, and remaining schedules to project playoff outcomes and scenarios for various franchises [https://diz.news/nfl-playoff-picture-update-odds-for-remaining-spots-and-division-titles][https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/steelers/2025/12/23/steelers-week-17-standings-playoff/87891632007]. ### Breakdown of the Current Playoff Landscape 1. **AFC Contenders**: - The Steelers are leading the AFC North and could secure their playoff spot in Week 17. - Other teams in contention include the Ravens and the Patriots, who are also vying for playoff positions. 2. **NFC Contenders**: - The Detroit Lions are still in the mix for a playoff spot despite a recent loss to the Steelers. - The NFC playoff picture remains competitive, with teams needing to capitalize on their remaining games. 3. **Key Matchups**: - The upcoming Week 16 Monday Night Football game will be crucial for teams looking to improve their standings. - Analysts are focusing on tie-breaker scenarios that could affect playoff seeding. 4. **Statistical Projections**: - Current models are evaluating win-loss records and remaining schedules to predict playoff outcomes. - The Steelers' path to the playoffs is particularly favorable, given their current form and the Ravens' recent defeat [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/news/steelers-playoff-picture-pittsburgh-2025-nfl-postseason-week-16/aee6f6f4c10a143e2b074675][https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/how-steelers-can-clinch-afc-north-week-17-ravens-loss-patriots/20384e6166e9839c5c51d47c]. ### Supporting Data and Evidence - **Current Standings**: - **AFC North**: Steelers lead, with Ravens and Patriots close behind. - **NFC Playoff Picture**: Lions still have a chance despite setbacks. - **Key Metrics**: - Steelers' chances to clinch the AFC North: High, contingent on Week 17 outcomes. - Remaining games for all contenders are critical for playoff positioning. - **Projected Outcomes**: - Analysts predict that the Steelers have a strong likelihood of making the playoffs if they maintain their current performance [https://steelersdepot.com/2025/12/here-is-the-pittsburgh-steelers-playoff-path-2][https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-news/164117/steelers-week-17-playoff-clinching-scenarios-baltimore-ravens]. ### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for NFL Teams In summary, the NFL playoff race is heating up as teams prepare for the final weeks of the regular season. 1. **Steelers' Dominance**: The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a strong position to clinch the AFC North and secure a playoff berth. 2. **NFC Competition**: The Detroit Lions and other NFC teams are still fighting for their playoff lives, making every game critical. 3. **Analytical Insights**: Analysts are closely monitoring win-loss records and tie-breaker scenarios to project playoff outcomes. **The next two weeks will be pivotal for all teams involved, with the potential for significant shifts in playoff standings as the season draws to a close** [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steelers-playoff-picture-week-16-170000990.html].