Week 17 opened with Netflix's Christmas Day tripleheader. Two games actually mattered and both delivered. Minnesota forced six turnovers to knock Detroit out of the playoff race and Denver survived a red-zone grind in Kansas City to stay in control of the AFC's No. 1 seed. Now Saturday and Sunday decide division titles, wild-card lanes and the final seeding chessboard.
Christmas Day Recap
Cowboys 30, Commanders 23
Two eliminated teams still played like it mattered. Dak Prescott threw for 307 yards and two scores, including an 86-yard strike to KaVontae Turpin that opened a 21-3 lead. Washington stayed afloat behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 105 yards and two touchdowns, but Dallas controlled the game with 87 plays to Washington's 41 and a +17:00 time-of-possession edge. Prescott's late fourth-down sneak sealed the win and marked his fourth 30-TD season, tying Tony Romo for the Cowboys record.
Vikings 23, Lions 10
Minnesota's defense erased Detroit's postseason hopes. Six turnovers, five sacks and a 174-yard limit on the Lions' offense turned an old rivalry into an elimination game. Harrison Smith delivered a vintage performance with a pick and a sack, while Jordan Addison's 65-yard jet sweep TD put it away late. Detroit drops to 8-8 and is out. Minnesota climbs to 8-8 and keeps breathing.
Broncos 20, Chiefs 13
Denver dominated the box score but had to earn every point. The Broncos ran four 14-play drives and kicked two early field goals inside the Kansas City 15. Bo Nix's third-quarter scramble gave Denver a lead and a late offside by Chris Jones on fourth-and-2 set up the winning touchdown with 1:53 left. Chris Oladokun made his first start and finished 13-of-22 for 66 yards, while Travis Kelce caught five for 36. Denver moves to 13-3 and can clinch the AFC West with a Chargers loss.
Saturday's Showdowns
Texans at Chargers
Saturday | 4:30 PM ET | NFL Network
Houston can clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie. Los Angeles stays alive in the AFC West race with a win and sets up a Week 18 title showdown in Denver. Both defenses rank top three in yards allowed, so this looks like a field-position war.
Ravens at Packers
Saturday | 8:00 PM ET | Peacock
Baltimore's postseason hopes hang by a thread with Lamar Jackson doubtful and Tyler Huntley likely under center. Green Bay already clinched a berth but still needs wins to stay in the NFC North hunt. Malik Willis starts for Jordan Love and becomes the pivot point of the weekend.
Sunday Slate: 10 Games, Endless Implications
- Seahawks at Panthers - Seattle can clinch the NFC West and keep its No. 1 seed path clean. Carolina needs a win and Tampa loss to control the NFC South.
- Jaguars at Colts - Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South with help. Indianapolis is in must-win territory.
- Steelers at Browns - Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North with a win or a Ravens loss.
- Buccaneers at Dolphins - Tampa's season could end with a loss plus a Carolina win.
- Patriots at Jets - New England can clinch the AFC East with a win.
- Cardinals at Bengals - Two eliminated teams, but the matchup screams shootout potential.
- Saints at Titans - Rookie QB audition night in a game that matters for 2026 depth charts.
- Giants at Raiders - Draft positioning and pride only.
- Eagles at Bills - Philly is playing for seeding, Buffalo is protecting the AFC East lead.
- Bears at 49ers - Chicago can clinch the NFC North with help, while San Francisco still has a top-seed path.
Monday Night Football
Rams at Falcons
Monday | 8:15 PM ET | ESPN
Los Angeles needs a win to stay alive in the NFC West chase. Atlanta plays spoiler, but the bigger story is whether Stafford can keep his 40-TD season rolling into the final week.
What's at Stake
- AFC West: Denver can clinch with a Chargers loss on Saturday.
- AFC North: Pittsburgh clinches with a win or a Ravens loss.
- AFC South: Jacksonville can wrap it up with a win plus help.
- NFC West: Seattle can clinch with a win and a Rams or 49ers loss.
- NFC South: Carolina and Tampa are in a late-season duel.
The Bottom Line
The Christmas games set the table. Week 17 is where the bracket gets carved. Denver controls the AFC's top seed, Minnesota kept its pulse and the NFC West still has three legitimate threats. Get ready for a weekend that decides most of the playoff field before Week 18 gets a chance to steal the spotlight.
