What do the Denver Broncos need to secure the No. 1 AFC seed?

The Denver Broncos will clinch the top AFC seed with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

How can the New England Patriots get the No. 1 AFC seed?

The Patriots earn the No. 1 seed with a win against the Miami Dolphins and a loss by the Denver Broncos.

Which teams are competing for the AFC North title?

The winner of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game will secure the AFC North title and the No. 4 seed.

Home / Sports / NFL Playoff Race Heats Up: AFC Seeding Scramble

NFL Playoff Race Heats Up: AFC Seeding Scramble

30 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Broncos secure top AFC seed with a win against the Chargers.
Patriots claim top seed with a win and Broncos loss.
Ravens or Steelers will win AFC North and earn No. 4 seed.

NFL Playoff Race Heats Up: AFC Seeding Scramble

The race for the AFC's top playoff seed is intensely contested as the league heads into Week 18. Several scenarios could see different teams clinching the coveted No. 1 spot, adding significant drama to the final regular-season games. The Denver Broncos are in a strong position, needing only a win against the Los Angeles Chargers to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Should the Broncos falter, the New England Patriots have a chance to claim the top seed. Their path involves defeating the Miami Dolphins and relying on a Denver loss. The Jacksonville Jaguars also remain in contention for the No. 1 seed, requiring a victory over the Tennessee Titans coupled with losses from both the Broncos and Patriots.