29 December 2025 | NZ Indian Insights
NFL Week 17 delivered decisive moments across the league, with division titles confirmed, playoff hopes shaken, and major upsets reshaping the postseason picture as the regular season nears its end.
Patriots Secure AFC East Title
The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East championship, marking their first division title in several years. A dominant road victory over the New York Jets, combined with the Buffalo Bills’ late defeat, sealed the division for New England.
Quarterback Drake Maye led the offence with confidence and control, throwing multiple touchdowns and limiting mistakes. The win capped a remarkable turnaround season and guarantees the Patriots a home playoff game, strengthening their position heading into the postseason.
Eagles Narrowly Defeat Bills in Defensive Clash
In one of the most closely fought games of the week, the Philadelphia Eagles edged the Buffalo Bills 13–12 in a low-scoring contest dominated by defence.
Buffalo had a late opportunity to take the lead, but a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the Eagles ahead. The loss proved costly for the Bills, ending their run of consecutive AFC East titles and impacting their playoff seeding.
Browns Stun Steelers in AFC North Battle
The Cleveland Browns played spoiler by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 13–6, disrupting Pittsburgh’s plans to secure the AFC North early.
Cleveland’s defence set the tone throughout the game, while the offence did enough to stay ahead. The Steelers struggled to find rhythm and failed to score a touchdown, setting up a decisive Week 18 showdown for the division crown.
Other Key Week 17 Highlights
- The Jacksonville Jaguars kept their postseason hopes alive with a crucial win in a tightly contested matchup.
- Several teams at the bottom of the standings saw results that could significantly influence draft order heading into the offseason.
Playoff Race Intensifies Ahead of Final Week
With one regular-season game remaining, multiple playoff spots and division titles remain undecided. Teams now face high-pressure scenarios as they compete for favourable matchups, home-field advantage, and survival in the playoff race.
Week 18 promises decisive action across the league as the road to the Super Bowl comes into sharper focus.
FAQs:
Who won the AFC East in NFL Week 17?
The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East title in Week 17 after securing a key victory and benefiting from the Buffalo Bills’ narrow loss. This marked their first division title in several seasons.
How did the Eagles beat the Bills in Week 17?
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Buffalo Bills 13–12 in a defence-heavy game. The contest was decided late in the fourth quarter when Buffalo failed to convert a crucial two-point attempt.
Why was the Browns vs Steelers game important?
The Cleveland Browns’ 13–6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers prevented Pittsburgh from clinching the AFC North early. The result keeps the division race open heading into the final week of the season.
What does Week 17 mean for the NFL playoff race?
Week 17 significantly reshaped playoff scenarios across both conferences. Several teams secured division titles, while others saw their postseason hopes depend on Week 18 outcomes.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Match results and standings may change. NZ Indian Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NFL or its teams.
