NFL Scores Today: Unpacking Week 17’s Pivotal Matchups in the 2025 Season

As Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season unfolds, every tackle, touchdown, and turnover will shape the playoff picture, ultimately determining the ‘NFL scores today’ that matter most. Football fans across Canada and beyond are eagerly awaiting these crucial matchups, where dreams of Super Bowl glory are either solidified or shattered. Our team of expert analysts has delved deep into the stats, injuries, and strategies to bring you a comprehensive preview of the games that will dominate the headlines this week. From surprising upsets to expected blowouts, we’ve got you covered.

The Stakes Are High: Week 17’s Playoff Picture

With the regular season winding down, Week 17 presents a do-or-die scenario for many franchises. Teams are battling for division titles, wild card spots, and crucial home-field advantage. The predictions below offer a glimpse into the potential outcomes and highlight the key factors that could sway the ‘NFL scores today’. Expect high-intensity football as teams leave it all on the field.

Expert Insights: Diving Deep into Key Matchups

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: A Tale of Two Fortunes

The Washington Commanders face yet another quarterback change, with journeyman Josh Johnson stepping in due to a myriad of injuries that have plagued their 2025 season. Despite a struggling Dallas defense in December, giving up 37.3 points per game in their last three outings, the high-powered Cowboys offense, led by Dak Prescott (over 4,000 yards), Javonte Williams (career-high 1,147 rushing yards), and star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens (both over 1,000 receiving yards), is expected to be too much for Washington. This looks like a tough end to a challenging season for the Commanders.

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Scuffling Contenders

While the Lions have been inconsistent lately with a 3-5 record over their last eight games, the Minnesota Vikings have quietly strung together a three-game win streak, showcasing impressive defensive and offensive efficiency. With the Vikings’ rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy sidelined, backup Max Brosmer’s previous outings (a 0:4 TD-to-INT ratio) suggest Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense should find ample opportunities, even against Brian Flores’s defense. The Lions aim to reassert their dominance as they chase crucial points for the ‘NFL scores today’ leaderboard.

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs: A Divisional Showdown

The AFC-leading Denver Broncos, despite a propensity for playing down to opponents, have secured wins in all nine games against sub-.500 teams this year, including an earlier victory against the Chiefs. Facing a reeling Kansas City squad without Patrick Mahomes, now led by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun in his first NFL start, the Broncos are expected to capitalize. If Denver has serious Super Bowl aspirations, this is a game they absolutely must win, impacting future ‘NFL scores today’ and playoff seeding.

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Pressure on Herbert

Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers faces immense pressure, literally, leading the league with a 43.7% pressure rate due to a season-long injury curse at offensive tackle. Now, he’s up against the Houston Texans, the only team with two double-digit sack artists in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. Despite a recent offensive line shutout, the Texans’ formidable front seven, combined with Herbert playing through a broken left hand, spells trouble for Los Angeles. Expect Houston’s game-wreckers to dominate.

Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Playoff Clincher?

This is a nail-biter, with playoff hopes on the line for both teams. The Green Bay Packers have a chance to clinch a postseason spot at Lambeau Field. While Baltimore is desperate, uncertainty looms over the participation of key quarterbacks Jordan Love (concussion) and Lamar Jackson (back). Given Jackson’s injury-plagued season, expecting a game-breaking performance might be unrealistic. The Packers are given a slight edge at home, making this one of the most unpredictable ‘NFL scores today’ matchups.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers: Young Guns Battle

A treat for fans, this game features Offensive Player front-runner Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rookie of the Year contender Tetairoa McMillan. While the Seattle Seahawks are widely considered the better team, the Carolina Panthers, under Dave Canales, have shown resilience, with Bryce Young proving clutch in late-game situations and thriving against high-pressure defenses. With the Seahawks boasting the fourth-highest pressure rate (39.4%), Young’s ability to perform under duress will be key. This could be a closer contest than many anticipate.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals: Burrow’s Redemption?

“Having Fun” Joe Burrow returned last Sunday with his best performance since last December. The Cincinnati Bengals are poised to continue their good times against the Arizona Cardinals, a team ranking low in passer rating allowed and defensive EPA per dropback, and currently riding a seven-game losing streak. If Burrow maintains his form, the Bengals should have plenty of room to operate, potentially leading to one of the higher ‘NFL scores today’ for Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: AFC North Grind

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has found its stride, limiting explosive runs and facing tough ground attacks from the Ravens, Dolphins, and Lions. Aaron Rodgers and the offense have also stepped up, averaging 27.3 points during their three-game winning streak. The Cleveland Browns, on a four-game skid and without leading rusher Quinshon Judkins, face an uphill battle. Despite Kevin Stefanski’s strong home record against Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ current form makes them a strong favourite.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts: Road to Division Title

The Jacksonville Jaguars are red-hot, winners of six straight with an impressive 18.8-point average margin of victory. While the Colts, led by Philip Rivers, are fighting to keep faint playoff hopes alive, their recent performance suggests they’re running out of gas. Trevor Lawrence’s squeaky-clean play and Jacksonville’s momentum make them the clear pick to continue their dominant run and close in on a division title, impacting critical ‘NFL scores today’.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins: Bucs’ Back Against the Wall

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have inexplicably struggled despite key players returning, losing six of seven games and falling behind in the division. Baker Mayfield’s MVP-calibre start has faded, making him one of the league’s worst passers recently. Facing the Quinn Ewers-led Miami Dolphins, the Buccaneers’ self-proclaimed comfort with their “back against the wall” will be tested. Next Gen Stats gives the Bucs better odds to win the division, suggesting a potential turnaround here.

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets: Maye’s MVP Push

Drake Maye is making a compelling case for MVP, leading the New England Patriots from worst to first in the AFC East. Despite a rash of injuries, the Patriots face a bottoming-out New York Jets squad that has lost its last three games by more than three touchdowns. With Mike Vrabel’s squad motivated by a potential No. 1 AFC seed and a heated rivalry, New England is expected to roll, giving Maye another opportunity to pad his stats and strengthen his MVP candidacy, impacting ‘NFL scores today’ significantly.

New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans: Rookie Quarterback Duel

This matchup highlights promising rookie quarterbacks Cam Ward for the Titans and Tyler Shough for the Saints. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, with Shough leading the Saints to three consecutive wins with efficient play and a strong connection with Chris Olave. The Saints’ defense has also been clamping down, allowing only 14.3 points per game during their streak. New Orleans’ consistent building makes them the favoured team in this intriguing rookie battle.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. New York Giants: Battle for Draft Position

With playoff hopes long gone, this game becomes a battle for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both the Raiders and Giants share the league’s worst record. The Raiders showed surprising life against a top defense last week, with a strong running game. Despite all-world tight end Brock Bowers being out, the Raiders are picked to narrowly secure a consequential win at home, impacting their draft position and ultimately, their future ‘NFL scores today’.

Buffalo Bills vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Allen’s Home Dominance

Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles face a favourable matchup against Buffalo’s 30th-ranked rush defense. However, Josh Allen’s home dominance is undeniable, boasting a league-best 12 consecutive regular-season home wins in December/January. Despite a bum foot, Allen is expected to find a way to win, making the Bills a strong contender for crucial ‘NFL scores today’ in their playoff push, even if the Eagles starters are preparing for the tournament.

Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers: Ground Game Clash

This prime-time showdown features a fascinating coaching and strategic battle. The key question: Can the San Francisco 49ers stop the run? Their defense has shown inconsistency, especially without cornerstone defenders Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The Chicago Bears’ ground game, with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, has been absolutely cooking, averaging 170.2 rushing yards per outing over their last 11 games. If the Bears can exploit this vulnerability, they could pull off an upset.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons: Rams Eye Revenge

The Los Angeles Rams, despite a recent collapse, remain one of the league’s best teams, ranking first in offensive EPA per play and sixth on defense. The Atlanta Falcons, while on a modest two-game win streak, have only beaten two playoff contenders this season. With Matthew Stafford and Co. seeking to bounce back, the Rams are expected to be too formidable for the Falcons, who will need a wacky home upset to defy this prediction and alter ‘NFL scores today’.

How to Follow the Action

Don’t miss a single moment of these critical Week 17 matchups! You can watch local and prime-time games live on NFL+, and for every touchdown from every Sunday game, tune into NFL RedZone (available with NFL+ Premium). For the latest real-time ‘NFL scores today’, standings, and news, always check NFL.com.

The lines for these games, as provided by DraftKings, were locked as of 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 24. While these predictions offer valuable insights, the unpredictable nature of the NFL always promises excitement. Enjoy Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season!

For those interested in betting on these games, please remember to play responsibly. Visit ResponsiblePlay.org to learn more about responsible betting practices.