Seahawks playoff picture: How win over Panthers impacts NFC West race, Seattle's chances at No. 1 seed in NFC

With Sam Darnold at the helm and Mike McDonald barking out instructions from the sidelines, the Seahawks have been humming throughout the 2025 campaign.

Seattle finds itself in contention for the top prizes in both the NFC West and NFC outright. The Seahawks improved their chances of landing both on Sunday afternoon, downing NFC South hopefuls the Panthers, 20-10, to pick up their 13th win of the season.

With its win, Seattle placed pressure firmly on the likes of the 49ers, Rams and Bears, all of whom find themselves riding the Seahawks' coattails in Week 17.

With that, here's a look at Seattle's playoff picture following its win over Carolina.

MORE: How Seahawks, Bears and more can clinch NFC's No. 1 seed

Seahawks playoff picture

Seattle will retain its place at the top of the NFC's totem pole for another week after besting Carolina in Week 17. It still will be under threat from the other sides jostling for position behind it. The winner of the Bears-49ers game will sit one game behind the Seahawks for first place in the conference.

Los Angeles is also in the hunt, having downed 11 of its first 15 foes. The Rams are favored in their "Monday Night Football" bout with the Falcons. If they do down their upstart adversary, they, too, will sit one game behind Seattle. 

*indicates a team has clinched a playoff berth.

MORE WEEK 17 NEWS:

• Updated AFC, NFC standings in NFL playoff picture for Week 17
• How Giants-Raiders Week 17 matchup likely decides No. 1 overall pick
• Texans, Packers among latest teams to clinch spot in NFL postseason

NFC West standings

The Seahawks ensured that they'll spend another week atop the NFC West standings. They'll need some help to clinch a divisional crown — the 49ers must tie or lose to the Bears on Sunday night and the Rams must draw or drop their "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Falcons to deliver the NFC West title to the Emerald City.

Seahawks remaining schedule

Seattle has one game left in its regular season slate: a road clash with the Niners. That match could very well have postseason implications — if San Francisco bears the Chicago on Sunday night, it will still have a chance to claim the divisional title and No. 1 seed for itself.