The 2017 NFL game schedule delivered a full season of high-stakes matchups, from heated division rivalries to marquee primetime matchups that kept fans glued to their screens. This guide walks through the structure of the season, highlights specific games, and answers fan questions about how the year unfolded.
Below is a snapshot of the 2017 season at a glance, showing conference alignment, division labels, and how games counted toward playoff positioning.
| Team | Division | Conference | 2017 Record | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | AFC East | AFC | 13–3 | Won Super Bowl LII |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | AFC North | AFC | 13–3 | AFC Championship loss |
| Kansas City Chiefs | AFC West | AFC | 10–6 | Lost Wild Card Round |
| Tennessee Titans | AFC South | AFC | 9–7 | Did not qualify |
| Philadelphia Eagles | NFC East | NFC | 13–1 | Lost Super Bowl LII |
| Minnesota Vikings | NFC North | NFC | 13–3 | NFC Championship loss |
| Los Angeles Rams | NFC West | NFC | 11–5–1 | Lost Wild Card Round |
| Oakland Raiders | AFC West | AFC | 6–10 | Did not qualify |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | AFC South | AFC | 10–6 | Lost Wild Card Round |
| Seattle Seahawks | NFC West | NFC | 9–7 | Did not qualify |
Key Divisional Matchups
The divisional games in 2017 carried extra weight, as teams faced familiar opponents four times and fought for limited playoff spots within their conference.
AFC East
The Patriots dominated the division, but tight games against Miami, Buffalo, and New York kept the race competitive late into the season.
NFC North
Minnesota and Chicago traded wins, showcasing a competitive race that highlighted strong defensive performances and critical fourth-quarter drives.
AFC North
Cincinnati and Baltimore delivered hard-hitting contests, with Pittsburgh ultimately edging out the division on tiebreakers.
NFC East
Dallas and Philadelphia delivered star power on both sides of the ball, setting the stage for several nationally televised prime-time battles.
Major Primetime Games
Prime-time slots in 2017 featured marquee names and nationally televised drama, drawing large live audiences and shaping the narrative of the season.
- Sunday Night Football hosted weekly showcases with top teams, including Patriots, Chiefs, and Rams.
- Thursday Night Football amplified divisional intensity, especially in the NFC North and AFC South.
- Monday Night Football highlighted marquee matchups such as Patriots at Broncos and Cowboys at Giants.
- Thanksgiving games featured traditional rivalries, with the Lions hosting the Packers in a competitive NFC North tilt.
Injury and Weather Impact
Injuries to star players and challenging winter conditions forced several adjustments, influencing game outcomes and playoff seeding in notable ways.
- Key quarterback injuries affected late-season momentum in both the AFC and NFC.
- Snow games in the Midwest and Northeast introduced unpredictable conditions that tested team adaptability.
- Defensive players missing time late in the year opened opportunities for opposing offenses to capitalize.
- Depth chart rotations increased as teams balanced workload management against playoff aspirations.
Playoff Picture and Seeding
By the final weeks of the regular season, the playoff race came down to division standings, conference records, and tiebreaker scenarios that kept fans engaged until the last snap.
| Seed | AFC Team | Record | Division Title | Wild Card Round Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New England Patriots | 13–3 | Yes | Bye |
| 2 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 13–3 | No | Bye |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 10–6 | No | Won vs. Bills |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | 9–7 | No | Lost vs. Chiefs |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 9–7 | No | Lost at Dolphins |
Looking Ahead to Future Seasons
Analyzing the 2017 NFL game schedule highlights how structure, key matchups, and late-season drama shape a competitive year and influence long-term team trajectories.
- Review division strength to gauge playoff difficulty each year.
- Track primetime matchups for high-leverage learning opportunities.
- Monitor injury reports and weather patterns that affect game outcomes.
- Study seeding rules and tiebreakers to better understand playoff scenarios.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many games did each team play in the 2017 season?
Each team played 16 games during the regular season, with most teams having one bye week between Weeks 9 and 12.
Which game decided the AFC North winner in 2017?
The final-week matchup between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati effectively decided the division, with the Steelers clinching on tiebreakers after both teams finished 13–3.
What was the impact of Thursday Night Football on the 2017 season?
Thursday Night Football intensified divisional matchups and increased fan engagement midweek, often serving as a key preview for Sunday’s marquee games.
Which playoff teams had the best records in 2017?
Both the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings finished the regular season with 13–3 records, earning top seeds in their respective conferences.