NFL playoff picture Week 17: After first round of games
By Mike Dyce
[UPDATE]: NFL playoff picture Week 17: Before Sunday Night Football
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The final week of the NFL season is here and the first round of NFL games has come to an end. Here is an updated list of all the NFL playoff scenarios.
The NFC Picture:
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (vs. STL)
If the Seahawks beat the Rams or the 49ers lose, they’d get the NFC West and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (at ATL)
The Panthers beat the Falcons, they’re the NFC South Champions and have a first-round bye. If Seattle loses and San Francisco wins, they could get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (at DAL)
Eagles are in as the NFC East champions if they can beat the Cowboys.
CHICAGO BEARS (vs. GB)
Bears are in as the NFC North Champions if they can beat the Packers.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (at ARI)
If the 49ers win and the Seahawks lose, they’ll be the NFC West champions and get a first-round bye. Otherwise they’ll be a Wild Card team.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (vs. TB)
The Saints need a win over the Buccaneers to lock up a playoff spot. They can’t win the division, and they could lose a wild card spot.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (vs. SF)
The Cardinals need to win, and they need the Saints to lose.
DALLAS COWBOYS (vs. PHI)
If the Cowboys beat the Eagles they’re in as the NFC East champions
GREEN BAY PACKERS (at CHI)
If the Packers win they’re in as the NFC North champions.
The AFC Picture:
DENVER BRONCOS (at OAK)
Denver is playing for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They clinch that with a win or Patriots loss.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (vs. BUF)
New England is really playing for a first-round bye. If Denver loses and New England wins, they’ll get home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (vs. BAL)
The Bengals won, and they’re still in contention for a first-round bye, They need the Buffalo Bills to beat the Patriots.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (vs. JAX)
The Bengals won, so the Colts will head to the Wild Card round.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (vs. NYJ)
The Dolphins were defeated by the New York Jets and are eliminated. The Chargers or Steelers will get the Wild Card berth.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (at CIN)
The Ravens were beat by the Bengals and eliminated from the playoffs. The Chargers or Steelers will get the Wild Card berth.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (vs. KC)
Both the Ravens and Dolphins lost, putting the Chargers destiny in their hands. If they beat the Chiefs who are basically playing their second string they’re in.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (vs. CLE)
The Steelers won while the Ravens and Dolphins lost. They just need the Chargers to lose to the Chiefs and they’re in, but the Chiefs are resting many of their starters.