NFL: Week 17 Playoff Scenarios
Week 17 of the NFL season is less than 24 hours away, and there are still three playoff spots up for grabs. As for the teams that are vying for said spots, the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers have a shot at making the postseason. Only two of those teams were in the field last season: Atlanta and Seattle. But only one of those two will make it this year in the NFC. In the AFC, Baltimore and Tennessee are in the best position to clinch a berth, but certainly aren't locks to do so. Caleb Henderson will break down each scenario that could take place tomorrow!
NFC Wildcard:
Falcons: Win and they're in.
Seahawks: Win AND Falcons loss.
NFC Seeding:
Vikings: Win and clinch No. 2 seed.
Saints: Win AND Rams loss to clinch No. 3 seed.
Panthers: Win AND Rams and Saints loss to clinch No. 3 seed.
The NFC is pretty cut and dry. There is only one spot left and it's going to be either the Falcons or the Seahawks. If Atlanta beats the Carolina Panthers tomorrow at 4:25 p.m. ET, then they'll be headed to the playoffs for the second straight year, and will have an opportunity to return to the Super Bowl if they can catch some momentum. Atlanta is favored by 3.5 points, according to ESPN. Also at the same kick-off time, the Seahawks will be taking the field against the Arizona Cardinals. They'll certainly be scoreboard watching as they need an Atlanta loss to have any shot. Seattle comes into the game as an 8.5-point favorite.
AFC Wild Card:
Ravens: Win and they're in.
Titans: Win and they're in.
Chargers: Win AND Ravens or Titans loss.
Bills: Win AND Ravens or Titans AND Chargers loss.
AFC Seeding:
Patriots: Win and clinch No. 1 seed.
Steelers: Win AND Patriots loss to clinch No. 1 seed.
The AFC is a little bit more confusing. There are two spots up for grabs, and for teams attempting to fill those spots. Baltimore kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are just 2-5 on the road, so the Ravens are expected to win and clinch a playoff berth. Alex Collins has 895 yards on the season so watch for him to help get a win. Tennessee has a much tougher game, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Titans are currently favored by 2.5 points. As for franchises that need one (or both) of those teams to lose, the Chargers and Bills will face the Raiders and Dolphins, respectively, looking for some help to get into the postseason.
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated.
