The NFL playoffs standings are nearly set and into Week 17 the seeds, division winners, wild card races and home field advantage in the AFC and NFC are up for grabs, as teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Bengals, Steelers, Packers, Falcons, Panthers, Chargers and Ravens all have something to play for.
The New England Patriots have clinched home field advantage through the playoffs in the AFC, as the Broncos lost to the Bengals on Monday night. The Bengals and the Broncos both had plenty to play for and now there is more up for grabs next weekend. The Broncos can still win the second seed and a home playoff game in the AFC, but if they lose and the Bengals win, Cincy will get the number two seed. The team is playing the Steelers for the NFC North, while the Ravens are still alive for a wild card spot with the Chargers, who are currently in at number six.
Games in Week 17 have plenty of importance and there are 10 with playoff implications and some with both teams in the mix. The Chargers play against the Chiefs and San Diego can clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC with a victory. The Chiefs are alive, but they need to win over the Chargers and also see the Ravens and Texans lose on Sunday. The Panthers and Falcons game is an easy one, as Atlanta hosts and whoever wins gets the NFC South and a home playoff game at the number four seed in the NFC.
The Lions and Packers are in a similar situation, but both teams are already in the playoffs. The winners gets the NFC North title and the loser ends up as a wild card team in the playoffs. The winner of this game is also in line to get a home playoff game. The Bengals and Steelers is the final game of the season and both teams are now in after Cincy won over Denver on Monday night. The winner gets the AFC North, while the loser is a wild card team and will start off on the road.
Those games have two teams each in the mix, while the Ravens will be hosting the Browns and they need to win to stay alive. The Ravens hope the Chargers lose and they win, while the Chiefs need a ton of help. The Jaguars and Texans are in the mix as well, with Houston needing to win and the Ravens and Chargers both losing for Houston to get in. The Seahawks have the chance to lock in a first round bye and home field with a victory against the Rams, while the Broncos have to win against the Raiders to get a first round bye.
The Patriots have the home field advantage in the AFC, while the Cardinals and Seahawks each are battling for the NFC West. The Seahawks get it with a win, while the Cardinals need to win and the Seahawks need to lose for Arizona to end up in that spot. The Patriots have nothing to play for since they have locked up the top seed, while the Cowboys have won the NFC East and still are alive for the top seed. The team needs other teams to lose to get into the top spots and it's unlikely they end up there even if they win.
