NFC Playoff Picture: Clinchers and Contenders
In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) have clinched the West division with an x-clinched spot, followed by the Chicago Bears (11-4) securing the North. The Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) have z-clinched the East, positioning them strongly for home-field advantages.
Teams still in the hunt include the Green Bay Packers, who clinched a spot with the Lions' loss. However, Minnesota Vikings (8-8), Detroit Lions (8-8), and Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) remain on the bubble, needing wins and help in final weeks.
Eliminated NFC squads feature the Atlanta Falcons (6-9), New Orleans Saints (5-10), Washington Commanders (4-12), Arizona Cardinals (3-12), and New York Giants (2-13), clearing paths for bubble teams.
AFC Playoff Picture: North Division Drama
The AFC sees five spots filled, leaving four teams vying for two wild cards. Pittsburgh Steelers lead the North chase and can clinch with a Sunday win over Cleveland or a Ravens loss Saturday.
Baltimore Ravens (7-8) face do-or-die against Green Bay; victory plus a Steelers loss ties them for the division in Week 18. Indianapolis Colts (8-7) risk elimination if Houston Texans win Saturday, with +3000 playoff odds.
Eliminated AFC teams include Kansas City Chiefs (6-10), Miami Dolphins (6-9), Cincinnati Bengals (5-10), New York Jets (3-12), Tennessee Titans (3-12), Cleveland Browns (3-12), and Las Vegas Raiders (2-13).
Week 17 Key Scenarios and Predictions
Watch Ravens (+900 odds) vs. Packers for AFC implications, and Texans game for Colts' fate. NFC bubble teams like Vikings and Lions must capitalize on eliminated rivals' slip-ups.
Projected brackets show Broncos with a bye, Patriots vs. Texans, and Jaguars in mix. Packers' clinch via Lions loss bolsters their wild card push amid conference parity.