To assess the playoff chances based on the standings and upcoming Week 17 matchups, let’s break down which teams need to win to secure their playoff spots and the implications of their matchups.

Teams Clinching Playoff Spots

• AFC:

  • Cincinnati (15-1) - Clinched division title.
  • Indianapolis (13-3) - Clinched playoff spot.
  • Buffalo (13-3) - Clinched playoff spot.
  • Kansas City (13-3) - Clinched playoff spot.
  • Cleveland (11-5) - Likely clinching but can solidify with a win.

• NFC:

  • Los Angeles (N) (15-1) - Clinched division title.
  • Dallas (12-4) - Clinched playoff spot.
  • Carolina (10-6) - Likely clinching but can solidify with a win.
  • Seattle (11-5) - Likely clinching but can solidify with a win.

Key Matchups and What’s at Stake

Here's a look at the upcoming matchups and which teams need to win:

AFC Matchups

1. Buffalo @ Miami

   • Buffalo: Clinched a playoff spot, but a win could help with seeding.
   • Miami (9-7): Must win to stay in wild card contention.

2. Cleveland @ Los Angeles (N)

   • Cleveland (11-5): Needs to win to secure wild card spot.
   • Los Angeles (N): Already clinched division; may rest players.

3. Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

   • Pittsburgh (7-9): Eliminated from playoff contention.
   • Cincinnati: Already clinched.

4. Kansas City @ Baltimore

   • Kansas City: Clinched playoff; win for potential seeding.
   • Baltimore (3-13): Eliminated from playoff contention.

NFC Matchups

1. Seattle @ Detroit

   • Seattle (11-5): Needs to win to secure a wild card spot.
   • Detroit (1-15): Eliminated from playoff contention.

2. Philadelphia @ Washington

   • Philadelphia (10-6): Needs a win to secure a wild card spot.
   • Washington (2-14): Eliminated from playoff contention.

3. Green Bay @ Dallas

   • Green Bay (3-13): Eliminated from playoff contention.
   • Dallas: Clinched playoff; win for potential seeding.

4. Tampa Bay @ Carolina

   • Carolina (10-6): Needs a win to secure a wild card spot.
   • Tampa Bay (8-8): Needs a win and help to stay in contention.

Summary of Who Needs to Win

• Miami: Must win against Buffalo to have any chance at a wild card.
• Cleveland: Must win against Los Angeles to secure a wild card.
• Seattle: Must win against Detroit to secure a wild card.
• Philadelphia: Must win against Washington to secure a wild card.
• Carolina: Must win against Tampa Bay to secure a wild card.

Conclusion

Several teams are fighting for the last playoff spots. The final week of the regular season will be crucial for these teams, and the outcomes of these matchups will determine the playoff picture. 🏈