The AFC playoff picture is set in the sense that all six teams have secured their spots. What’s left now is the seeding. Most of the seeds are up for grabs in Week 17. But on the NFC side of things there are still a number of teams alive for the final wildcard slot. There are four teams in line and alive for that last spot going into the final week of the season.
But three of those four teams which are still alive all control their own destiny.
How is this possible?
Well, it’s pretty easy to understand actually.
The two most important games to watch for the NFC this week are the Packers and Vikings, and the Redskins and Cowboys.
In the first of the two between Minnesota and Green Bay, the Vikings control their own playoff destiny and will make it in with a victory. But at the same time, Green Bay is still looking for a first-round bye in the postseason, and would lock that down with a win over Minnesota.
The second game is in prime time, between the Cowboys and the Redskins. The winner will
win the NFC East division. If Dallas loses they are out of the postseason picture. If the Redskins lose, they could still potentially land in the final wild card slot providing that other teams they need to lose in fact lose.
So as you can see, there is still a ton that can happen.
We haven’t even mentioned the Chicago Bears either, who still have a chance at the playoffs. They will need a win, plus at least a Vikings loss along with a Cowboys loss.
It should be a fun final weekend in the regular season with these two games alone, which will begin in the late afternoon with the Packers and Vikings, and leading into the Cowboys and the Redskins as the NBC game.