A rapidly crystallizing NFL playoff picture could gain several degrees more clarity after Sunday’s Week 17 schedule is completed.
There’s only one berth left in each conference still to be determined, though several conference titles and the full seeding picture is still up for grabs. That means fewer clinching scenarios are on the table. But each of those outstanding spots – going to the respective winners of the AFC North and NFC South – could be determined by the completion of the weekend.
After Saturday’s games, here’s a look at what’s at stake on Sunday:
NFL Week 17 clinching scenarios
Denver Broncos Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios
Broncos clinch AFC’s No. 1 seed with:
1. Patriots loss + Bills loss or tie + Jaguars loss or tie
New England Patriots Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios
Patriots clinch AFC East with:
Patriots win + Bills loss or tie
Patriots tie + Bills loss
Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios
Steelers clinch AFC North with:
Steelers win or tie
Seattle Seahawks Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios
Seahawks clinch NFC West and NFC’s No. 1 seed with:
Seahawks win + Rams loss or tie + 49ers-Bears tie
Carolina Panthers Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios
Panthers clinch NFC South with:
Panthers win + Buccaneers loss or tie
Panthers tie + Buccaneers loss