Week 17 NFL Playoff Picture: Someone Shook the Snow Globe

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Dec 27, 2022
Grading the Vikings Position Groups: Offense
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

After the Christmas weekend of NFL action, we’ve seen some big movement in the NFL standings. As we head into the New Year’s weekend, here is a look at the Week 17 NFL playoff picture.

*: clinched playoff berth
**: clinched division
e: eliminated from contention

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NFC

Questions Answered: Next Man Up on DL, George Paton Cans HC, Ty Chandler
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA;Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports.

Seeds

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)*
  2. Minnesota Vikings (12-3)**
  3. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)**
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
  5. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)*
  6. New York Giants (8-6-1)
  7. Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
  1. Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
  2. Detroit Lions (7-8)
  3. Green Bay Packers (7-8)
  4. Carolina Panthers (6-9)
  5. New Orleans Saints (6-9)
  6. Los Angeles Rams (5-10) -e
  7. Atlanta Falcons (5-10) -e
  8. Arizona Cardinals (4-11) -e
  9. Chicago Bears (3-12) -e

Wild Card Matchups

  • (7) Washington Commanders @ (2) Minnesota Vikings
  • (6) New York Giants @ (3) San Francisco 49ers
  • (5) Dallas Cowboys @ (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • (1) Philadelphia Eagles on bye

Notes

  • Suddenly, the path for the Vikings to get to the No. 1 seed has been reopened following Philly’s loss to Dallas.
  • The Packers just keep on hanging around, and a win against Minnesota puts them on the doorstep of punching their ticket to the playoffs.
  • The Seahawks have fallen from the No. 3 seed to being a playoff afterthought in a matter of weeks.
  • That tie between the Commanders and Giants could end up mucking things up in the standings when everything is said and done.

AFC

Dec 24, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls signals at the line in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Seeds

  1. Buffalo Bills (12-3)**
  2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)**
  3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)*
  4. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
  5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)*
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)*
  7. Miami Dolphins (8-7)
  1. New England Patriots (7-8)
  2. New York Jets (7-8)
  3. Tennessee Titans (7-8)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
  5. Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
  6. Cleveland Browns (6-9) -e
  7. Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1) -e
  8. Denver Broncos (4-11) -e
  9. Houston Texans (2-12-1) -e

Wild Card Matchups

  • (7) Miami Dolphins @ (2) Kansas City Chiefs
  • (6) Los Angeles Chargers @ (3) Cincinnati Bengals
  • (5) Baltimore Ravens @ (4) Jacksonville Jaguars
  • (1) Buffalo Bills on bye

Notes

  • Currently, with two weeks left on the schedule, there are seven teams fighting for just two playoff spots. These final two weeks could get crazy in the AFC.
  • Jacksonville has gone from the laughingstock of the NFL to a playoff team in a matter of less than 12 months.
  • Could the Steelers find a way to weasel their way into the tournament?
  • If you’re Baltimore, would you rather have the No. 3 seed and host the Chargers or have the No. 5 seed and go to either Jacksonville or Tennessee?
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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