Rams QB Matthew StaffordLuke Hales/Getty Images
Several teams will be battling for playoff positioning and scoreboard-watching in Week 17. The Chiefs will be up first, as they can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win or with a Buffalo Bills loss.
Patrick Mahomes and Co. only need one win over the final two weeks to secure the top seed.
The AFC North is a two-team race between the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers, and neither can afford a loss on Wednesday night. All four teams that will play on Wednesday are playoff-bound, however.
The Los Angeles Rams will have a chance to clinch the NFC West this week. They’ll need a win on Saturday over the Arizona Cardinals, who have already been eliminated. They’ll also need a Seattle Seahawks loss to clinch this week.
Expect Matthew Stafford and the Rams to be rooting for the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
Jim Harbaugh’s new-look Los Angeles Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the New England Patriots on Saturday. Losses by the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins would also put L.A. in the dance, but expect the Chargers to fight for that 10th win.
“We’ve still got games to win,” Harbaugh said, per Eric Smith of the team’s official website. “Nine wins can get you in the playoffs but you need help.”
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos can secure a playoff spot with a win over the scrappy Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.
The Philadelphia Eagles are already playoff-bound but can lock up the NFC East with a win over the Dallas Cowboys. A Washington Commanders loss would also give Philly the division.
The Commanders need a win over Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons to punch a postseason ticket, while the Falcons need a win and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss to claim the NFC South.
The Lions can clinch the NFC North and the conference’s No. 1 seed with a win over the San Francisco 49ers and a loss by Minnesota. If both teams win this week, their Week 18 matchup will decide the division and the top seed.
Here are some early predictions for the opening NFL playoff bracket.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Bye
7. Denver Broncos at 2. Buffalo Bills
6. Pittsburgh Steelers at 3. Baltimore Ravens
5. Los Angeles Chargers at 4. Houston Texans
7. Washington Commanders at 2. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Green Bay Packers at 3. Los Angeles Rams
5. Minnesota Vikings at 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This content was brought to you by: Bleacher Report – Front Page
