The NFL playoffs standings are nearly set in the AFC and NFC heading into Week 17 and teams like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are in position for first round byes. The Packers and Vikings will play Sunday night for the NFC West division title, while the Broncos and Chiefs are still battling for the AFC West division.
The Broncos won against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night football and that puts Denver in solid position to get a first round bye and the AFC West division title. The Broncos clinched a playoff spot with the win and they can get the division crown with a win or a loss by the Chiefs. Denver can clinch a first round bye with a win or a Kansas City and Bengals loss in Week 17. The Broncos still have a chance for the number one seed if the team wins and New England is defeated next week.
The AFC has the Patriots and the Broncos currently in the top two seeds, while the Bengals are in third as the winners of the AFC North division. The Houston Texans are leading the AFC South, but the Indianapolis Colts remain alive heading into Week 17. The Chiefs are currently in the fifth spot in the AFC as a wild card, but they can still win the west division title. The Jets have a hold on the fifth spot at 10-5 and can clinch with a win in Week 17.
The NFC field is fully set with all six teams clinching playoff spots, but the postseason matchups are not yet set. The Carolina Panthers have clinched the NFC South and a first round bye, while the Cardinals have won the AFC West and also have clinched a first round bye. The Panthers are 14-1, while the Cardinals are 13-2 ahead of the Packers. The Redskins are in as the fourth seed as winners of the NFC East, while the Vikings and Seahawks are the current wild card teams.
The Packers and Vikings are playing on Sunday night for the NFC North division title and that will set up the playoff matchups. As things stand now, the Seahawks and Packers would play, while the Redskins would take on the Vikings.
