NFL Playoffs 2016-17: Updated Standings, Bracket Picture and Scenarios

The Green Bay Packers are charging, and the Detroit Lions can hear their footsteps.

It wasn’t easy or pretty for the Packers (8-6) as they went to brutally cold Chicago in Week 15, but they pulled out an exciting 30-27 triumph over the last-place Bears.

PK Mason Crosby connected on a game-winning 32-yard field goal as time expired, and that kick came one play after Aaron Rodgers hit wideout Jordy Nelson with a 60-yard completion.

While the Packers fought tooth and nail to beat their ancient rivals, the first-place Lions (9-5) could not solve the New York Giants (10-4) defense and dropped a 17-6 decision. Detroit’s lead in the NFC North was cut to one game, and the regular-season finale between the Packers and Lions at Ford Field appears likely to decide the division. 

The only way that won’t happen is if the Lions defeat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 while the Packers lose to the Minnesota Vikings.

Going into the Sunday night game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5), the Dallas Cowboys (11-2) have a 1 1/2-game lead in the NFC East over the Giants. However, if the Giants win out and the Cowboys lose two of their last three games, the Giants would win the NFC East based on their 2-0 record against Dallas this season.

The Atlanta Falcons (9-5) kept the pressure on the Bucs in the NFC South with their victory over San Francisco 49ers. If the Falcons finish the regular season with victories over the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, they will win the division title.

However, the Bucs are still in a position to make the playoffs as a wild-card team, just as the Giants are if both teams continue to win. The Bucs can also win the AFC South if the Falcons stumble in their closing two games.

If …

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