NFL Playoff Schedule 2016-17: Postseason Dates, Wild-Card Predictions and More

The playoff picture is coming into focus as the NFL reaches the home stretch of its regular season, but there are still a number of variables that will impact the final playoff standings.

The New England Patriots (12-2), Oakland Raiders (11-3), Dallas Cowboys (12-2) and Seattle Seahawks (9-4-1) have clinched playoff positions, while the New York Giants (10-4) and Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) are on the verge of punching their playoff tickets.

The Patriots picked up a 16-3 road victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 15 and clinched their eighth consecutive AFC East title. The Pats currently own the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, but a slip-up in the final two weeks could open the door for the Raiders to take that vaunted spot.

Oakland moved back into first place in the AFC West by beating the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, taking advantage of Kansas City’s home defeat to the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders have a one-game lead over the Chiefs, but if those two teams finish with the same records, the Chiefs will gain the division crown, since they swept the season series against Oakland.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) have a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens (8-6), and those two teams will meet in Pittsburgh on Sunday. If the Steelers win, they will clinch the AFC North title, but a victory by the Ravens would give them the advantage, since they would own the tiebreaker as a result of a series sweep.

The Houston Texans (8-6) and Tennessee Titans (8-6) both pulled out late wins in Week 15, and those two teams will meet in the Week 17 season finale. That game will likely decide the AFC South winner.

After a 1-4 start, we have won eight of the last nine games. https://t.co/LeyByVbvXg

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 19, 2016

The Miami Dolphins (9-5) currently own the No. 2 wild-card spot, and if they can beat the Bills and the …

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