NFL Playoff Picture 2017: Week 17 Scenarios, Standings and Predictions

The NFL playoffs are still another week away, but the results of Week 17 will play a big role in what will happen over the next month.

Although only two postseason spots are still up for grabs across the NFL, there will be fierce battles for those across the last week of the regular season. Meanwhile, all but a few seeds can change, and teams aren’t going to give up a home playoff game if they can help it.

While many teams are already focused on the draft, those still alive should create a drama-filled Week 17. Here is what you need to know heading into the final week of the year.

AFC

                Scenarios

All six spots are locked up, but there can be quite a few changes in the seeding order.

The biggest story is the AFC West, which is still up for grabs with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs trying to win the division title. The Raiders can clinch with a win, which could also earn them the No. 1 overall seed if the New England Patriots lose.

On the other hand, the Chiefs can win the division—and a first-round bye—if they win Sunday and the Raiders lose.

Lindsay Jones of USA Today noted why predicting the outcomes will be difficult:

With Broncos treating Sunday like an exhibition, and Raiders starting McGloin, and Chargers playing last game in SD, hard to handicap AFCW.

— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 28, 2016

As poorly as the Broncos have played during their recent three-game losing streak, the defense remains extremely intimidating. This could give Matt McGloin problems in his first start since 2013. Facing a team with elite cornerbacks and pass-rushers is not an ideal return to the field.

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