NFL Playoff Picture 2017: AFC, NFC Wild-Card Scenarios and Week 17 Predictions

We’re now a day away from the final Sunday of the 2016 NFL season. By the time the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are finished closing out the schedule, we’ll know exactly which teams are in the playoffs and how they will be seeded.

Right now, a large chunk of the playoff field is set. The entire AFC field is known, though we still have to sort out the seeding. In the NFC, there is one division champion yet to crown and a final playoff spot to fill.

So while much of Week 17 will be meaningless, there are still some serious implications.

We’re going to examine the looming slate of games, along with the latest odds—courtesy of our friends at OddsShark. We’ll also make our predictions for each Week 17 matchup and take a look at some of the most interesting playoff scenarios that could arise from the final week.

NFL Week 17

Current Playoff Standings

Scenarios to Watch For

Raiders Lose in Denver

A couple of scenarios could shake things up at the top of the AFC playoff race. If the New England Patriots lose to the Miami Dolphins, the Oakland Raiders will have a chance to secure the conference’s No. 1 seed. However, the Patriots would still own an opening-week bye in this scenario.

If the Raiders lose in Denver, however, the Kansas City Chiefs will have the opportunity to win the AFC West and the conference’s No. 2 seed. In this scenario, Oakland would drop from the No. 2 seed all the way to No. 5.

It’s a plausible scenario too. The Raiders will rely on backup quarterback Matt McGloin to lead them through a Denver defense that is rated second overall by Pro Football Focus. While the Raiders seem to have plenty of faith in McGloin, it remains to be seen what kind of psychological effect losing Derek Carr for the season actually has on the team.

For the Broncos, the presence of McGloin means the defense can focus more on shutting down Oakland’s rushing attack. The Raiders …

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