NFL Playoff Picture 2013: Breaking Down Week 17 Games with Biggest Implications

Several playoff spots have already been determined with just one week remaining in the NFL's regular season, but there is still plenty left to be decided, as a couple of divisions are still up for grabs and seeding is far from settled.

Two win-or-go-home clashes headline the Week 17 slate, as the schedule couldn't have possibly worked out much better from the NFL's perspective. The playoffs are essentially starting a week early for a handful of teams, and that promises to make this one of the most exciting regular-season weeks in recent memory.

In addition to the entire playoff picture, here is a closer look at the three Week 17 games that will have the biggest impact on the postseason.

Rank	AFC	W	L	T
Rank	NFC	W	L	T
1	Denver Broncos	12	3	0
2	New England Patriots	11	4	0
3	Cincinnati Bengals	10	5	0
4	Indianapolis Colts	10	5	0
5	Kansas City Chiefs	11	4	0
6	Miami Dolphins	8	7	0
7	Baltimore Ravens	8	7	0
8	San Diego Chargers	8	7	0
9	Pittsburgh Steelers	7	8	0
1	Seattle Seahawks	12	3	0
2	Carolina Panthers	11	4	0
3	Philadelphia Eagles	9	6	0
4	Chicago Bears	8	7	0
5	San Francisco 49ers	11	4	0
6	New Orleans Saints	10	5	0
7	Arizona Cardinals	10	5	0
8	Dallas Cowboys	8	7	0
9	Green Bay Packers	7	7	1

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

There is no NFL rivalry more storied than the Chicago Bears vs. the Green Bay Packers, so it is only fitting that they will face each other in Week 17 with the NFC North and a playoff berth hanging in the balance.

The storyline certainly writes itself, but things are getting more interesting with each passing day. The Packers have managed to hang in the playoff race throughout the season, despite being without superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the past seven games. That will no longer be an issue for Green Bay in Week 17, however, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Rodgers will make his triumphant return for the Pack, and there is no question that it will provide them with a massive boost. Even if he is still somewhat limited, his mere presence on the field will instill more fear into Chicago's defense than a fully healthy Matt Flynn ever could.

As great as Rodgers' return is for Green Bay, he may not even be the biggest offensive key for the Packers in this game. That distinction could easily be reserved for rookie running back Eddie Lacy. The Bears allow a league-high 162 rushing yards per game, and Lacy has over 1,100 yards on better than four yards per carry. The threat of Rodgers making plays down the field will open up things even more for Lacy and make life miserable for the Chicago defense.

This game could turn into a shootout, and the Bears have the offensive personnel to thrive in that environment thanks to Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but it's easy to envision Jay Cutler wilting in a big-game situation.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

No matter how you slice it, the meter seems to be pointing positively in the Philadelphia Eagles' direction as they prepare for a huge Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The fact that Dallas is at home is certainly beneficial since the Cowboys tend to play much better at AT&T Stadium than they do on the road, but there are plenty of other factors at work. Chief among them is the health of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

There has been plenty of information and misinformation regarding Romo's status over the past several days. Schefter initially reported that Romo would miss the remainder of the season with a back injury:

The Cowboys stopped short of confirming that report initially, but he was officially placed on injured reserve on Dec. 27 after undergoing back surgery, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports:

Cowboys players were holding out hope until the last possible moment regarding Romo's status, including tight end Jason Witten, per Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com:

"

I wouldn’t count him out until he’s out. There’s no question. That wouldn’t surprise me, but I do think obviously this is different situation (it) seems like with the back and however that plays out. But you’ve got to prepare with Kyle (Orton) and go as if that’s the case and then see how it plays out.

"

Now that Kyle Orton has officially been named the starter, it's difficult to imagine Dallas keeping up with Philly in a shootout. The Cowboys have the worst defense in the NFL, while the Eagles feature plenty of ways to beat the opposition offensively. With LeSean McCoy running wild and quarterback Nick Foles playing efficiently, the Eagles enter Week 17 as heavy favorites.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

Had the Baltimore Ravens beaten the New England Patriots in Week 16, their Week 17 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals would have been for the AFC North title. That won't be the case since the Pats destroyed the Ravens, but they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. In addition to needing to beat the rival Bengals in Week 17, though, the defending Super Bowl champions also need some help to keep their title hopes alive.

The Ravens went from controlling their own destiny to being dependent upon other teams in the matter of a week. It isn't an ideal situation, but Baltimore can't be counted out. According to NFL on ESPN, the Miami Dolphins have the best chance to make the playoffs among the three 8-7 teams in the AFC since they have a couple of avenues to make it:

Miami must beat the New York Jets and either hope for the Ravens to lose to the Bengals or for the San Diego Chargers to beat a Kansas City Chiefs team that is already locked into the No. 5 seed. The Ravens, on the other hand, need a win along with a Dolphins loss or a win along with a Chargers loss.

Unfortunately for Baltimore, it has the toughest matchup. The Bengals aren't going to call off the dogs since they could get the No. 2 seed in the AFC if they win and the Patriots lose to the upstart Buffalo Bills in Week 17. There is a lot riding on this game, but several other games will ultimately determine how much it really means.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter