NFL Playoff Picture: Analyzing the Latest Scenarios for Week 17

One week to go.

With half of the teams in the NFL eliminated from playoff contention and 10 of the 12 postseason spots wrapped up, it’s pretty simple math.

There’s one invitation remaining in the AFC and three teams in contention.

There’s one open spot left in the NFC and it is winner take all between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.

What will happen on Sunday, when all 32 teams are in action?

Stay tuned. It’s pretty cut and dry and not very confusing when it comes to figuring out who will wind up joining the postseason party.

We also know you have a lot to do between now and Thursday, Dec. 25, so here’s a little one-stop shopping when it comes to the 2014 NFL playoffs.

Playoff-scenario information courtesy of NFL.com and Joe Ferreira, NFL playoff expert at CBSSports.com.

Current AFC Playoff Seeding

AFC No. 1 Seed: New England Patriots (12-3)

Clinched AFC East title and first-round bye in AFC playoffs

It wasn’t pretty but it was a win…and an important one at that.

The Patriots rallied for a hard-earned 17-16 victory over the New York Jets, wrapping up one of the conference’s two first-round byes for the playoffs.

Thanks to Denver’s 37-28 loss at Cincinnati on Monday night, Tom Brady and Co. will be home for the playoffs for as long as they stay alive.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Bills (8-7)

AFC No. 2 Seed: Denver Broncos (11-4)

Clinched AFC West title

When it rains, it pours.

With an opportunity to wrap up a first-round bye, the Broncos’ chances of capturing the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs went bye-bye.

A 37-28 loss to the Bengals on Monday night at Cincinnati prevented Denver from wrapping up a first-round bye this week. But the Broncos can rectify that with a home win over the Raiders on Sunday.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Raiders (3-12)

AFC No. 3 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals (10-4-1)

Clinched playoff berth

What do you know? The Bengals are ready for prime time.

A 37-28 Monday night win over the visiting Denver Broncos put Cincinnati in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Led by Jeremy Hill, the Bengals ran for 207 yards and picked off Peyton Manning four times in the nine-point victory.

A victory on Sunday night at Pittsburgh gives Marvin Lewis and his squad a second straight AFC North title.

Remaining Schedule: at Steelers (10-5)

AFC No. 4 Seed: Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

Clinched AFC South title

Division champions for the second straight season, the Colts are certainly not playing their best football these days.

Indianapolis was rolled at Dallas on Sunday, 42-7, a game that saw quarterback Andrew Luck throw two more interceptions while his team ran for one yard on 10 carries (that’s not a typo).

Remaining Schedule: at Titans (2-13)

AFC No. 5 Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

Clinched playoff berth

Looks like the Dallas Cowboys weren’t the only team in the league tired of finishing 8-8.

After a so-so start that saw them split their first six games this season, the Steelers have won seven of their last nine contests and wrapped up their first playoff appearance since 2011 on Sunday. Pittsburgh’s defense bent but didn’t break, holding the Chiefs to four field goals in a 20-12 victory.

A win over the visiting Bengals on Sunday night gives the Steelers their first division title since 2010.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Bengals (10-4-1)

AFC No. 6 Seed: San Diego Chargers (9-6)

Down 21-0 and 28-7 at San Francisco this past Saturday, the Chargers gathered themselves and outlasted the 49ers in overtime, 38-35. While it won’t be easy, the Bolts head back to the playoffs for a second straight season with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday.

Remaining Schedule: at Chiefs (8-7)

Current NFC Playoff Seeding

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NFC No. 1 Seed: Seattle Seahawks (11-4)

Clinched playoff berth

Here’s a scary thought.

After looking less than super for the first 10 games of 2014, the Seahawks are clicking on all cylinders these days and are headed back to the playoffs for the third straight season.

How’s this for dominance: On Sunday night at Arizona, Seattle rolled to a 35-6 win. In their last five games, the Hawks have given up a total of 33 points.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Rams (6-9)

NFC No. 2 Seed: Detroit Lions (11-4)

Clinched playoff berth

You are going to hear a lot about 1991 this week when it comes to the Lions.

It’s the last time this franchise won at least 11 games. It is also the last time Detroit won an NFL playoff game.

Of course, it is also the last time the Lions beat the Green Bay Packers on the road. And 1991 is also the last time Detroit managed a sweep of its longtime divisional rival.

Still, a victory by Jim Caldwell’s team at Lambeau Field gives the franchise their first division title since (wait for it)…1993.

Fooled you, huh?

Remaining Schedule: at Packers (11-4)

NFC No. 3 Seed: Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

Clinched NFC East title

Calling all monkeys on the back of the recent Cowboys: Find someone else’s back to sit on.

Dallas rolled to a 42-7 win over the startled Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, wrapping up its first NFC East title since 2009.

Hats off to Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes without an interception during his team’s current three-game winning streak.

Remaining Schedule: at Redskins (4-11)

NFC No. 4 Seed: Carolina Panthers (6-8-1)

It’s simply amazing. Winners of three straight games after opening 3-8-1 this season, the defending NFC South champions can repeat with a win at Atlanta on Sunday.

The Panthers nipped the Browns, 17-13, on Sunday thanks once again to a revitalized running game that totaled 209 yards on Sunday—the second time in three weeks Carolina rushed for at least 200 yards.

Remaining Schedule: at Falcons (6-9)

NFC No. 5 Seed: Green Bay Packers (11-4)

Clinched playoff berth

Yes, Aaron Rodgers threw only one touchdown pass in Sunday’s 20-3 win at Tampa.

Yes, the Packers are in the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. But this victory belonged to the defense, which held the Buccaneers without a touchdown and totaled seven sacks in the win.

Let’s see if that pass rush can do the same this week against the Detroit Lions in a winner-take-all clash for the NFC North title.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Lions (11-4)

NFC No. 6 Seed: Arizona Cardinals (11-4)

Clinched playoff berth

From the top seed in the NFC to the sixth spot, that’s quite a fall for the Arizona Cardinals.

These Birds were plucked by those other Birds from the Pacific Northwest, 35-6, handing the Cards their first home loss of the season.

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com relays the news that head coach Bruce Arians will start rookie quarterback Logan Thomas this Sunday at San Francisco. The fourth-round pick from Virginia Tech will be Arizona’s fourth different starter behind center this season.

Remaining Schedule: at 49ers (7-8)

Teams on the Bubble

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AFC

Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

Entering last Sunday’s trip to Houston, some were asking if Texans quarterback Case Keenum could beat the Ravens.

As it turned out, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco helped defeat the Ravens. The veteran signal-caller was picked off three times in a 25-13 loss that put a dent in the Ravens’ playoff hopes.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Browns (7-8)

Houston Texans (8-7)

It’s been a nice bounce-back season for the Texans, a team that won only two games in 2013 but is in position for a winning season and a possible playoff berth.

While Bill O’Brien has gone through his share of quarterbacks this season, so has defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Houston leads the NFL with 34 takeaways, picking off 20 passes (three at the expense of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco on Sunday) and returning four of those thefts for scores.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Jaguars (2-13)

Kansas City Chiefs (8-7)

The Chiefs have now dropped four of their last five games since that midseason five-game winning streak. On Sunday at Pittsburgh, Andy Reid’s club rolled up its share of yards but settled for four field goals in a 20-12 loss to the Steelers. Still, the playoffs are a possibility.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Chargers (9-6)

NFC

Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

The Falcons have won only six games this season but are a perfect 5-0 vs. their NFC South rivals this season. Their 30-14 win at New Orleans on Sunday was the team’s first sweep of the Saints since 2005.

Atlanta can wrap up a third division title in five years with a win over the visiting Carolina Panthers this weekend.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Panthers (6-8-1)

Teams That Have Been Eliminated

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These 16 teams are or have been making plans for the offseason. The clubs are listed as they are currently seeded in each conference.

AFC

Miami Dolphins (8-7)

Despite a bizarre 37-35 comeback victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs when Pittsburgh knocked off the Chiefs. Miami has not been to the playoffs since 2008, when it last won the AFC East.

Buffalo Bills (8-7)

The Bills can still clinch their first winning season on Sunday with a victory at New England. But the longest current playoff drought continues as Buffalo has not circled a playoff date since the 1999 season.

Cleveland Browns (7-8)

From 7-4 to 7-8 in the blink of an eye, the Browns haven’t made the playoffs since 2002 and won’t again. A win on Sunday at Baltimore would give the franchise their first non-losing season in seven years, but that’s little solace for Mike Pettine and Co.

New York Jets (3-12)

New York is out of the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year and the team’s 12 losses are the most since the club finished 4-12 in 2007. The Jets are also winless against their AFC East rivals this season as they prepare to close the season at Miami.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)

Gus Bradley’s team continues to play hard and comes off a 21-13 Thursday night win over the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars’ pass rush is one of the most improved in the league and is something for the defense to build on heading into next season.

Oakland Raiders (3-12)

Since opening 0-10 this season, the Silver and Black have won three of their last five games, besting the visiting Chiefs, 49ers and Bills. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr continues to be a pleasant surprise and hope for the future.

Tennessee Titans (2-13)

The Titans are out of the playoffs for the sixth straight year and their 13 losses are the most by this franchise since the Houston Oilers finished 2-14 in 1994. Tennessee has lost nine straight games as it hosts the Colts this Sunday.

NFC

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6)

From 9-3 and a Super Bowl contender to three straight losses and out of contention, the Eagles were knocked out of the playoffs when the Cowboys won the NFC East on Sunday.

There’s plenty of blame to go around. Two gaffes by Mark Sanchez on Saturday against the Redskins brought Philadelphia’s total to 36 turnovers in 2014, nearly double its miscues (19) of a year ago.

San Francisco 49ers (7-8)

The Niners blew a 21-point lead at home on Saturday, resulting in a 38-35 overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers.

Three consecutive appearances in the NFC title game, including a trip to Super Bowl XLVII, have now been followed by a non-winning season and a four-game losing streak—the longest under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

New Orleans Saints (6-9)

The Saints’ losing streak at the Superdome has now reached five straight games. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are no more home games remaining for this team. A 30-14 loss to the Falcons on Sunday dropped their record to 6-9 and New Orleans won’t be going back to the playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings (6-9)

For the second straight Sunday, the Vikings blew a double-digit lead on their way to a two-point loss. Minnesota’s 37-35 setback at Miami saw the Purple Gang edged in the final minute thanks to a blocked punt for a safety.

New York Giants (6-9)

New York is in the midst of back-to-back losing campaigns for the first time since 2003 and ’04, but is not planning on going out quietly this season. Tom Coughlin’s club has won three straight games since dropping seven in a row.

St. Louis Rams (6-9)

After allowing only 12 points and zero touchdowns in its previous three games, St. Louis was rolled by the visiting Giants on Sunday, 37-27. The Rams haven’t made a playoff appearance since 2004 and haven’t enjoyed a winning season since ‘03.

Chicago Bears (6-10)

It’s been 10 years since the Bears lost at least 10 games, finishing 5-11 in 2004. The club is currently mired in a four-game losing streak and a loss at Minnesota on Sunday ensures Chicago of its first last-place finish since 2007.

Washington Redskins (4-11)

This team will finish last in the NFC East for the sixth time in seven seasons (while winning a division title in 2012). But Jay Gruden’s squad just got done spoiling the Philadelphia Eagles’ season last Saturday and would love to complete a sweep of the Dallas Cowboys this weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-13)

The last time the Bucs lost at least a baker’s dozen in a season was 2009 (3-13). Lovie Smith just watched his disappointing team fall to 0-7 at home this year courtesy of a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Tampa has not made a playoff appearance since 2007.

AFC Seeding Odds

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AFC No. 1 Seed

Clinched: New England Patriots

The Patriots have wrapped up home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

AFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Denver Broncos

Long Shot: Cincinnati Bengals

A win over the 3-12 Raiders on Sunday gives Denver the No. 2 seed in the conference. If the Broncos should stumble, a Cincinnati victory at Pittsburgh opens the door for Andy Dalton and Co.

Prediction: Broncos

AFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers

Long Shot: Denver Broncos

Winners of three straight games, the Steelers could be getting their act together at the right time—especially on the defensive side of the ball. Of course, Denver has to avoid an upset loss to the Raiders and hope Peyton Manning doesn’t have another subpar performance.

Prediction: Steelers

AFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: Indianapolis Colts

Long Shot: Cincinnati Bengals

Essentially, the Colts have wrapped up the No 4 seed in the AFC playoffs. While they lose out on a tie-breaker to the Steelers because of a head-to-head loss, they defeated Cincinnati earlier this year.

What's the catch? The Bengals and Steelers would have to tie on Sunday night and Indianapolis would have defeated Tennessee. The Colts 11-5 record would be the identical win-loss percentage to Cincinnati's 10-4-2 and Chuck Pagano's team would win the tie-breaker. Whew!

AFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Cincinnati Bengals

Long Shot: Baltimore Ravens

Obviously, the Bengals can still win the AFC North by beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. But that won’t be easy coming off a short week. The Ravens need a win and will be cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Prediction: Bengals

AFC No. 6 Seed

Best Shot: San Diego Chargers

Long Shot: Houston Texans

It is win and in for the Bolts, who have had their share of success at Arrowhead Stadium in recent seasons (5-2 since 2007). But the Chargers also lost to the Chiefs earlier this season at San Diego. Houston needs a win and some assistance.

Prediction: Chargers

NFC Seeding Odds

NFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: Seattle Seahawks

Long Shot: Dallas Cowboys

The defending Super Bowl champions need to defeat St. Louis in order to capture the top seed in the NFC for the second straight year. The Cowboys defeated the Seahawks earlier this season but two-team tiebreakers are different than three-way scenarios. Jerry Jones hopes his team beats the Redskins and then he will be looking for the typical Christmas present from the Lions and Packers—a tie.

Prediction: Seahawks

NFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Green Bay Packers

Long Shot: Arizona Cardinals

The NFC North title is on the line on Sunday at Lambeau Field, where the Packers haven’t loss all season. The Cardinals can grab a first-round bye in the playoffs with a victory and a Seahawks loss. Both could be very difficult to achieve this week.

Prediction: Packers

NFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Dallas Cowboys

Long Shot: Seattle Seahawks

The Cowboys need a win and a lot of help to grab one of the two top seeds in the NFC, hence they seemed destined for this slot. It is hard to imagine the Seahawks slipping all the way down to the third spot considering the way they are playing these days.

Prediction: Cowboys

NFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: Atlanta Falcons

Long Shot: Carolina Panthers

The winner here is the NFC South champion and the No. 4 seed in the conference. Why give Atlanta the edge? It is 5-0 against its divisional rivals in 2014 and has already beaten the Panthers this season.

Prediction: Falcons

NFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Arizona Cardinals

Long Shot: Seattle Seahawks

The Cardinals will make their first playoff appearance since 2009. But unless the Seahawks lose, they will be doing it on the road. Never say never, but the defending Super Bowl champions figure to avenge this season’s earlier loss at St. Louis.

Prediction: Cardinals

NFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Detroit Lions

Long Shot: Green Bay Packers

The Lions have to beat the Packers at Lambeau Field, something they haven’t done since 1991. Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked shaky last week despite the victory at Chicago. It is a tall order for head coach Jim Caldwell and his resourceful team.

Prediction: Lions

Week 17 Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

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Arizona (11-4) at San Francisco (7-8): The Cardinals can still grab the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win and some help. But they haven’t swept the 49ers since 2008.

Carolina (6-8-1) at Atlanta (6-9): It’s a winner-take-all tilt at the Georgia Dome. A victory by the visiting Panthers would make them the first team to win back-to-back NFC South titles.

Cleveland (7-8) at Baltimore (9-6): The Ravens still have playoff hopes despite last week’s disaster at Houston. We’ll get back to you on the Browns’ starting quarterback this week.

Dallas (11-4) at Washington (4-11): Tony Romo and Co. are still in position to grab a first-round bye, but that means holding off the Redskins, who won at Dallas earlier this year and played spoiler to the Eagles last week.

Detroit (11-4) at Green Bay (11-4): Including playoffs, the Lions have lost 23 straight road games to the Packers (20 at Lambeau Field, three at Milwaukee). Can their defense once again hold Aaron Rodgers and pals to seven points as they did in Week 3 at Detroit?

Indianapolis (10-5) at Tennessee (2-13): The Titans have lost nine straight games, but the Colts looked like the more inept team last week in their loss at Dallas. Indianapolis still has a chance of improving its playoff seeding with a win and some help.

Jacksonville (3-12) at Houston (8-7): The improved Texans still have playoff hopes, albeit slim. But stranger things have happened in Week 17. Kudos to first-time NFL head coach Bill O’Brien for a job well done this season.

Oakland (3-12) at Denver (11-4): Despite Monday night’s stumble at Cincinnati, the Broncos can wrap up a first-round bye with a win this Sunday. Denver has won six straight meetings in this rivalry.

St. Louis (6-9) at Seattle (11-4): Can the Rams possibly beat the defending champions for a second time in 2014? Two months ago at St. Louis (Week 7), St. Louis came away with 28-26 win. But the Seahawks can clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a victory.

San Diego (9-6) at Kansas City (8-7): A San Diego win and the Chargers are back in the playoffs for the second straight year. But they have already lost to the Chiefs once this season.

Cincinnati (10-4-1) at Pittsburgh (10-5): Both the Bengals and Steelers are headed to the playoffs. The winner of this Sunday night tilt is AFC North champion. Pittsburgh won at Cincinnati three weeks ago, 42-21.