NFL Playoff Picture Week 17: Scenarios for AFC and NFC 2015 Postseason Matchups

Now that the Cincinnati Bengals took down the Denver Broncos on the Week 16 edition of Monday Night Football, a clear picture of how the postseason looks going into Week 17 is available.

Things are pretty cut-and-dried, really. Either the Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons out of the NFC South will get in on that side. The AFC North continues to have three teams alive, while distant hopefuls such as the Houston Texans can play the spoiler.

The potential matchups that rest within the postseason bracket thanks to a wealth of scenarios are where things get interesting.

A look at said bracket and scenarios rests below, while some of the best potential matchups reside after the jump.

NFL Playoff Picture and Conference Scenarios

All playoff scenarios courtesy of CBSSports.com and ESPN.com and current as of December 23 at 12 a.m. ET. 

Top Potential AFC and NFC Postseason Matchups

Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys

Talk about a way to start the postseason with a bang.

As things align now, the Arizona Cardinals are on the downtrend in the seed department thanks to a 35-6 shellacking at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. Ryan Lindley threw for 216 yards and an interception, while coach Bruce Arians elected to run the ball just 15 times.

The Cardinals remain as dangerous as ever, though. Starter Drew Stanton figures to have a strong chance to play in the Wild Card considering he was a candidate to act as the backup in the loss to Seattle.

Keep in mind that this is the Arizona team that went to Dallas in Week 9 and delivered a 28-17 whipping to the Cowboys. Granted, Carson Palmer was the starter under center, but the defense that held DeMarco Murray to 79 yards on 19 carries continues to play at a high level.

All of the variables are what makes this rematch so enticing. Tony Romo was not under center for the Cowboys in Week 9, either. He is back and healthy now, though, if four touchdowns to no picks last week in a 42-7 win over Indianapolis is any indication.

Coach Jason Garrett seems pleased with how his healthy starter looks as of late, per The Associated Press, via ESPN.com: "I think the way he's played this year, the way great quarterbacks in this league have played for a long time, that's how Troy [Aikman] played. We ran the ball really, really well, controlled the line of scrimmage. And when Tony had opportunities today, and really throughout the year, he cashed in on them."

In what amounts to a classic war of wills due to opposing strengths, this hypothetical matchup would provide one of the better affairs the postseason has to offer right now.

San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

AJ Mast/Associated Press

Revenge is always a great narrative to surround a postseason game. 

The shoe certainly fits for this one, as the Bengals would love nothing more than another shot at Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

Think back to the playoffs last year, when the Chargers hit the road to Paul Brown Stadium and took down the Bengals, 27-10.

That result is one of the reasons most do not trust Andy Dalton and Co. in meaningful games. The Bengals continue to work hard to shed this stereotype, though, as the aforementioned Week 16 win over the Broncos shows.

The 37-28 result saw the Bengals overcome early adversity and a third frame that favored the Broncos in 21-7 fashion. Rookie back Jeremy Hill, who gained 147 yards and a score on 22 carries, continues to be one of the league's budding must-see attractions.

San Diego is currently in a season-saving mood, too. Down 21 points at halftime, Rivers threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns in an eventual 38-35 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers.

This hypothetical battle features a top-10 passing attack against a rushing attack that ranks in the same area. That is an absolute winner for all observers, with quite an intriguing storyline to boot.