NFL Playoffs 2016: Known AFC, NFC Schedule and Updated Bracket Scenarios

The NFL playoffs are almost here. 

After next Sunday, we'll have a better idea of who plays where and when. Nothing has been set in stone as far as location and time yet. There are a few games that need to be completed before everything's official, like the NFC North title game and a few AFC games with playoff implications.

Here's some info that you need to know.

Wild Card Round Schedule 

Saturday, Jan. 9

TV: NBC, CBS or Fox

Game 1: NFC vs. NFC 

Game 2: AFC vs. AFC 

Sunday, Jan. 10

TV: CBS or Fox

Game 3: AFC vs. AFC 

Game 4: NFC vs. NFC 

Dates from CBS Sports.

Updated Bracket Scenarios 

NFC 

No. 1 seed: Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals

If the Panthers defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, Carolina will officially clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed. Should the Panthers lose, an Arizona win over Seattle will give the Cardinals home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Seahawks-Cardinals result will put the two-time defending NFC champions in a road game at Minnesota or Washington. Arizona has a reason to not rest anyone heading into this game, as does Seattle.

NFC North: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (8:30 p.m. ET, NBC)

It's simple. The winner of this game wins the NFC North and clinches the No. 3 seed. The loser will be playing a road game in Landover, Maryland, against the Washington Redskins. However, a rematch at Lambeau Field would occur if the Vikings lose and the Seahawks win.

AFC 

No. 1 Seed

New England Patriots: The Patriots need a win against the Miami Dolphins to clinch the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Denver Broncos: Denver's big-time win over the Cincinnati Bengals means the Broncos can clinch a first-round bye, and the AFC West title, with a win over the San Diego Chargers. If the Broncos win and New England loses, then the road to Super Bowl 50 will go through Denver.

AFC West: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were hoping to get some help from the Bengals so they could move into a first-place tie in the AFC West. But thanks to Denver's win, beating the Chargers means the Broncos will clinch the division.

Kansas City has a home game against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17, and they need a win and a Denver loss to clinch the No. 3 seed. If Denver loses, then the Bengals would need a win over the Baltimore Ravens to clinch a first-round bye.

Final Wild-Card Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets

The Broncos' win Monday night means Denver is officially in the playoffs. Only one spot remains, and if the New York Jets defeat the Buffalo Bills, the Jets are in.

Pittsburgh needs a win over the Cleveland Browns and a Jets loss to clinch the No. 6 seed. A Steelers win would provide a rubber match with the Bengals should Cincinnati not clinch the No. 2 seed.