NFL Playoff Scenarios: What Can Still Change in the Final Week

This is what fans of the NFL hope for every season.

A final week where the games actually matter. Some teams are fighting for a playoff spot, while others are trying to cement a bye week for their first game.

So with plenty of key games to tune into, what are the possible scenarios for the playoffs? 

Jacksonville Jaguars

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts a pass during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Image

Incredibly the Jaguars are the only AFC team still in contention without a current playoff spot.

And they'll need some help.

The only team they can take out is the Indianapolis Colts, which means a Colts loss must occur, coupled with a Jaguars victory. 

If the Jaguars are playoff worthy then they SHOULD beat a struggling Houston Texans squad on the road. 

But the chances that a Tennessee Titans squad that just lost by 20 points to the Kansas City Chiefs knock off the Colts? Well, they are slim to none in my book.

Sorry Jags. There is always next year.

Seattle Vs. St. Louis

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to throw a pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams

The only way this game could be more exciting is if two good teams were playing.

Was that too mean? Sorry.

This a playoff game in Week 17, and those are always fun to watch.

It's pretty simple for both teams, win and you're in, lose and watch the playoffs from the front row seat in your home.

The game is going to be played in Seattle. The Seahawks are in the midst of a three game losing streak, while the Rams are coming off a victory over the 49ers.

My bet is on the Rams. They are going to be good for years to come with Sam Bradford. I'm not as hopeful for the Seahawks. 

Tampa Bay Bucs

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Would you believe that there is more than one way the Bucs can make the playoffs? 

Neither can I. Even though none are particularly promising.

Scenario one: The Saints lose to the Falcons on Monday night (OK that's fairly possible), and the Bucs beat New Orleans the following week (getting less likely). Then on top of that either the Packers must lose to the Bears or the Giants must lose to the Redskins for the Bucs to make it. I'm giving that all a 10 percent likelihood. 

Scenaro two: If you thought the first one was bad, this one doesn't look any better. The only real difference is that this scenario has the Saints winning Monday night. That means the Bucs still need to beat the Saints next week, but BOTH the Packers and Giants must lose. 

Not looking good Bucs fans, but I'm pulling for you.

New York Giants

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Despite the Giants second awful collapse in two seasons, they still have a decent shot at making the playoffs.

They must beat the Washington Redskins, which without Donovan McNabb should be easy, and hope that the Chicago Bears defeat the Green Bay Packers, which could happen.

The cause for concern is that the Bears have already clinched their playoff spot, and could play a lax game against the Packers. However, given their divisional rivalry, that is unlikely. 

With Aaron Rodgers back, the Pack looked dominant against the Giants though.

The Giants could have locked up a spot the last two weeks, but they floundered. At this point in the season you don't want to be wishing for things to fall your way, you want to control your own destiny. 

Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers rolls out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

For the Packers it's simple.

Win against the Bears, and they're in.

The game will be played at Lambeau, and excluding unforeseen circumstances, Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback.

This game should go to the Pack, considering how much it looked like they wanted it against the Giants on Sunday.

Losses to the Lions and Dolphins look brutal at this point as victories in either of those games would have the Pack already in.

However, even if they do lose, losses by the Bucs and Giants would also get them in. 

New Orleans Saints

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry F

For the defending Super Bowl Champions what the Saints have to do to make the playoffs sounds easy.

But it may not be. 

The Saints have to win just one of their final two games, but the first is a road game against Atlanta, who is arguably the best team in the NFL.

The second is against a gritty Tampa Bay team fighting for a playoff appearance.

Neither game will be a Brees, but if they want a shot to defend their title, they will at least beat the Bucs at home.

New England Patriots

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on in a match against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Get

The Patriots can rest whoever they want.

They have clinched a first round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. 

Congrats. 

Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers laughs on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Steelers clinch a first round bye with a win on the road against the Browns.

That really should happen.

Even if it doesn't, a Baltimore Ravens loss to Cincinnati would also give them a bye.

Conversely, the Ravens need the Browns to pull off a miracle against the Steelers, and need to beat the Bengals to get a first round bye.

Both teams have already clinched playoff spots. 

Indianapolis Colts

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

A win against Tennessee won't even give the Colts a shot at a bye.

But it will get them into the playoffs.

I would highly suggest winning. 

New York Jets

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears hits Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Jets have clinched a playoff spot, but are pretty much relegated to the bottom of the bracket.

A win coupled with a shocking Steelers lost would move them from the No. 6 to the No. 5 spot. 

Frankly, whichever scenario matches them up with the Chiefs is the one they want. 

If Kansas City wins against Oakland, the Jets would be better off staying No. 6.

Kansas City

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

If the Chiefs defeat Oakland, which they should, then they will be the No. 3 seed in the AFC.

However, if they lose, and Indianapolis wins, they would become the No. 4 seed.

If the Chiefs lose, but the Jaguars make it over the colts, then they still remain the No. 3 seed.

Atlanta Falcons

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs a pass route against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

A win against either the Saints or Carolina Panthers gives the Falcons a bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

Does anybody doubt that even the Falcons second string could beat the Panthers?

Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brad Maynard #4 of the Chicago Bears punts the ball against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

If the Chicago Bears beat Green Bay they will clinch a bye.

If they lose, and Philadelphia beats Minnesota and Dallas, the Eagles get a bye.

If the Eagles lose either of their final two games, then the Bears get a bye.

Got it all figured out? I know my head is swirling.