NFL Playoff Scenarios: New England Patriots No. 1, How About the Rest?

It's Week 17 in the 2010 NFL regular season which means that the playoffs are right around the corner.

The New England Patriots are firmly in the driver's seat and have already clinched the number one seed in the AFC, but what about the rest of the teams that still have something to play for?

AFC

1. New England Patriots

The Pats have home field advantage throughout the postseason, as if they needed a competitive edge.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

There's a chance for them to slide to either five or six, but as long as they win this week, the Steelers will remain in the two slot.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

If they win, they remain at three. If they lose, and the Colts win, they slide to four. Either way, the Chiefs are actually in the playoffs.

4. Indianapolis Colts

There's a chance that they could miss the postseason all together, but as long as they win, they're guaranteed the four seed at the worst.

5. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens will be rooting for the Browns this week, because if they beat the Steelers and Baltimore takes down Cincinnati, it would mean a first round bye for Ray Rice and crew.

6. New York Jets

If the Ravens or Steelers lose, they'll slide up to number five. Either way, they'll be playing in the first round against either the Chiefs or Colts. 

NFC

1. Atlanta Falcons

If they beat the Panthers, they will receive the same royal treatment as the Patriots. The odds are in their favor.

2. Chicago Bears

They need a whole lot of help to propel to the top spot, but they most likely scenario has them at No. 2. 

3. Philadelphia Eagles

No matter what happens, the Eagles are locked into the three slot.

4. St. Louis Rams

Swap out the Rams for the Seahawks if they lose the head-to-head matchup, but Sam Bradford > Matt Hasselbeck.

5. New Orleans Saints

They can either be number one or number five, but with the Falcons lining up against the lowly Panthers, the Saints shouldn't get their hopes up too high. 

6. Green Bay Packers

This spot could belong to the Giants or even the Bucs, but if the Packers win, the spot belongs to them.