Playoff-Clinching Scenarios Week 17
Using the NFL.com official projections, the following teams have clinched playoff #1 seed, divisions or berths: Chiefs (#1 Seed and AFC West), Packers (NFC North), Bills (AFC East), Steelers (AFC North) Saints (NFC South), Seahawks (NFC West), and Buccaneers (berth). These 32 Seeder points (AFC #1 seed, 6 divisions and 7 playoff berths) are off the table (of the 52 maximum).
For the Seeders Cup, we review only Win scenarios that earn Seeders points (not tie or loss), but Analysts can earn Seeders points if a Pick backs into a playoff seed in a lame Trifecta. As the final week of the season, the tie/lose scenarios are more likely, so we recommend that all Analysts review the complete scenarios in the link above.
This week is sorted by Seeder Point bonus and prioritizes teams that control their own destinies with a Win. A plus (+) indicates two or more outcomes must happen while an “OR” separate two or more possibilities.
NFC #1 Seed (+7 points)
Packers clinch first-round bye with Win
Saints clinch first-round bye with Win + Packers loss + Seahawks win
Seahawks clinch first-round bye with Win + Packers loss + Saints loss/tie
AFC South (+3 points)
Titans clinch AFC South with Win
Colts clinch AFC South with Win + Titans loss/tie
NFC East (+3 points)
Football Team clinch NFC East with Win (not on Slate of Games)
Cowboys clinch NFC East with Win + Football Team loss/tie
Giants clinch NFC East with Win + Football Team loss/tie
NFC Wildcard (+1 points) – Two Open Seeds
Bears clinch playoff berth with Win
Cardinals clinch playoff berth with Win (v. Rams)
Rams clinch playoff berth with Win (v. Cardinals)
NFC Wildcard (+1 points) – Three Open Seeds
Browns clinch playoff berth with Win
Dolphins clinch playoff berth with Win
Ravens clinch playoff berth with Win (not on Slate of Games)
Colts clinch playoff berth with Win + Ravens loss/tie OR Win + Browns loss/tie OR Win + Dolphins loss/tie
NOTE: Titans also eligible for one of three wildcard spots with a loss or tie.
