NFL Playoff Hopes and Dreams on the Line in Week 17

14 Teams Remain in Playoff Hunt as Regular Season Nears End

With just one week remaining in the regular season, 14 teams remain in contention for a spot in the NFL playoffs. The scenarios are complex, but each team has a chance to earn a berth with a win and some help from other teams.

AFC Playoff Picture

In the AFC, the top three seeds are all but locked up, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals all having clinched division titles.

The fourth and final playoff spot is up for grabs, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins all in contention.

NFC Playoff Picture

The NFC is even more wide open, with just the Philadelphia Eagles having clinched a division title.

The Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all in contention for the top seed, while the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Seattle Seahawks are all in the mix for the final three playoff spots.

Key Week 17 Matchups

There are several key matchups in Week 17 that will have a major impact on the playoff picture.

• Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
• New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks
• Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
• Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
• Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
• San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
• Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders

Playoff Implications

The outcomes of these games will determine which teams make the playoffs and which teams are left out.

A win by the Jaguars would clinch a playoff berth, while a loss would open the door for the Jets, Steelers, or Dolphins to earn the final spot.

A win by the Jets would put them in control of their own destiny, while a loss would likely eliminate them from playoff contention.

A win by the Steelers would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss would likely eliminate them from playoff contention.

A win by the Dolphins would give them a chance to earn a playoff berth, while a loss would likely eliminate them from playoff contention.

A win by the Vikings would clinch the NFC North and give them a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

A win by the 49ers would keep them in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

A win by the Buccaneers would keep them in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

A win by the Cowboys would keep them in contention for the NFC East title.