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The NFL’s 2nd, sudden-death season is set to start on Saturday.
Entering Week 17, 10 teams had already clinched a playoff spot — New England, Denver, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Detroit, Dallas, Green Bay and Arizona. Six teams — San Diego, Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, Carolina and Atlanta — were vying for the NFL’s final two playoff spots, one in each conference.
The NFL’s playoff format gives the top two seeds in each conference bye weeks. The remaining teams are then matched up 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5.
AFC
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The Division Leaders:
1. New England Patriots — 12-4 — Clinched home-field advantage in the AFC
2. Denver Broncos — 11-4 — Clinched AFC West, Clinch 1st-round bye with win vs. OAK
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 10-4-1 — Clinched playoff berth, Clinch AFC North and No. 3 seed with W vs. PIT, Can clinch 1st-round bye with W and DEN loss
4. Indianapolis Colts — 11-5 — Clinched AFC South, Clinched No. 4 seed
The Wild Card Contenders:
5. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10-5 — Clinched playoff berth, Clinch AFC North and No. 3 seed with win vs. CIN
6. Baltimore Ravens — 10-6 — Clinched playoff berth and No. 6 seed
Notes:
– The Steelers have clinched at least the No. 5 seed. Tonight’s Cincinnati/Pittsburgh game will determine the No. 3 and No. 5 seeds.
NFC
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The Division Leaders:
1. Dallas Cowboys — 12-4 — Clinched NFC East, Clinch 1st-round bye with SEA loss, Clinch No. 1 seed with SEA loss and GB/DET Tie
2. Seattle Seahawks — 11-4 — Clinched playoff berth, Clinch NFC West with win vs. STL, clinch home-field advantage with W and DET loss
3. Detroit Lions — 11-4 — Clinched playoff berth, Clinch NFC North with win vs. GB, clinch home-field advantage with win and SEA loss
4. Carolina Panthers — 7-8-1 — Clinched NFC South and No. 4 seed.
The Wild Card Contenders:
5. Green Bay Packers — 11-4 — Clinched playoff berth, Can clinch NFC North with win vs. DET
6. Arizona Cardinals — 11-4 — Clinched playoff berth, Can clinch NFC West with win vs. SF and SEA loss
Notes:
The Panthers are just the 2nd sub .500 division winner in the modern era (2010 Seattle Seahawks, 7-9).
