Even without knowing the result of the Packers-Vikings showdown on Monday Night Football in Week 16, we do know that 11 games will have some form of playoff implications in Week 17. That’ not bad for the NFL when in reality every playoff spot except two is locked up.
Green Bay Packers v. Detroit Lions
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Packers could be playing this game for the top seed in the NFC if they can figure out a way to beat the Vikings in Minnesota. The Lions don’t have much to play for and may want to lose for better draft seeding. This game could mean Green Bay ends up with anywhere between the one seed and the three seed.
Miami Dolphins v. New England Patriots
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Bills don’t make the list as they are essentially locked into their spot at the No. 5 seed, but the Patriots certainly are on the games that matter radar. New England needs to win to ensure they get the second seed in the playoffs. That’s kind of important for New England seeing they haven’t won a Super Bowl without a bye.
Chicago Bears v. Minnesota Vikings
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Vikings will be playing this game and will try and decide whether they want the five seed or the six seed. Here’s a hint: they want to play the four seed which will be either Philadelphia or Dallas.
Los Angeles Chargers v. Kansas City Chiefs
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Chiefs need a win and a Patriots’ loss to get to the two seed. They do not want to lose this game either. If Kansas City loses and Houston wins, the Texans will be the three seed and the Chiefs will be the four seed. That means the chance of facing Baltimore earlier in the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints v. Carolina Panthers
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Saints could end up anywhere from the top seed in the NFC to the three seed and no bye depending on how Week 17 plays out. They need a win to have any shot at the bye and No. 1 seed.
Philadelphia Eagles v. New York Giants
4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
This is pretty simple for Philadelphia. Win and they are in with the four seed. Lose to the Giants — a team that should be looking to improve its draft position — and the Cowboys win as long as Dallas beats the Redskins.
Pittsburgh Steelers v. Baltimore Ravens
4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
The Steelers need a win against the Ravens — which is possible since Baltimore has the top-seed and may rest their players — and a loss by the Titans. That’s also possible. The 9-7 six seed is in sight. It’s not crazy to think the Steelers can make this happen.
Tennessee Titans v. Houston Texans
4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
Here’s what the Titans need to hope for in Week 17. If the Chiefs win in the early game it means the Texans are locked into the fourth seed. There’s no way the Texans will play their starters the whole game if there’s nothing to play for. Plus, maybe the Texans want the Titans to get into the playoffs since they will be a tough matchup for the Chiefs and potentially the Ravens. A Titans win would eliminate the Steelers and Raiders.
Oakland Raiders v. Denver Broncos
4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
The Raiders need a win against Denver and losses by the Titans and Steelers. It’s possible.
Dallas Cowboys v. Washington Redskins
4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
The Cowboys make the playoffs with a win and an Eagles loss to the Giants. The question is whether Cowboys fans want the team to make the playoffs because that could mean more Jason Garrett in their lives. Just imagine an 8-8 Cowboys team making it to the NFC divisional round game and keeping Garrett.
San Francisco 49ers v. Seattle Seahawks
8:20 p.m. ET / 5:20 p.m. PT
The Niners look for revenge against a banged-up Seattle team that just needs to figure out what it will look like when it gets to the playoffs. They don’t have any running backs anymore so a full-time Russell Wilson passing attack may be necessary. A Niners win gets them a bye.
