Heading into Sunday of the NFL’s Week 17, the playoff picture was coming into fuller, if still fuzzy, view. There was only one playoff spot available in each conference, by virtue of the AFC North and NFC South divisional titles still being up for grabs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could have clinched their postseason berth on Sunday with a win over the Cleveland Browns. (Their first chance to do so came on Saturday night, but it was foiled by the Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Green Bay Packers, which also allowed the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North.)
However, the Browns eked out a 13-6 win over the Steelers in the early slate. Thus, the AFC North crown will be decided in Week 18 in a division showdown between the Steelers and the Ravens.
The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, could have locked up the NFC South with a win over the Seattle Seahawks. When Carolina wasn’t able to get it done, falling 27-10, it set up a head-to-head, winner-take-all clash in Week 18 between the division rivals.
Seattle’s win wasn’t yet enough to clinch the NFC West. They’ll need help from the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons to do so this week.
This is where the NFL playoff picture stands as of the conclusion of Sunday’s early slate. Be sure to check back for updates after the late afternoon games and Sunday Night Football.
In primetime on Sunday night, the Bears look to keep their chances of securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed alive, while the 49ers fight to stay alive in the race for the NFC West crown.
