NFL playoff picture 2021 – Week 17 standings, bracket, clinching scenarios, division races and postseason outlook

We have reached the time of the NFL season when we watch the game in front of us with one eye and the scoreboard with the other. Sunday began with six of the NFL’s 14 playoff spots filled. Nine other teams had a chance to clinch one of the eight remaining spots. (Some of their scenarios canceled out others. You know how it is: Math can be complicated.)

As it turned out, four teams clinched playoff spots in the early games, including two that claimed their division championships. The Bengals won the AFC North, and the Titans captured the AFC South. There were no such dramatic moments in the late afternoon games, but Sunday night’s game at Lambeau Field could be noteworthy. With a win over the Vikings, the Packers can clinch the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In that outcome, the Vikings would be eliminated and the Eagles would secure a spot in the playoffs.

We will update this story at the conclusion of Sunday Night Football. For now, here’s what we know at this moment.

Note: All percentage chances to make the playoffs, clinch a division title or secure the conference No. 1 seed are via ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI).

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Clinching scenarios

AFC playoff standings

Chances to make playoffs: Clinched
Chances to win division: Clinched
Chances to earn No. 1 seed: 79%
Remaining schedule: at Texans

Chances to make playoffs: Clinched
Chances to win division: Clinched
Chances to earn No. 1 seed: 16%
Current projected first-round matchup: vs. Chargers
Remaining schedule: at Broncos

Chances to make playoffs: Clinched
Chances to win division: Clinched
Chances to earn No. 1 seed: 5%
Current projected first-round matchup: vs. Colts
Remaining schedule: at Browns

Chances to make playoffs: Clinched
Chances to win division: 94%
Chances to earn No. 1 seed: Eliminated
Current projected first-round matchup: vs. Patriots
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets

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