2 more weeks. That’s all that’s left of the NFL regular season this year. Along with the holidays, the NFL’s second-to-last week is likely going to sort out most of the playoff picture. After the matchups on Thursday, that includes almost the entire NFC field outside of the NFC South division winner. Most divisions still need some sorting out to do, but the playoff field itself could be a lot clearer based on a few results from this week.
Who Can Clinch a Spot this Week?
Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s pretty simple for Pittsburgh. Get a win. One win against the Browns and the AFC North is theirs. If they somehow lose this game, then the Ravens stay in the picture for the division. We could look to the wild card, but it looks like the division is the only way Pittsburgh gets into the playoffs. The Ravens catching them would likely be an elimination.
Houston Texans
The Texans can find a way in if they just take care of business against the Chargers. A win gets them into the playoffs. An Indianapolis loss also would get them into the playoffs. The Texans even have the luxury of grabbing a tie vs Los Angeles to get in. Although the one thing they can’t do is grab the division this week from the Jags.
Carolina Panthers
The NFC South should be pretty interesting this week. The Bucs are somewhat in control as well, which is weird for a team that is sitting in second. If Tampa wins, then nothing happens no matter what the Panthers do. If Tampa loses and Carolina wins, then the South goes to Carolina. The same thing goes if Carolina happens to tie the game.
Indianapolis Colts/Baltimore Ravens
Both teams are fighting for a spot, but both can’t get into the playoffs this week. They are in must-win mode and hope other teams lose to have a shot this year.
Bottom Line
The Packers would also be in a clinching spot this week, but the Detroit loss got them their spot already. Other than that, there is still plenty to sort out before Week 18. As of now, there are four teams fighting for two spots in the AFC. In the NFC, there are two teams fighting for one. Six teams fighting for their lives, it should be a great week to watch some football.
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