NFL Playoff Picture: Scenarios And Implications Of Week 17’s Early Games

Here’s what’s at stake in the NFL playoff picture in the 1 p.m. Eastern window for today’s Week 17 games.

Panthers at Falcons. Falcons can clinch No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with win against NFL’s worst team. Far less likely scenario: Falcons lose, creating opportunities for Saints to win NFC South and earn home field advantage and/or for Bears to earn No. 1 seed.

Steelers at Browns. Steelers can win AFC North and earn first round bye with victory. With loss, Steelers could fall to fifth or sixth seed in AFC.

Vikings at Lions. No playoff implications.

Raiders at Chiefs. Chiefs have already clinched AFC West and playoff berth, but can lock up No. 3 seed in AFC with win. With loss, Chiefs likely to earn No. 4 seed.

Dolphins at Patriots. Patriots have already clinched home field advantage throughout AFC playoffs. Best implication of this game for either team? A Dolphins win would make Miami 1-7 at home and 7-1 on the road in 2010.

Buccaneers at Saints. Saints can clinch No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with win and Falcons loss. Bucs need win to stay in playoff contention, but only playoff scenario requires Packers and Giants losses.

Bills at Jets. Jets can earn fifth seed with win and Steelers loss. No playoff implications for Bills.

Bengals at Ravens. Ravens have clinched no less than fifth seed, but can move up to the No. 2 seed and a first round bye with a win and a Steelers loss.