NFL Playoffs: Schedule Set With Exception Of NFC West

We’ve almost got an official NFL playoffs schedule.

With Week 17 wins by the Packers and Colts, only one playoff spot remains up for grabs, and it will be decided when the Rams and Seahawks clash in Seattle for the NFC West.

We won’t get that official NFL playoffs schedule until after that game is decided, but we can project the 2011 NFL playoffs schedule based on the standings as they are: the NFL playoff picture came into sharp focus just moments ago.

AFC Playoff Schedule

1. New England Patriots. AFC East champions. First round bye and home field advantage throughout AFC playoffs. Will host lowest seed remaining at Gillette Stadium in two weeks.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers. AFC North champions. First round bye. Will host highest seed remaining at Heinz Field in two weeks.

3. Indianapolis Colts. AFC South champions. Will host sixth seed Jets at Lucas Oil Field next week.

4. Kansas City Chiefs. AFC West champions. Will host fifth seed Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium next week.

5. Baltimore Ravens. AFC wild card team. Will play at fourth seed Chiefs next week.

6. New York Jets. AFC wild card team. Will play at third seed Colts next week.

NFC Playoff Schedule

1. Atlanta Falcons. NFC South champions. First round bye and home field advantage throughout NFC playoffs. Will host lowest seed remaining at Georgia Dome in two weeks.

2. Chicago Bears. NFC North champions. First round bye. Will host highest seed remaining at Soldier Field in two weeks.

3. Philadelphia Eagles. NFC East champions. Will host sixth seed Packers at Lincoln Financial Field next week.

4. St. Louis Rams. NFC West leader. Would earn fourth seed and win division with win over Seahawks; will be eliminated from playoff contention with loss. Would host Saints at Edward Jones Dome with win.

5. New Orleans Saints. NFC wild card team. Will play at fourth seed Rams or Seahawks next week.

6. Green Bay Packers. NFC wild card team. Will play at third seed Eagles next week.

Seattle Seahawks. Control their own destiny in NFC West. Would win division and earn fourth seed with win over Rams. Would host Saints at Qwest Field with win.