The NFL is in its final week of the season and we still have so many things to figure out. Like who will be the most valuable player, or who’s going to be rookie of the year, but most importantly which teams will make the playoffs.
Last season we were treated to the greatest Super Bowl comeback in NFL history as Tom Brady was able to lead the New England Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit to win it all. This season nine of the 12 teams have already secured a playoff spot, leaving three slots remaining. One in the NFC and two available spots in the AFC, so lets take a look at the teams fighting for a playoff berth.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Date: Sunday 12/31/17
Game Time: 4:25 PM
TV Channel: CBS
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens who have a 9-6 record are currently the fifth seed in the AFC and they come into week 17 controlling there own destiny. With a win at home against the Bengals, the Ravens would lock up the fifth seed in the playoffs. If they lose they can still have the sixth seed in the playoffs, if the Tennessee Titans win and the Buffalo Bills lose.
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Date: Sunday 12/31/17
Game Time: 4:25 PM
TV Channel: CBS
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville
The Titans (8-7) started off the season strong with third year quarterback Marcus Mariota. They were in a tight back and forth battle with the Jaguars for the AFC South title, but the Titans could not keep up losing their last three games. Now they come into this final week with the chance to win their way into the playoffs. If the Titans win their match-up they will secure the sixth seed in the AFC. But the “Sacksonville” Jaguars are the best defensive team in the league and wont be an easy task for the Titans, so even with a loss they can make the playoffs with a Bills loss and a Los Angeles Chargers loss.
Los Angeles Chargers & Buffalo Bills
Date: Sunday 12/31/17
Game Time: Chargers vs Raiders 4:25 PM, Bills vs Dolphins 4:25 PM
TV Channel: CBS
Location: Stubhub Center, Carson/ Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Two teams who are still in the hunt are the Los Angeles Chargers (8-7) and Buffalo Bills (8-7) but will both need some help to get in.
The Chargers take on the Oakland Raiders at 4:25 PM on CBS, if the Chargers can get a win they will need the Ravens to win and the Titans to lose to secure the sixth seed.
The Buffalo Bills take on the Miami Dolphins at 4:25 PM on CBS. The Bills will need to win in Miami and hope for a loss by the Titans and Chargers in order for Buffalo to secure the sixth seed.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
Date: Sunday 12/31/17
Game Time: 4:25 PM
TV Channel: FOX
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
The defending NFC Champions Atlanta Falcons (9-6) are having an up and down season coming off a devastating loss in the Super Bowl. With the loss of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan the Falcons offense has not looked as explosive as last season. With all that being said they still come into week 17 in control of their own fate. The Falcons take on division rival Carolina Panthers, if they can win they are in as the sixth seed in the NFC. If they lose they will need a Seattle loss to keep playoff hopes alive.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Sunday 12/31/17
Game Time: 4:25 PM
TV Channel: FOX
Location: Century Link Field, Seattle
The Seahawks have had an interesting last few weeks of the season. Players almost going into the stands to fight fans, and some in house fighting between to key players on the defense (Earl Thomas & Bobby Wagner). But somehow they find themselves still in the position of possibly making the playoffs. They will need to defeat division rival Cardinals and hope for a Atlanta Falcons loss. Due to a head to head loss to the Falcons, if the Seahawks lose their season will be over.
Note: All teams fighting for a playoff spot will have the extra advantage of playing in front of their home fans except for the Buffalo Bills who will have to win on the road.
