Week 17 began on Christmas Day with two big AFC games featuring four playoff teams. Thursday night also saw a team with playoff potential keep pace in the NFC. Saturday's three games featured four playoff contenders. I'm really looking forward to Sunday's game even before it starts.
On Christmas Day, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Steelers and clinched the No. 1 seed. With the Baltimore Ravens winning and the Steelers losing, Baltimore moved into first place in the AFC North and third in the conference. On the other hand, the Houston Texans' loss confirmed them as the 4th seed.
On Thursday, the Seahawks were tied with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West. Let's see how the Rams game goes on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Chargers punched the ticket Saturday afternoon, further cementing Jim Harbaugh as one of the best turnaround coaches in football.
More action over the weekend could further impact the standings, so here's all the information you need.
Week 17 AFC Standings
1.z-kansas city chiefs (15-1)
2.y-buffalo bills (12-3)
3.×-baltimore ravens (11-5)
4.y-houston texans (9-7)
5.×-pittsburgh steelers (10-6, victory over LAC)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, win against DEN, lose against PIT)*
7. denver broncos (9-6, lost to Los Angeles)*
8. indianapolis colts (7-8, 6-5 AFC wins over MIA)*
9. miami dolphins (7-8, 5-5 AFC, lost to IND)*
10. cincinnati bengals (7-8, 4-6 AFC)*
11. new york jets (4-11) — Eliminated
12. cleveland browns (3-12, 3-7 AFC. Victory over JAX) — Lost
13. jacksonville jaguars (3-12, won against TEN, lost 3-7 AFC, CLE) — Lost
14. tennessee titans (3-12, 3-7 AFC) — Lost
15. las vegas raiders (3-12, 3-8) — Eliminated
16. New England Patriots (3-13) — Lost
Week 17 NFC Standings
1.×-detroit lions (13-2, win over MIN, 9-1 NFC)
2.×-philadelphia eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6, win over SEA, 5-5 NFC)
4. atlanta falcons (8-7, victory over TB)
5.×-minnesota vikings (13-2, lost to DET)
6.×-green bay packers (11-4)
7. commander of washington (10-5)
8. seattle seahawks (9-7)
9. tampa bay buccaneers (8-7, lost to ATL)
10. dallas cowboys (7-8, 5-5 NFC) — Lost
11. arizona cardinals (7-8, 3-6 NFC) — Lost
12. san francisco 49ers (6-9, win over DAL) — Eliminated
13. new orleans saints (5-10) — Eliminated
14. chicago bears (4-11, win over CAR) — Eliminated
15. carolina panthers (4-11, lost to CHI) — Eliminated
16. new york giants (2-13) — Eliminated
Teams marked with an asterisk
excluded from division competition
Teams marked with (x) have qualified for the playoffs
The team marked with (y) won the division
Teams marked with a (z) received the 1 seed, home-field advantage, and a first-round bye.
Playoff key takeaways from Week 17
Kansas City Chiefs earn AFC No. 1 seed and home-field advantage
On Christmas Day, the Chiefs won their 15th game of the year, clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC. There were many close calls and only one loss (against the 2nd place Bills), but it was enough to achieve their goal of advancing to the AFC playoffs via Arrowhead.
Baltimore Ravens defeat Steelers and beat Texans in AFC North
The Steelers have lost three straight games against the division's top opponents for three years in a row, so it's nothing to be ashamed of. However, they remain in first place in the AFC North division by the Ravens, who have won three straight games. If the Ravens win in Week 18, the district title will be clinched.
Houston Texans lose to Ravens, clinching 4th seed
The Texans have lost their last two games. They have lost five of their last eight games. They're in a bit of a corner. But fortunately for them, the AFC South is in shambles. They already won the district title there and can't move up or down from fourth place.
Seattle Seahawks keep pace in NFC West with strange win Thursday night
On Thursday night, Seattle defeated the Bears 6-3 in an ugly, ugly NFL game. Still, they have a chance to win the district in Week 18, but they will need a little help Saturday and Sunday.
Which NFL teams have already qualified for the playoffs?
- The Kansas City Chiefs won 11 games in Week 13, becoming the first NFL team to qualify for the playoffs. The Buffalo Bills won the AFC East last Sunday night, securing a berth in a home playoff game. The Lions secured a playoff spot with Thursday night's win, and were joined by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Houston Texans won the AFC South in Week 15, and the Minnesota Vikings clinched a spot before even playing in Week 15. Despite the loss, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a playoff spot in Week 15. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday in Week 16 to join them.
- kansas city chiefs
- buffalo bills
- detroit lions
- philadelphia eagles
- minnesota vikings
- houston texans
- baltimore ravens
- green bay packers
Los Angeles Chargers
Which NFL team was eliminated from the playoffs?
- In Week 13, the Giants became the first team this season to be officially eliminated from the playoff race. On Black Friday, the Raiders joined them with their 10th loss of the season and were also eliminated. On Sunday, the Patriots were also eliminated with a loss, and the Chargers and Texans won. The Broncos' win on Monday night eliminated the Jaguars from the playoffs. The Browns were added to the list in Week 14. The Week 15 elimination group includes the Bears and Panthers.
- new york giants
- new england patriots
- jacksonville jaguars
- las vegas raiders
- tennessee titans
- cleveland browns
- new york jets
- chicago bears
- carolina panthers
- dallas cowboys
- arizona cardinals
- san francisco 49ers
new orleans saints
