NFL Playoff Picture: Ravens control own destiny after hectic Week 16
A rambunctious Week 16 saw more playoff spots clinched Sunday, though there's still plenty to be decided in the NFL playoff picture as the regular season heads into its final week.
The New Orleans Saints clinched the NFC's top seed Sunday with a hard-fought victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who dropped out of a playoff position in the AFC thanks to the loss.
The top seed in the AFC is still up for grabs, as the Kansas City Chiefs failed to clinch home-field advantage by falling to the Seattle Seahawks.
AFC
| Seed | Team | Division | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiefs (x) | West | 11-4 |
| 2 | Patriots (y) | East | 10-5 |
| 3 | Texans (x) | South | 10-5 |
| 4 | Ravens | North | 9-6 |
| 5 | Chargers (x) | West | 11-4 |
| 6 | Colts | South | 9-6 |
x = clinched playoff berth
y = clinched division title
z = clinched first-round bye
The Patriots, Texans, and Chargers all have a path to the No. 1 spot, but Kansas City remains in the driver's seat. The Texans need a win plus losses from the other three teams in Week 17 to get the top seed.
The Ravens control their own playoff destiny heading into the final week and can wrap up the AFC North with a victory over the Browns. The Steelers must win the division in order to enter the playoffs, and they'll need a win and a Ravens loss or tie in order to claim the North.
The Colts will face the Titans on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, where the winner will clinch a playoff berth. Both teams are still alive in the AFC South race, and can claim the division crown with a win plus a Texans loss.
In the hunt
| Seed | Team | Division | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Titans | South | 9-6 |
| 8 | Steelers | North | 8-6-1 |
NFC
| Seed | Team | Division | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saints (z) | South | 13-2 |
| 2 | Rams (y) | West | 12-3 |
| 3 | Bears (y) | North | 11-4 |
| 4 | Cowboys (y) | East | 9-6 |
| 5 | Seahawks (x) | West | 9-6 |
| 6 | Vikings | North | 8-6-1 |
x = clinched playoff berth
y = clinched division title
z = clinched first-round bye
All four divisions in the NFC have been decided, as the Cowboys locked up the East with a win Sunday. The Saints secured home-field advantage through the playoffs, but the second seed - and a bye through the first round of the postseason - is still available for the Rams or Bears.
The Seahawks secured a wild-card spot by beating the Chiefs on Sunday night, leaving one spot left for either the Vikings or the Eagles. Minnesota will be in with a win next week versus the Bears. The Eagles make the playoffs with a win over the Redskins and a Vikings loss.
In the hunt
| Seed | Team | Division | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Eagles | East | 8-7 |