NFL Week 17 playoff scenarios, odds: Nine teams can reach postseason by winning out but some play each other
Here are the nine teams guaranteed playoff spots if they win their final two games (but all of them can't).
Entering NFL Week 17, there have been six playoff spots clinched: Kansas City in the AFC, and Green Bay, Dallas, the LA Rams, Tampa Bay and Arizona in the NFC. There of course are 14 total spots available and there are nine teams guaranteed no worse than a wild-card spot if they win out: Buffalo, Indianapolis, Tennessee, New England, Cincinnati, Miami and Las Vegas in the AFC and San Francisco and Philadelphia in the NFC. Here's a look at each team's remaining games and odds to make the playoffs.
Buffalo (off the board): Oddsmakers are so confident that the Bills will get in that you can't even bet on them. They control their destiny to win the AFC East and would clinch a playoff spot Sunday with a home win over Atlanta and Ravens loss to the Rams. Buffalo closes Week 18 vs. the Jets.
Indianapolis (off the board): Why can't you bet on the Colts right now? Because oddsmakers don't know if QB Carson Wentz will play Sunday vs. the Raiders after testing positive for COVID. Indy closes at Jacksonville.
Tennessee (off the board): Again, it's all but assumed the Titans will get in so they aren't a betting option. Tennessee hosts Miami this Sunday and closes at Houston.
New England (yes -1800/no +900): The Pats could clinch this week with a win over Jacksonville and some help and then close at Miami.
Cincinnati (yes -400/no +300): The Bengals control their destiny to win the AFC North and are in at worst as a wild-card team with a victory Sunday vs. Kansas City. Cincinnati closes in Cleveland.
Miami (no -400/yes +300): No team has ever started 1-7 and made the playoffs as the Fins are attempting. They are at Tennessee on Sunday and then close vs. New England.
Las Vegas (no -550/yes +375): The Raiders may catch a huge break Sunday at the Colts if Wentz can't play and then close at home vs. the Chargers.
San Francisco (yes -290/no +230): The Niners are in with a win Sunday vs. Houston (very likely) and Saints loss at home vs. Carolina (unlikely). San Francisco closes at the Rams.
Philadelphia (yes -250/no +195): The Eagles could clinch Sunday with a win at Washington but need a few other games to go their way. Philly closes at home vs. Dallas.Â
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