01/02/26 04:26:00
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01/02 16:23 CST Final week of the NFL's regular season arrives with No. 1 seed
still undecided in AFC, NFC
Final week of the NFL's regular season arrives with No. 1 seed still undecided
in AFC, NFC
By The Associated Press
The NFL's regular season has reached its final weekend with plenty undecided in
terms of the playoff picture, including the No. 1 seed in both the AFC and NFC.
Here's what to watch over the next few days:
AFC Playoff Picture
The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars all have a
shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which includes a first-round bye and
home-field advantage through the playoffs.
The Broncos (13-3) have the clearest path --- if they beat the Los Angeles
Chargers (11-5) on Sunday, they'll earn the top seed. They could also sneak
into the top spot depending on the results for the Patriots and Jaguars.
The easiest way for the Patriots (13-3) to earn the top spot is to beat the
Miami Dolphins (7-9) on Sunday and hope the Broncos lose to the Chargers. There
are also a few unlikely scenarios --- including ties in Week 18 --- where they
could clinch.
The only way the Jaguars (12-4) will be the No. 1 seed is if they beat the
Tennessee Titans (3-13) on Sunday and the Broncos and Patriots both lose.
Jacksonville can also clinch the AFC South with a win.
The Houston Texans (11-5) are still in the mix for the AFC South if they can
beat the Indianapolis Colts (8-8) and the Jaguars lose.
The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) are fighting for the
AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot on Sunday. The Steelers need to
win or tie while the Ravens have to win.
NFC Playoff Picture
The Seattle Seahawks (13-3) face the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) on Saturday
night with the NFC's No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage on
the line. The Seahawks have to win or tie while the 49ers must win.
The Carolina Panthers (8-8) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) on Saturday for
the NFC South title and final NFC playoff spot. Carolina's easiest path is to
beat or tie the Bucs, but they could also sneak into the playoff field if they
lose and the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) beat the New Orleans Saints (6-11).
Tampa Bay must beat Carolina and then hope the Falcons lose or tie the Saints.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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