NFC Playoff Picture 2017 Update: Scenarios For Packers, Lions, Redskins, Bucs Racing For Two Last Postseason Spots Before Week 17

While there could be some jostling in the AFC, every one of the conference’s six playoff berths has been claimed following Week 16. The same, however, can’t be said of the NFC. Two out of the NFC’s six playoff berths remain open as the NFL heads towards the final week of the regular season, Week 17.

Specifically, the Green Bay Packers (9-6) and Detroit Lions (9-6) will battle at Ford Field Sunday for the NFC North title and the corresponding top four playoff seed, while the Washington Redskins hope to secure one of the two vacant wild card berths. The New York Giants claimed one despite losing to Philadelphia last week.

The Washington Redskins, who are preparing to face the Giants Sunday, also have an opportunity to make the postseason and it’s much stronger than the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s slim chances. FiveThirtyEight blog estimates the Packers have a 70 percent chance to make the playoffs and 49 percent chances to win the NFC North. The Lions are listed at 71 percent and 51 percent, respectively, while the Redskins have a 58 percent chance and can only win a wild card spot.

The Bucs, who have dropped two straight after winning five in a row, have a less than 1 percent shot of returning to the playoffs since the 2007 season.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Green Bay, Detroit, Washington and Tampa Bay can advance to the playoffs.

Detroit Lions

Currently sitting behind Green Bay in the division and clinging to the last wild card spot, Detroit could’ve improve its chances in week 16 but were doubled up by Dallas 42-21 on the road Sunday. Still, the Lions can win the division and move as high as the No. 2 or No. 3 seed if they win or tie with the Packers. They would need Seattle and Atlanta to lose in order to move up higher than No. 4.

Green Bay Packers

Winners of five straight, the Packers also take the NFC North with a win but like the Lions can advance to the postseason if they tie. Thus, a highly unlikely tie between the two archrivals means both Green Bay and Detroit makes it.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs chances are measured down to decimals for a reason. They need a ton of help outside of their matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay needs to beat Carolina, then – for the NFL’s tiebreakers to fall its way – the Colts to defeat Jacksonville, the Lions to beat the Packers, the Titans to triumph over the Texans, the 49ers to win over the Seahawks, the Cowboys to defeat the Eagles and lastly for the Redskins to tie with the Giants.

Washington Redskins

Once again, the Redskins control their own destiny. Due to several tiebreakers, all the Redskins have to do is beat the Giants and they are in, no matter the outcome of Green Bay at Detroit.