NFL Playoff Picture: Giants, Dolphins, Commanders Clinching Scenarios In Week 17

Five of the 14 spots in the NFL playoff picture are up for grabs in Week 17 of the 2022 season. There are scenarios for the three remaining wild-card berths to be clinched before the season finale.

The New York Giants and Washington Commanders control their own destiny for the final two NFC wild-card spots. In the AFC, the Miami Dolphins have a chance to clinch their place in the final playoff picture in Week 17.

How can the Giants, Commanders and Dolphins make the postseason Sunday?

For the Giants, it's simple. Win and they're in the postseason. New York hosts the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. No matter what happens around the league, the Giants would clinch a wild-card berth by beating the Colts.

A few scenarios exist for the Giants to lose and still clinch a playoff spot in Week 17. If three of the Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions or Green Bay Packers lose, New York is in the final playoff picture. Losses by just the Commanders and Seahawks would also do the trick.

The Commanders enter Week 17 as the final team in the NFC playoff picture. Seattle, Detroit and Green Bay are a half-game behind Washington. A Commanders' victory along with losses by all three of those contenders would get Washington into the playoffs.

Washington hosts the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.

The AFC playoff picture is even more unpredictable. Seven teams still have a mathematical chance to clinch the third and final wild-card spot, though Miami is in the driver's seat.

The Dolphins clinch a playoff spot in Week 17 if they win and the New York Jets lose. Miami is scheduled to visit the New England Patriots. The Jets are playing in Seattle.

The Patriots still control their own playoff destiny. New England is a game behind Miami and would take over the AFC's No. 7 seed with a win against the Dolphins. Miami might be forced to start Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback in Week 17 because Tua Tagovailoa is in concussion protocol.

The Dolphins beat the Patriots 20-7 in Week 1.

Miami looked to be well on its way to the playoffs, but the team enters Week 17 on a four-game losing streak. New England has lost four of its last five games.

The Jets are a game behind the Dolphins and also on a four-game losing streak.