As the NFL playoffs grow closer, many teams are starting to prepare for the post season. After an exciting Week 16, everything is falling into place as to which teams are moving on to compete for the title of 2014 Super Bowl Champs. However, Week 17 still contains some seriously meaningful matchups due to the fact that there are still a number of undecided spots up for grabs!
Here are the current standings as the final week of the season progresses.
| NFC Seed | NFC Team |
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 2 | Carolina Panthers |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 4 | Chicago Bears |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 6 | New Orleans Saints |
| AFC Seed | AFC Team |
| 1 | Denver Broncos |
| 2 | New England Patriots |
| 3 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 4 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 5 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 6 | Miami Dolphins |
This year, there has been some confusion as to how the playoffs are going to pan out. At this point, there are several scenarios that could occur. Here is a projected schedule for each of the matchups according to NFL.com.
AFC Wild Card Matchups, Jan. 4-5
No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs No. 4 Indianapolis Colts
Regardless as to what happens in Week 17, the Kansas City Chiefs are resting easy knowing that they have a guaranteed spot in the playoffs at the No. 5 spot. The Colts have made their mark on the AFC South keeping their No. 4 spot in place.
No. 6 Miami Dolphins at No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have dominated the AFC North and secured their No. 3 spot. In contrast, the Miami Dolphins are barley hanging on to a final spot due to their 19-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the race to the playoffs.
NFC Wild Card Game – Jan 4-5
No. 5 San Francisco 49ers at No. 4 Chicago Bears
The 49ers are still scheduled to play their last game against the Atlanta Falcons; however, the Falcons have been seeing issues that are predicted to keep them from a victory, leaving the 49ers in a good position to move forward to the playoffs.
The Bears on the other hand, are still feeling the sting of a serious beat-down from the Philly Eagles however; they are still clinging to a slim lead thanks to the Green Bay Packers loss to the Steelers.
No. 6 New Orleans Saints at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles
After an unexpected loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Saints find themselves in an uneasy position as they struggle to secure their spot in the playoffs. The Eagles will pose a threat to the Saints post-season life as they fight to move on.
Divisional Matchups, Jan. 11-12
Highest Winning Seed from AFC Wildcard Games at No. 2 New England Patriots
The Patriots are sitting pretty with their win over the Ravens in Week 16. They will end their season with a home game against the Bills. They will also get have a first-round bye.
Lowest Winning Seed from AFC Wildcard Games at No. 1 Denver Broncos
The Broncos remained dominant the entire season beating out the Houston Texans to hang on to their No. 1 conference seed. They should have no problem maintaining home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Highest Winning Seed from NFC Wildcard Games at No. 2 Carolina Panthers
Thanks to a significant win against the Saints, the Panthers have gone from the fifth seed to a first-round bye. As long as they keep their division, they will get to miss out on the first round of games.
Lowest Winning Seed from NFC Wildcard Games at No. 1 Seattle Seahawks
Aside from losing to the Cardinals in Week 16, Seattle is looking at a spot in the playoffs. In contrast, the Seahawks face danger when in comes to the postseason as they face the St. Louis Rams this week.
This postseason is sure to keep fans on their toes as each game plays out. As the season comes to an end it is safe to say that this 2014 playoff season is sure to be worth watching!