NFL Playoffs Overview in the AFC for Week 17 – 2021

Week 16 brought the first certainty about the NFL playoff scenarios in the AFC. Although it was expected, the Chiefs, achieved the division title. In this way, they became the first and only team classified by the AFC. The other groups are still in full competition with definitions that could last until the last week. In this article we show you the panorama of next week 17 of the AFC for the postseason:

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Division outlook after week 16 in the AFC

AFC East

The victory of the Bills (9-6) over the Patriots (9-6) put the definition of this division on hold. After several weeks, Buffalo returned to dominate the area and with great advantages over New England. Both have a party in favor of each other. For now, in the event of a tie, the 4-1 divisional record favors the leaders. However, both owe a match against franchises of the division (week 18), therefore, the definition will have to wait until the last minute. To depend on themselves, they need to beat the Falcons this week. Currently, they occupy field 4.

As for the Patriots, the second straight fall left them injured and in need of a win again. Not just because of the divisional fight, but because of the risk of being left out of the wild cards. They are currently at the 6th seed. With a 3-2 record in the division and they have to win the next two games to clear the picture: First, they must beat the Jaguars (2-13).

Third, the great recovery of the Dolphins (8-7) puts them within range. After seven straight victories, Miami has a chance of being a division champion if it wins its games and receives good news from Buffalo and New England. To continue on a roll, they will have to travel to Tennessee in a difficult situation and close the season at home against the Patriots. At the moment they are in the Playoffs, occupying the 7th seed.

AFC North

In the North, only the leaders achieved a victory and left a panorama that can be defined in the next week. The new victory of the Bengals (9-6) over the Ravens (8-7) put them in the first place, with difference of a game in favor and the seed 3 of the AFC. In addition, in case of a tie, the victory of both parties against each other gives them a great advantage. In case of winning one of the two remaining games, they will be champions of the North. This can come against the Chiefs this week or the Browns (7-8) last.

For its part, Baltimore is still in free fall. After four losses in a row, they are no longer even in the wild card group. The chances are alive, but to do so they must beat the Rams this weekend. In case of defeat and other results against, there are also chances of being eliminated.

The Steelers (7-7-1) also fell and present a great irregularity. It will be very difficult for this franchise to qualify if they do not win the next two games (CLE and BAL) to finish with a record in favor. Lastly, the Browns are in the same situation, but half a game down. The duel between the two will be key to see who is still in the race for the NFL Playoffs.

AFC South

The South remains the same as last week. Titans (10-5) and Colts (9-6) won their respective games and the picture is the same. If Tennessee achieves a victory against Miami, it will be divisional champion again, since, in the event of a tie, the advantage of both games will leave it in first place. This can also happen with an Indianapolis loss to the Raiders.

On the other hand, both are in the race to achieve other goals. TEN are in the 2 seed and is the team with the most chances to snatch first place from the Chiefs. On the other hand, IND is in the 5 seed and is the best of all the wild cards. A new victory will qualify him directly to the Playoffs at least in this condition.

AFC West

The Chiefs (11-4) not only won this division with their latest win, but they have also become the top finishers. Now they compete to stay in the 1 seed. To stay in this position, he needs to beat the Bengals and wait for a loss from the Titans.

Further down, the Chargers (8-7) fell again, but remain in eighth position in the AFC, just short of the wild cards. They need to bounce back when they host the Broncos (7-8) this week. The latter, like the Browns, are on the brink of elimination. Even winning, if the teams that are higher achieve some victories, they will be out of competition.

Lastly, the Raiders (8-7) continue to rebound. They are in the ninth position and, if they beat the Colts, there are great chances that next week they will occupy a place within the AFC wild cards.

Conclusions towards Week 16

The Chiefs (11-4) became the top seed in the AFC and can definitely conquer the first position in the Conference this week. At the 2 seed, the Titans (10-5) are the only ones who can snatch this spot, but they still need to win the division. With just one victory they will have achieved this goal.

The Bengals (9-6), in the 3 seed, are one step away from conquering the North. They depend on themselves, as they need one more game in their favor. The East is the only division where three franchises remain in contention. At the moment, the advantage belongs to the Bills (9-6), who remain in the No. 4 seed in the AFC.

The other franchises not only fight in the division, but in the wild-card zone: The Patriots (9-6) at the 6th seed and the Dolphins (8-7) at the 7th seed. The last well-positioned team so far they are the Colts (9-4) that are located in the fifth position. Beneath these teams, mathematically, are six other franchises that still dream of the Playoffs.

Summary of the NFL Playoffs Landscape in the AFC for Week 17

Qualified teams:

Teams that can qualify in week 17:

  • Tiitans (10-5): They will win the division if they win their game or the Colts lose theirs. They can also qualify if only the Patriots and one of these two franchises lose: Ravens or Chargers. This can also happen if the Bengals, Ravens and Chargers lose simultaneously.
  • Bengals (9-6): They will win the division if they win their game or if the Ravens tie or lose theirs.
  • Colts (9-6): By winning their game they secure a spot as a wild card.
  • Bills (9-6): With one victory and two losses from some of these franchises (Patriots, Dolphins, Chargers or Ravens) they will ensure their place in the Playoffs.
  • Patriots (9-6): With one victory and two losses from some of these franchises (Bills, Dolphins, Chargers or Ravens) they will ensure their place in the Playoffs.

They are also still in the fight:

  • Dolphins (8-7)
  • Chargers (8-7)
  • Ravens (8-7)
  • Raiders (8-7)
  • Steelers (7-7-1)
  • Browns (7-8)
  • Broncos (7-8)

Teams officially eliminated:

  • Texans (4-11)
  • Jaguars (2-13)
  • Jets (4-11)

Matches of week 17 that can be defined by the AFC:

  • Dolphins vs Titans
  • Chiefs vs Bengals
  • Browns vs Steelers

Don’t miss the NFL Playoffs panorama for the NFC this week

NFL Playoffs Overview in the NFC for Week 17 – 2021

Taking into account the situation of each team, what will be the next division champions in the AFC? What other teams will make the NFL Playoffs? Do you have any favorites? Leave us your comments under this article and on our social networks.

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NFL Playoffs Overview in the AFC for Week 17 – 2021