Week 17 in the NFL set up a fantastic week 18. Specifically, it set up multiple scenarios for the final NFC wild-card spot. The Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks all won in Week 17. The Packers absolutely demolished the Minnesota Vikings 41-17. The Detroit Lions embarrassed the Chicago Bears 41-10. Lastly, the Seahawks took care of the New York Jets 23-6. Those are the three teams vying for that final NFC wild-card spot. These are the scenarios for each team.
Final NFC Wild Card Spot Scenarios
Green Bay Packers:
For the Packers, it is very simple. Win and they are in the playoffs. A Packers win would mean they finish 9-8 on the season. Even if Seattle (who is also 8-8) wins, Green Bay would own the conference record tiebreaker. The Packer currently have a 6-5 conference record, a win over Detroit would improve that record to 7-5. Seattle currently has a conference record of 5-6.
Detroit Lions:
The Lions will need a little help to get into the playoffs. First, the Lions need to beat the Packers in Green Bay. Then they need the Seahawks to lose to the Los Angeles Rams. In a wild scenario, the Lions would also get in if they tie the Packers; the Seahawks tie the Rams; and the Commanders win in Week 18. This would create a four-way tie at 8-8-1 and the Lions would own the conference record tiebreaker.
Seattle Seahawks:
The only way the Seahawks will get in the playoffs is if they beat the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers lose to the Detroit Lions. The Seahawks own the head to head tiebreaker against Detroit due to a 48-45 win back on October 2nd.
This is what the NFC standings look like after Week 17:
Division Champions:
1) Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
2) San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
3) Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Wild Cards:
5) Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
6) New York Giants (9-6-1)
Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season will be memorable to say the least.
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