The Regular Season 2017 is history – the playoffs are here! The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers failed to make the late leap into the post-season, and the wildcard games are set. SPOX gives an overview.
It was extremely dramatic until the end: After Tennessee had defeated the Jaguars, it was clear that the Titans would be there and the Chargers had no chance against the Raiders despite their victory. Buffalo had already beaten Miami, so the last few seconds in Baltimore should decide everything. A home win over Cincinnati, and the Ravens would be there – but the Bengals put on the last-minute game win drive, bringing Buffalo into the playoffs for the first time since 1999!
At the top, as expected, nothing happened in Week 17: The patriots beat the jets to secure the top seed, while Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland with a better B squad and gave the Browns the 0-16 season. Jaguars in position 3 and the Chiefs in position 4 were carved in stone before the last regular-season matchday.
The wildcard pairs:
Kansas City Chiefs – Tennessee Titans (Saturday, 22.35 hrs)
Jacksonville Jaguars – Buffalo Bills (Sun, 7 pm)
Seeding AFC:
In the divisional round, the patriots receive the lowest seed remaining after the wildcard round, while the Steelers receive the rest of the higher seed.
The victory of the Atlanta Falcons over the Carolina Panthers made it clear – Seattle would have had no chance of the post-season in the parallel game against Arizona, which the Seahawks lost, even if they had won. The Panthers are likely to be doubly annoyed: With the surprising bankruptcy of the Saints in Tampa Bay, Carolina would have passed New Orleans with a victory and would have taken the NFC South Division crown.
Meanwhile, Minnesota never let any doubts arise and won the number 2 seed by beating the Chicago Bears. The Eagles had the top seed in their pockets before Week 17.
Los Angeles Rams – Atlanta Falcons (Sun, 2:15 a. m.)
New Orleans Saints – Carolina Panthers (Sun, 22.40 hrs)
Seeding NFC:
In the divisional round, the Eagles receive the lowest seed remaining after the wildcard round, the Vikings receive the rest of the higher seed.