What’s up everyone! The Week 16 games were great and created more playoff implications, including a Lions’ bizarre loss that put 3 NFC teams into the playoffs. Now, there’s only 2 weeks left and this holiday week could lock up some playoff spots and maybe even the entire conference format with just seedings left this season.

Here’s a list of matchups that have playoff implications and teams on the brink of elimination:

Lions vs. Vikings, Texans vs. Chargers, Ravens vs. Packers, Jaguars vs. Colts, Buccaneers vs. Dolphins, Seahawks vs. Panthers, Eagles vs. Bills, Bears vs. 49ers, and Rams vs. Falcons.

The Colts and Ravens loss and a Texans and Steelers win likely locks up the AFC playoff format. Same for the NFC if the Buccaneers and Lions lose and the Panthers and Packers win. If only Week 17 was the last week again, we would be on to the playoffs next week. Oh well, we’ve gotten great football with nothing being decided up to this point. Enjoy reading (or skimming) my LEGIT Power Rankings and good luck to your teams if they are in the playoffs, fighting for a spot, or trying for a high draft pick. Go Niners!!!

TEAMS CONSIDERED

15) DETROIT LIONS (8-7)

14) CAROLINA PANTHERS (8-7)

13) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-6)

12) GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-5-1)

11) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-5)

10) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-4)

Justin Herbert and company really had to outplay Dallas to stay alive for a playoff spot. Defense did a great job shutting out Dallas in the second half. They clash with Houston on Saturday to stay within striking distance of Denver for a Week 18 showdown.

9) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-4)

San Francisco won a shootout against Ol’ Man Rivers and the Colts. They outplayed them and an early special teams turnover kickstarted the Niners’ advantage from here on out. Now, they’re home for the rest of the season and have a date with coach Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, and the optimistic Bears on Sunday Night.

8) CHICAGO BEARS (11-4)

Chicago struggled for 3 and 3/4 quarters against Green Bay and the wind. Once again, they find a way to win in the 4th quarter and overtime in thrilling fashion. DJ Moore from Caleb Williams for the win was epic. Now, they travel to Santa Clara to face the Niners in a 5-way battle for the #1 seed.

7) BUFFALO BILLS (11-4)

Nothing comes easy when playing at Cleveland. Buffalo survived thanks to James Cook keeping this offense motoring alongside Josh Allen, who had a foot injury. They also avoided allowing a Myles Garrett NFL sack record. Now, they have a date with Philly that could really decide their fate for an AFC East division title chance.

6) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (11-4)

Jacksonville was right with Denver before taking full control. Trevor Lawrence has played hot the past few weeks, including that matchup. The Jaguars now look like postseason contenders as long as Lawrence is on point. With that big victory and shutting down Denver’s 4th quarter opportunity, they have just Indianapolis and Tennessee while battling for the #1 seed.

5) HOUSTON TEXANS (10-5)

Houston shouldn’t get comfy. The way Maxximum Crosby, Brock Bowers, and Vegas played, this is where Houston must lock in the rest of the way. Defense played ok but struggled against Bowers and can’t seem to tackle Ashton Jeanty, which bodes badly for the rest of the NFL in the future. Houston has a dicey matchup at the Chargers to keep their postseason hopes alive.

4) DENVER BRONCOS (12-3)

It was a nice battle between two teams that are fighting for the #1 seed. Jacksonville wanted it more while Denver’s offense failed to sustain. I assumed the 4th quarter would’ve been their time to shine again, but it finally petered out. They could still clinch the #1 seed if they win out but must stave off Jacksonville lurking right behind them.

3) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-3)

New England’s loss humbled them. They worked their way back slowly but surely against Baltimore. They forced turnovers, imposed their will against Lamar Jackson before working down the offense in the end. They clinched a playoff berth (oddly enough for how the scenarios work with them already having double-digit wins weeks ago) and are pressing closer for the #1 seed.

2) LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-4)

The Rams had the edge over Seattle before collapsing in the 4th quarter and letting the door stay open. Puka Nacua had a huge game to make up for his comments about the refs (which he kept talking about after the loss). The Rams are reeling with the Seahawks and the 49ers potentially clashing for the division title and overall seed if both win next week. While LA faces Atlanta on Monday, they need the Bears and Panthers to defeat their NFC West rivals.

1) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-3)

This was the game that Sam Darnold needed to redeem himself after losing the last game with 4 interceptions thrown. Now, Seattle clinches the playoffs thanks to a bizarre 2-point conversion that oddly sparked their comeback. It gets a bit complicated for the last two weeks. Their last 2 games are on the road at Carolina and San Francisco. They are road warriors, but the last two games are a bit challenging.