AFC playo≠ teams set; two NFC slots open

Week 16 games removed a lot of the intrigue from Week 17. All six AFC playoff teams have been identified, and four of the six NFC playoff berths have been determined. In the AFC, playoff-bound teams are battling for improved seeding. And the AFC West title is still up for grabs. But most of the attention will be on the NFC North, because Green Bay’s game at Detroit on Sunday night will determine the division champion. Washington’s “win and you’re in” game against the New York Giants is for a playoff berth. Baltimore at Cincinnati, 11 a.m. No playoff implications in this one, but Steve Smith’s final game and the intensity of this rivalry make it one of Sunday’s best games. Houston at Tennessee, 11 a.m. Despite losing J.J. Watt to a season-ending injury and seeing Brock Osweiler benched because of poor performance, the Texans won their second consecutive division title. Carolina at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m. The Buccaneers still have hope for a playoff berth. Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 11 a.m. This is the second consecutive season an Andrew Luck-led Colts team has missed the playoffs. Changes are needed to avoid wasting the prime of his career. New England at Miami, 11 a.m., KCNC-4. The Patriots saw how painful losing the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed was last season, so they will be motivated to secure it this time. Chicago at Minnesota, 11 a.m. The Vikings were 5-0 before their bye week. Then their season came crashing down. Buffalo at New York Jets, 11 a.m. The Bills’ problems go beyond mediocrity. A successful team doesn’t fire a head coach every two seasons and doesn’t bench a young quarterback based on a business decision. Dallas at Philadelphia, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. The Cowboys have locked up home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. For the first time this season, each of these teams won last week. The Browns won’t finish 0-16, and the Steelers clinched the AFC North title. New Orleans at Atlanta, 2:25 p.m. The Falcons avoided a December collapse and appear to have one of their most dangerous teams in recent years entering the playoffs. N.Y. Giants at Washington, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31. The Giants enter this rivalry game locked into the NFC’s No. 5 playoff seed. Arizona at Los Angeles, 2:25 p.m. The Cardinals’ disappointing season is alarming because many of their core players are veterans near retirement. Kansas City at San Diego, 2:25 p.m. The Chiefs may be the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC. With help from rookie sensation Tyreek Hill, Kansas City’s offense is no longer a hindrance to playoff success. Seattle at San Francisco, 2:25 p.m. The Seahawks may have lost their chance at a firstround bye with a loss last week to Arizona.