NFL playoff picture: Breaking down Seahawks seeding scenarios for NFC bracket

Vinnie Iyer

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NFL playoff picture: Breaking down Seahawks seeding scenarios for NFC bracket image

The Seahawks (11-4) have posted another winning season with quarterback Russell Wilson and are headed to the NFC playoffs for the second straight year. But after the 49ers beat the Rams to improve to 12-3 last week, the Seahawks, who lost to the Cardinals, are a full game behind in the division.

Seattle, of course, hosts San Francisco in that season finale.

Below are all the scenarios at play for the Seahawks in the NFL playoff picture for Week 17, including the races for the NFC's top seed, divisional title and wild card based on the results of Week 17.

MORE: Projecting the AFC, NFC playoff matchups

NFC playoff picture: How Seahawks can clinch No. 3 seed

The Seahawks would win the NFC West at 12-4 if they were to beat the 49ers at home on Sunday night. Because of their losing to the Cardinals, however, they would still be a game behind both the Packers (13-3) and the Saints (13-3), who already won in Week 17.

The Seahawks would be ahead of the NFC East champions in that scenario and also host the Vikings (10-6) next week in the wild-card round.

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How Seahawks get the No. 5 seed

If the Seahawks lose to the 49ers, they would drop to the top wild-card position in the NFC, at 11-5 and a game ahead of the No. 6 Vikings, whom they also beat.

They would then go on the road and face the weaker NFC East champion, either the Eagles or the Cowboys.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.