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2013 NFL Playoff scenarios: AFC picture locked in, but uncertainty remains in NFC

The six teams that will make up the AFC playoff bracket are set while several teams are fighting each other for spots in the NFC.

Jamie Squire

With the Cincinnati Bengals defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, the six teams that will play in the 2012-13 AFC postseason have been set, but it remains to be seen in what order. Meanwhile there are spots up for grabs in the NFC and several teams are competing against each other for the final spots.

The Atlanta Falcons have clinched the No. 1 seed, meaning the road to the Super Bowl will go through Atlanta. The Packers, 49ers and Seahawks have all clinched spots in the playoffs, too, but things get interesting after that.

Only one of the divisions remain up for grabs in the NFC and it is down to the Redskins and Cowboys, who play each other in Washington on Sunday. The winner of the game will win the NFC East division and the No. 4 seed.

One of the Wild Card spots is also up for grabs, but the Vikings control their destiny and would clinch the spot with a win against the Packers. The Bears and Giants can also make the playoffs with victories on Sunday, but need help.

The Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots all have a chance for the No. 1 seed, which would give the respective team home-field advantage through the playoffs. The Texans control the spot, however, and can clinch the spot with a victory against the Colts. A loss could potentially knock the team down to the No. 3 seed, but the Broncos and Patriots would both need to win their respective games.

The Baltimore Ravens are set as the No. 4 seed due to winning the division and will host the Colts whether or not they defeat the Texans on Sunday. The Bengals will visit one of the three potential teams that can land the No. 3 seed.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.