2021 NFL playoff picture, scenarios to clinch: Find out who's in and who's out after early Week 17 games

It took nearly two decades, but the Cleveland Browns have finally ended the NFL’s longest playoff drought. The Browns won a nail-biter over the Steelers, 24-22, on Sunday, which allowed them to officially clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2002.

The Browns were one of two AFC North teams that locked up a playoff spot with a win during the early slate of games. The Ravens clinched the fifth overall seed in the AFC with a 38-3 win over the Bengals. The biggest loser during the early slate of games was the Dolphins, who got blown out 56-26 by Buffalo.

If the Dolphins had won, they would have clinched the final playoff berth in the AFC, but instead, they’re going to have to sweat things out while watching the Colts-Jaguars game. If the Colts win, then Indianapolis is going to the playoffs. However, if Jacksonville pulls off the upset, then Miami will be headed to the postseason.

With that in mind, let’s check out how the playoff seedings look heading into the 4 p.m. games.

NOTE
One asterisk means a playoff spot has been clinched.
Two asterisks means playoff spot and seed have both been clinched.