Key Storylines Defining the NFL This Season as Playoffs Approach

The Super Bowl picture is starting to form as we begin to see which teams will be competing for it in the postseason. However, there are still several storylines that need to be watched closely ahead of the conclusion of the regular season, as many of these can have a huge impact on what happens throughout January and February.

Teams qualified for the NFL playoffs already

As the regular season heads into Week 17, 8 of the 14 teams that are able to play in the postseason have been confirmed in one form or another. Some have managed to clinch the title of their respective division, while others have a Wild Card spot as a minimum.

The following are guaranteed to be involved at the moment…

• Buffalo Bills (12-3) - have won the AFC East
• Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) - have won the AFC West
• Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) - have clinched a Wild Card spot from the AFC North
• Houston Texans (9-6) - clinched the AFC South title
• Baltimore Ravens (10-5) - Have clinched a Wild Card spot in the AFC North
• Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) - have a Wild Card spot in the NFC East
• Detroit Lions (13-2) - have a Wild Card spot in the NFC North
• Minnesota Vikings (13-2) - have a Wild Card spot in the NFC North

What stories can be inferred from this?

With several divisions still up for grabs in terms of their titles, many storylines can be created that are based on these scenarios…

NFC North is interesting

Many may be watching the NFC North closely due to how it is forming at the top. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings both have 13-2 records, which is why they have both secured a Wild Card spot as a minimum. The Lions are an NFL betting favorite with many for the Super Bowl with the way that they have been playing, but they are far from guaranteed an easy route if they are to make it.

However, the pair have to play each other in the final game of the regular season. The game between them could decide which one wins the division and doesn’t have to play in a Wild Card game, as well as giving them a home playoff berth. With each to play two games before then, requiring them to face a divisional opponent each still, there is a lot to be interested in with this storyline.

AFC North just as exciting

The AFC North remains thrilling. Both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have secured playoff berths, each holding a 10-5 record after Week 16. The Ravens claimed a crucial victory over the Steelers, leveling their records and intensifying the race for the division title.

The next two weeks will determine who comes out on top in this fiercely competitive division.

NFC West is very tight

The NFC West is one of the tightest divisions at the moment. The Los Angeles Rams lead the division with a 9-6 record. The Seattle Seahawks are just behind them with an 8-7 record, while the Arizona Cardinals are still in the mix with a 7-8 record.

With two games apiece left to play, which team(s) manage to advance from the West is fair game at the moment. To make things very interesting, the Rams and Seahawks will do battle in the final game of the regular season. This could be a matchup that determines whether both or one of them are heading to the postseason and competing for the Super Bowl.

NFL is full of stories

While there are many engaging and exciting stories being produced as we reach the playoffs, the NFL has a history of being able to provide fans and viewers with incredible tales throughout the season.

The playoffs (once set) are likely to provide just as much entertainment and intrigue with each game that is played, as players and teams step up even more when in sight of the Vince Lombardi trophy.