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The ins and outs of the playoff races

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Associated Press 1 min read

With five of the six playoff slots in the NFC and four in the AFC decided, some would think much of the drama of the schedule’s final week has been removed.

Think again.

All nine of the teams already qualified for the Super Bowl chase have something to play for on Sunday.

Start with the defending league champion Seahawks (11-4). Excluding any Week 17 ties in the multitude of scenarios, Seattle not only will get the NFC West title by beating St. Louis, but also home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Not a pleasant thought for its opponents.

New England (12-3) doesn’t need anything else to happen but to beat visiting Buffalo on Sunday to clinch staying home for the AFC playoffs.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL