NFL Playoff Picture

Many parts of the NFL playoff picture were decided today. We'll take it by league so you will know whether or not it is worth it to invest in tickets now or wait until your local team is definitely in.

NFC Playoff Picture

By virtue of their home win vs. Indianapolis, the Seattle Seahawks secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers win over the Atlanta Falcons knocked Michael Vick and crew out of the playoffs and created an interesting scenario near the top of the NFC. The Bucs record improved to 10-5, which puts them in a tie for third with the Giants and Panthers. Those teams both lost to the Redskins and Cowboys respectively.

Washington and Dallas helped their chances with those victories, as it put them one game behind that third place conglomeration.

The Bears play at Green Bay on Christmas day and will end the day alone in second place and in control of their playoff destiny or, if they lose to the Pack, will be mucked up with the rest of the teams at 10-5.

At this point, the Seahawks are the only team guaranteed a playoff spot. The road to Detroit in the NFC will go through Seattle's Qwest Field.

AFC Playoff Picture

In the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts have already locked up home field advantage and were able to rest most of their starters during a tumultuous week in Indy. The Broncos, Bengals and Patriots are at the head of their divisions and the Jaguars are the only other team that has secured a playoff spot.

The big game in the AFC this week was the Chargers at the Colts. Despite coming off an awesome win in Indianapolis, the muddy weather in Kansas City proved to be too much. The Chiefs kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Chargers, who have to be disappointed in missing the playoffs.

The Chiefs are, however, still on the outside looking in. They need a little help and a win in their final game to make the playoffs. The Chiefs could actually finish 10-6 and NOT make the playoffs.

So, if your team is definitely in, start shopping for tickets now. Once the first round match-ups are announced, a "ravalry" game will shoot the price of tickets way up. This is the time to get deals. Good luck!