The Seattle Seahawks cannot clinch a playoff berth this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, but they can be the undisputed top of the NFC by the end of Week 17.

However unlikely it may be, there is a reasonable path to the No. 1 seed for the Seahawks that involves them (obviously) winning their next three games, as well as major outside help from other teams that would give the Seahawks an unassailable lead heading into Week 18. I wouldn’t consider this getting too far ahead, but instead laying out plausible ways for things to break Seattle’s way. Also, there are still ways the Seahawks can miss the playoffs right now and even if they improve to 11-3 by Sunday, but that only serves to induce panic.

Before we get to the scenario, let’s review the current NFC playoff picture.

NFC Playo

See Full Page