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There is always a random nature to Week 17 in the N.F.L., and this year was no different. New England lost in shocking fashion to Miami, Tennessee and Philadelphia completed their circuitous journeys to the postseason and Baltimore’s backups beat Pittsburgh. But when put to the test, San Francisco, Green Bay and Kansas City all came through with big wins, joining the Ravens as the four playoff teams with first-round byes.
Here’s what we learned:
The play clock is important. It looked like a Hollywood ending in Seattle. Marshawn Lynch, in his first week back from retirement, ran onto the field in the waning moments of a crucial game against the 49ers hoping to punch the ball in for game-winning touchdown from the 1-yard line.