As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, with 13 of the 14 spots already locked in. Here’s an update on where things stand in both the AFC and NFC, and what still needs to be decided as we head into Week 18.
AFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders:
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
- Buffalo Bills (13-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
- Houston Texans (9-7)
Wild-Card Race: 5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) 6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) 7. Denver Broncos (9-7) 8. Miami Dolphins (8-8) 9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
The Buffalo Bills secured the No. 2 seed with a dominant win over the New York Jets. Despite the Bills handing the Chiefs their only loss of the season, they will likely have to travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a potential AFC Championship matchup.
The AFC North title is still up for grabs. The Baltimore Ravens will face the Cleveland Browns, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18 to decide the division winner and No. 3 seed.
Wild-Card Race: The final wild-card spot is still very much up for grabs, with three teams vying for it: the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot with a win, while the Dolphins can secure a berth with a win and a Broncos loss. The Bengals, who need a win over the Steelers and losses from both the Broncos and Dolphins, still have a slim chance to make it.
The Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from contention after a surprising loss to the New York Giants, leaving the path clear for the Bengals to make their move.
NFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders:
- Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
- Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Wild-Card Race: 5. Detroit Lions (13-2) 6. Washington Commanders (11-5) 7. Green Bay Packers (11-5) 9. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
The Washington Commanders made a huge impact on the NFC playoff race with their Sunday night overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Not only did this victory secure a wild-card berth for the Commanders, but it also moved them into the No. 6 seed. Their win also helped both the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Rams clinched the NFC West division title, edging out the Seattle Seahawks, who were eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay now only needs to win in Week 18 to secure the NFC South crown, ahead of the Falcons.
NFC North Showdown: The NFC North will come down to the wire in Week 18. The Minnesota Vikings, with a win over the Green Bay Packers, temporarily claimed the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However, the Detroit Lions, who can reclaim the top spot with a Monday night win against the San Francisco 49ers, are also in the hunt. Minnesota and Detroit will square off next week, with the NFC North title—and the No. 1 seed—on the line.
Eagles Clinch NFC East: The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East with their victory over the Dallas Cowboys, ensuring they’ll be the No. 2 seed in the conference.
NFC South & Wild-Card Races: The Rams have a good chance of holding onto the No. 3 seed in the NFC, but a win in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks is necessary to maintain that position.
As for the NFC South, the Buccaneers and Falcons are still battling for the division title. Tampa Bay will clinch the division with a win against the New Orleans Saints, but if they lose, the Falcons could take the division crown with a win. If both teams lose, the Bucs would still capture the No. 4 seed.
Playoff Implications Heading into Week 18: With just one wild-card spot left in the AFC and a few division titles still up for grabs in both conferences, Week 18 will be crucial. For the NFC, the showdown between the Vikings and Lions, along with the battles for the NFC South and wild-card spots, will set the stage for the postseason. Meanwhile, the AFC North race between the Ravens and Steelers, and the tight wild-card race in the AFC, will provide plenty of drama.
As the regular season concludes, the NFL playoffs are set to deliver high stakes, intense matchups, and plenty of excitement leading into the postseason.