The NFL playoff race is reaching its peak as Week 17 wraps up. Teams are either locking in their playoff spots, clinging to hopes for one more week, or sadly packing up for next year. Let’s break down where things stand in both the AFC and NFC as we gear up for Week 18, the final week of the regular season.
AFC Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Fighting, and Who’s Out
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, AFC West Champions)
The Chiefs have been unstoppable this season. They clinched the top seed, meaning they get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and the AFC’s only first-round bye.
- Buffalo Bills (13-3, AFC East Champions)
The Bills secured the No. 2 seed with a big win over the Jets. They can’t move up or down, so they might rest their key players in Week 18.
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North Leaders)
The Ravens are back on top of the AFC North after beating the Texans. They’ve already punched their playoff ticket and will try to hold on to the division title.
- Houston Texans (9-7, AFC South Champions)
The Texans are locked into the No. 4 seed despite a loss to the Ravens. They’ll face a tough wild-card matchup.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, Second in AFC North)
The Steelers are playoff-bound but could still win the AFC North if they beat the Bengals in Week 18 and the Ravens lose to the Browns.
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, Second in AFC West)
The Chargers sealed their playoff spot in style, crushing the Patriots in Week 17. Not bad for Jim Harbaugh’s first year back in the NFL.
- Denver Broncos (9-7, Third in AFC West)
The Broncos are still alive and need a win against the Chiefs in Week 18 to secure the last wild-card spot.
In the Hunt
- Miami Dolphins (8-8): The Dolphins are hanging on but need help to sneak in.
- Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): The Bengals need a win and other results to go their way.
Eliminated
Colts, Jets, Raiders, Jaguars, Titans, Browns, Patriots.
NFC Playoff Picture: Drama in the Final Week
- Detroit Lions (14-2, NFC North Leaders)
The Lions are having a dream season. They’ll clinch the top seed with a win over the Vikings in Week 18. But a loss drops them to No. 5 and into the wild-card round.
- Philadelphia Eagles (13-3, NFC East Champions)
The Eagles locked up their division and are set as the No. 2 seed. With no chance to move up or down, they might give their stars some rest.
- Los Angeles Rams (10-6, NFC West Champions)
The Rams secured their division with a tiebreaker win. Now they can breathe easy heading into Week 18.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7, NFC South Leaders)
The Bucs are still fighting for their division title. A win over the Saints or a Falcons loss will seal it.
- Minnesota Vikings (14-2, Second in NFC North)
The Vikings can win the division and the top seed if they beat the Lions in Week 18.
- Washington Commanders (11-5, Second in NFC East)
The Commanders clinched a wild-card spot after an overtime win against the Falcons.
- Green Bay Packers (11-5, Third in NFC North)
The Packers are playoff-bound but fell to the third wild-card spot after losing to the Vikings.
In the Hunt
- Atlanta Falcons (8-7): The Falcons need a win and some help to make the playoffs.
Eliminated
Seahawks, Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers, Saints, Bears, Panthers, Giants.
Looking Ahead to Week 18
Everything comes down to Week 18. Will the Lions hold off the Vikings? Can the Broncos or Falcons snag the last playoff spots? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and football fans are in for an exciting ride. Stay tuned as the playoff picture becomes crystal clear and teams gear up for the postseason!
