The grand finale of the 2024 NFL regular season has arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the curtain about to fall, 13 out of the 14 playoff spots have already been claimed, leaving one more contestant yet to punch their ticket to the postseason dance.
As Week 18 unfolds, expect a whirlwind of action and drama as teams jockey for positioning in both the AFC and NFC. The landscape is poised for a frenetic finish with playoff seeds likely to shift at the blink of an eye.
Let’s dive into the current playoff scene and what’s at stake as we head into this high-stakes weekend.
AFC Playoff Picture
Here’s the breakdown of the AFC pecking order, with a few teams still embroiled in a battle for survival:
- Chiefs (15-1): They’ve locked down the AFC West and the coveted No. 1 seed, ensuring a first-round bye.
- Bills (13-3): With the AFC East crown secured, they’ve claimed the No. 2 seed.
- Ravens (12-5): Winners of the AFC North, they are comfortably seated at No. 3.
- Texans (9-7): Taking charge of the AFC South, they’re slotted in as the No. 4 seed.
- Chargers (10-6): They’ve secured a playoff berth.
- Steelers (10-7): Holding a spot thanks to their head-to-head win over the Chargers back in Week 3.
- Broncos (9-7): Yet to clinch, they’re in the heart of the battle.
In the Hunt: Dolphins, Bengals.
NFC Playoff Picture
Take a look at how the NFC contenders stand as they brace for the playoff storm:
- Lions (14-2): Firmly in the postseason mix.
- Eagles (13-3): NFC East champs, wrapping up the No. 2 seed.
- Rams (10-6): Commanding their division.
- Buccaneers (10-7): Reigned supreme in the NFC South.
- Vikings (14-2): Secured their postseason place.
- Commanders (12-5): Locked and loaded for playoff action.
- Packers (11-6): Clinched their spot in the postseason.
Eliminated: Falcons
Tiebreaker Thriller
AFC Tiebreakers: The Steelers edged out the Chargers for the No. 5 seed, thanks to their triumph over Los Angeles earlier in the season.
NFC Tiebreakers: The Lions hold the top spot over the Vikings due to their head-to-head victory, and the Buccaneers surpass the Rams based on a better conference record.
Clinching Scenarios
AFC:
- Ravens: Secured the division with a victory over the Browns.
- Broncos: Aim to clinch with a win or tie against the Chiefs, or a little help from Miami and Cincinnati’s outcomes.
- Bengals: Need a Denver loss and Miami’s defeat or tie to sneak in.
- Dolphins: Must win and hope for a Denver stumble to grab the spot.
NFC:
- Lions vs. Vikings: This matchup is for all the marbles in the NFC North and the conference’s top seed. It’s all on the line.
- Buccaneers: With a win over the Saints, they’ve captured the NFC South, sending the Falcons packing for the season.
Elimination Watch
Only one spot remains in the AFC playoff picture, with the Broncos, Dolphins, and Bengals all teetering on the edge. Here’s the lowdown:
- Broncos: Risk elimination with a loss and a win by either Miami or Cincinnati.
- Dolphins: Face the chopping block with a loss or tie, or if the Broncos find a way to beat or tie the Chiefs.
- Bengals: Must fend off the Steelers and hope for favorable outcomes in the Dolphin and Bronco games.
In the NFC, all playoff spots are snapped up, with only seeding left to sort out. This season’s last hurrah is sure to deliver a hefty load of drama and football theatrics as teams battle it out till the very end.
