With just one week left in the regular season, the NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer. Twelve teams have secured spots, and the remaining four will need to secure wins on Sunday to make it into the postseason.
The top seeds are solidified, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills leading the way as reigning Super Bowl champions. The Los Angeles Chargers have also clinched a spot after their 40-7 rout of the New England Patriots last week. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings set up an exciting Week 18 clash for the No. 1 seed.
Denver Broncos remain in contention despite losses to the Chargers and Bengals, with an 83% chance of making the playoffs according to NFL’s playoff tracker. Miami Dolphins have capitalized on a Broncos slip-up, but their chances are limited at 12%. Cincinnati Bengals are also vying for a spot, but face an uphill battle.
On the other side of the equation, two teams have fallen out of contention: Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets. The Seahawks’ win over the Chicago Bears was not enough to secure a playoff spot, leaving them on the outside looking in.
The full playoff seedings after Week 17 are:
AFC:
1) Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2) Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
4) Houston Texans (9-7)
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)
NFC:
1) Detroit Lions (14-2)
2) Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
3) Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
5) Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
6) Washington Commanders (11-5)
7) Green Bay Packers (11-5)
The playoff spots are taking shape, but Sunday’s games will determine the final four teams.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/31/sport/nfl-playoff-picture-week-17-spt-intl/index.html