This is how the NFL playoffs would be played, for now

01.06.2024

Prior to the start of Week 18, four divisions already have owners, while another four have yet to be determined.

Only the American League West is completely set, with the Kansas City Chiefs as champions and the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos all eliminated from contention. In the remaining seven divisions there is still something at stake.

Nine teams have clinched their playoff spot, including five from the NFC: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams. In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Chiefs have sealed their ticket to the postseason. That means there are five spots left to decide in Week 18. The playoffs will begin on January 13.

Four AFC teams are 9-7, including a three-way tie atop the South. In the NFC, four teams in the playoff race have an 8-8 record, although two others are stalking them with a 7-9 record.

Two games, both from the American Conference, begin the activities of Week 18 this Saturday, and in both there is something at stake. First, the Ravens, who have already clinched first place in the AFC standings, visit the Steelers, who need a win and some extra help to sneak into the playoffs. Then, the Texans and the Colts collide in a game that could define the Southern Conference, pending what the Jags can do tomorrow.

  • What does your team need to reach the NFL postseason?

If the postseason started today, these would be the keys to the Wild Card Round:

FCA

  • (7) Indianapolis Colts vs. (2) Miami Dolphins
  • (6) Buffalo Bills vs. (3) Kansas City Chiefs
  • (5) Cleveland Browns vs. (4) Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Will rest during the Wild Card Round: (1) Baltimore Ravens

NFC

  • (7) Green Bay Packers vs. (2) Dallas Cowboys
  • (6) Los Angeles Rams vs. (3) Detroit Lions
  • (5) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Will rest during the Wild Card Round: (1) San Francisco 49ers

ELIMINATED TEAMS
•Arizona Cardinals

  • Carolina Panthers
    •Chicago Bears
  • Cincinnati Bengals
    •Denver Broncos
  • Las Vegas Raiders
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • New England Patriots
  • New York Giants
  • New York Jets
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Washington Commanders