As the AFC heads into the final week of the regular season, the playoff picture is alive with suspense and intrigue. The Baltimore Ravens sit comfortably atop the standings with a pristine 13-3 record, securing both a playoff spot and the No. 1 seed. The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs follow suit, also boasting 100% chances of making the playoffs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 9-7 record, are in a precarious position, holding a 70% chance of making the playoffs. A win guarantees their spot, but a loss coupled with certain outcomes could see them miss the postseason entirely.
The Cleveland Browns, locked into the No. 5 seed, have a straightforward path ahead, preparing to hit the road for Super Wild Card Weekend. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, on a four-game winning streak, are in contention for the No. 2 seed but face a high-stakes scenario. If the Pittsburgh Steelers triumph over the Ravens, the Jaguars clinch the AFC South, and the Texans-Colts game doesn’t end in a tie, the Bills’ game against the Miami Dolphins becomes a do-or-die situation.
In a remarkable turnaround, the Steelers, previously facing a meager 7% playoff probability in Week 16, now have three potential routes to the postseason. A win against the Ravens coupled with a Bills loss, a win against the Ravens with a Jaguars loss, or a Jaguars loss, Broncos win, and a non-tied Texans-Colts game could all see the Steelers clinch a playoff berth.
However, the AFC playoff landscape is not without its casualties. The Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots have all been eliminated from playoff contention.
The NFC playoff landscape is equally intriguing as the regular season concludes. The San Francisco 49ers lead the pack with a flawless 12-4 record, securing their playoff spot and the No. 1 seed. The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions follow suit, enjoying 100% chances of making the playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite an 8-8 record, have a 66% chance of making the playoffs. A win against their Week 18 opponent would guarantee them the NFC South title, but a loss would see them eliminated. The complexity increases if the Buccaneers tie with the Carolina Panthers. In such a scenario, a Saints loss would secure the NFC South title for the Buccaneers, while a Seahawks loss and either a Packers loss or tie would grant them a playoff berth.
The Green Bay Packers find themselves in familiar territory, facing a win-and-in situation at Lambeau Field. A loss, combined with specific outcomes, could still see them clinch a playoff berth. The Minnesota Vikings, once contending for a division title, now face slim odds with two intricate paths to a wild-card slot.
The New Orleans Saints, fresh off an upset over the Buccaneers, can secure a postseason berth even if the Buccaneers win in Week 18. A win against the Atlanta Falcons, a Bears win over the Packers, and another Seahawks loss would be the necessary ingredients for the Saints’ playoff recipe.
Joining the ranks of those cheering for the Chicago Bears are the Seattle Seahawks. A Seahawks win over the Arizona Cardinals won’t be enough unless the Packers lose or tie. A second consecutive 9-8 season is within reach for the Seahawks, but only if the stars align in their favor.
Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers have been eliminated from NFC playoff contention. As the drama unfolds in the final week, NFL fans brace themselves for a thrilling Week 18 showdown.
