The NFC playoff picture is starting to take shape, as the Washington Commanders earned a massive win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to set themselves up for their first playoff berth in four years. This upset victory put the Commanders squarely on the map, underlining their resurgence since the start of the season.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams lead the Seattle Seahawks by a game in the NFC West and are on the verge of wrapping up the division. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are tied for the NFC North lead with 13 wins each, but the Lions hold the tiebreaker thanks to earlier season performances.
What’s more, the NFC South race is down to the wire, as the Atlanta Falcons have surged back to first place following the Buccaneers’ loss to the Cowboys.
On the other side, the AFC playoff picture is starting to become clearer as the regular season approaches its conclusion. The Los Angeles Chargers prevented the Denver Broncos from locking up their playoff berth, effectively dampening the hopes of other AFC teams still mathematically in the hunt—namely, the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Baltimore Ravens are now tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North lead after their win, but Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker due to their superior conference record. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are just one win away from securing home-field advantage.
Here’s how the playoff picture looks with most of Week 16 games completed:
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
The Chiefs boast a two-game lead over the Bills for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, requiring just one win from their remaining two games to solidify home-field advantage. Their upcoming schedule sees them facing the Steelers and the Broncos.
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
The Bills are trailing the Chiefs, needing to win their last two games and hope for Kansas City losses to maintain any shot at the top seed.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
The Steelers have clinched their spot but will face tough challenges against the Chiefs and Bengals as they seek the division title.
4. Houston Texans (9-6)
The Texans have clinched the AFC South and will at least be the No. 4 seed, gearing up for the wild-card round of the playoffs.
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
The Ravens also clinched their playoff spot and are vying for the division title against the Steelers. They will face the Texans and Browns next.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
The Chargers improved to the No. 6 seed after their recent victory. They need wins against the Patriots and Raiders to secure their position.
7. Denver Broncos (9-6)
The Broncos are on the cusp of sealing their playoff spot but must navigate through their remaining games against the Bengals and Chiefs.
8. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
The Colts are eliminated from playoff contention, needing victories along with losses by several teams above them.
9. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
The Dolphins still have playoff hopes but will need to win against the Browns and Jets to have any shot.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
The Bengals need to win out and hope for favorable outcomes among other challengers to keep their dreams alive.
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
The Lions remain the top seed after last week's victory and are tied with the Vikings, holding the head-to-head advantage.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
The Eagles are still pursuing home-field advantage but must win to secure their division lead.
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
The Rams are leading the NFC West and can clinch the division by winning their next game against the Cardinals.
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
The Falcons will face the Commanders and Panthers next, needing to win to hold off competition from the Buccaneers.
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
The Vikings have also clinched their playoff berth but need to continue winning to stay competitive with the Lions.
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
The Packers can clinch their playoff spot by winning against the Saints.
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
The Commanders control their own destiny for the playoffs with their victory over the Eagles and can clinch next week.
Eliminated Teams
Several teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, including the Cardinals, Cowboys, and 49ers.
The playoff race is heating up as teams on both sides make their final push for the postseason. With one week left until the playoffs, fans eagerly await the matchups and potential upsets. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling finish to the NFL regular season!
