2024 NFL Playoff Picture: Teams Clinching and Race Updates

As we approach the conclusion of the 2024 NFL regular season, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, with several teams clinching spots and others fighting for survival. After Week 15, here's how the standings break down in both the NFC and AFC conferences.

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Detroit Lions (12-2)
   The Lions remain at the top of the NFC despite a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills. Their current conference record at 8-1 gives them the tiebreaker over other contenders.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings

2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
   Winners of 10 straight games, the Eagles are also vying for the conference's top seed. They can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Washington Commanders next week.
   Remaining Schedule: at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
   The Buccaneers lead the NFC South and have a strong chance to maintain their division lead after defeating the Chargers.
   Remaining Schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

4. Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
   By beating the Seahawks, the Rams have taken the top spot in the NFC West. Their playoff fate is in their hands; if they win out, they secure the division.
   Remaining Schedule: at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

5. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
   Clinching a playoff berth ahead of the final weeks, the Vikings are looking to secure their position against the teams in the NFC North.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Bears, at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions

6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
   Currently holding the wild card spot, the Packers have the chance to clinch with just a couple more victories.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (9-5)
   After a win over the Saints, the Commanders retain their wild card position and aim to improve their standing with a key matchup against the Eagles next week.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

Other teams, including the Seahawks and Cardinals, are still on the hunt for a playoff spot but face tough paths ahead, especially with their recent performances.

AFC Playoff Picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
   The Chiefs are well on their way to securing home-field advantage, thanks to their current two-game lead over the Bills.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Texans, at Steelers, at Broncos

2. Buffalo Bills (11-3)
   Holding steady in the second spot, the Bills have a favorable schedule to finish the season strong.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, at Patriots

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
   The Steelers clinched their playoff berth amidst mixed results, still contending for the AFC North title against the Ravens.
   Remaining Schedule: at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

4. Houston Texans (9-5)
   Clinching the AFC South title, the Texans are positioned for a home game in the wild card round.
   Remaining Schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans

5. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
   Remaining in the playoff chase, the Ravens aim to secure a berth with continued success against tough opponents.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns

6. Denver Broncos (9-5)
   Nearing a playoff return, the Broncos need to maintain momentum against their upcoming schedule.
   Remaining Schedule: at Chargers, at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

7. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
   Clinging to the last playoff spot, the Chargers are in a tight race that requires them to win against their divisional rivals.
   Remaining Schedule: vs. Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders

Teams Eliminated from Playoff Contention

Several teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, including the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and the Chicago Bears, among others.

As we look ahead to Week 16, each game will be critical for teams striving for playoff positioning. The unpredictability of the NFL playoffs always keeps fans on the edge of their seats!