Throughout the 2024 NFL regular season, YSL News Sports will consistently provide updates on the playoff landscape—starting after the Sunday afternoon games and continuing through the week, including any significant Monday, Thursday, or Saturday matchups.

What just happened, and what does it signify? We will break down the critical elements (including potential tiebreakers) that come into play as the playoff brackets for each conference start to take shape. Detailed analyses will continue until the postseason lineup is set on Sunday, January 5.

Here’s the current status as we enter Week 16 of the 2024 season:

NFC Playoff Overview

x – 1. Detroit Lions (12-2), NFC North Champions: Following a tough loss to Buffalo, the Lions find themselves in a three-way tie at the top of the conference, having fallen behind the Vikings, who won on Monday night. They hold a crucial tiebreaker over Minnesota thanks to a victory in Week 7 and maintain an 8-1 conference record, which is better than Philadelphia’s. To secure their divisional championship, they likely need to win all their remaining games. Upcoming games: at Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings

x – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2), NFC East Champions: Despite winning 10 consecutive games, the Eagles couldn’t wrap up the division title after Washington’s victory in New Orleans. However, they can clinch it against the Commanders this Sunday. They’re currently even with Detroit but will need help from the Lions to claim the conference’s top position. Remaining schedule: at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6), NFC South Champions: After dominating the Chargers in Week 15, the Bucs have maintained their lead in the division despite Atlanta’s win earlier in the week. A loss by Seattle allowed Tampa Bay to improve their position, showcasing a strong conference record of 6-3. Upcoming games: at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

4. Los Angeles Rams (8-6), NFC West Leaders: The Rams can secure the division title by winning their remaining games. They moved ahead of the Seahawks thanks to their victory in Week 9 at Seattle. Upcoming games: at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

x – 5. Minnesota Vikings (12-2), Wild Card No. 1: They confirmed their playoff spot after Seattle’s loss on Sunday. By defeating Chicago on Monday, Minnesota now controls its destiny in the NFC North. If they win out, they ensure the division title and potentially the top seed in the conference as well. Upcoming games: at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions

6. Green Bay Packers (10-4), Wild Card No. 2: Having been swept by Detroit and losing once to Minnesota, the Packers are likely heading for a wild-card position. A win on Monday would secure their place in the playoffs, unless other scenarios dictate otherwise. Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (9-5), Wild Card No. 3: They narrowly defeated the Saints, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With a victory and some favorable outcomes, Washington could secure their postseason berth this Sunday. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

8. Seattle Seahawks (8-6), in the hunt: After Sunday night’s loss to Green Bay, Seattle has dropped out of the NFC West lead and the playoff picture. However, like the Rams, winning out could still put them back at the top of the division. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Bears, at Rams

9. Atlanta Falcons (7-7), in the hunt: The Falcons halted their four-game losing streak by edging past the Raiders, which required a quarterback change. If they can catch the Bucs (whom they swept), they could regain the lead in the NFC South. The Falcons currently enjoy a 6-3 better record in NFC games over Arizona. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, at Commanders, vs. Panthers

10. Arizona Cardinals (7-7), in the hunt: They ended a three-game losing streak by defeating the Patriots, but they still need favorable situations in the NFC West to continue competing. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at Rams, vs. 49ers

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-8), in the hunt: The current NFC champions have less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL.com, reflecting a challenging season for them. Remaining schedule: at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Cardinals

12. Dallas Cowboys (6-8), in the hunt: Similar to the 49ers, despite their win in Charlotte, their postseason hopes remain tenuous. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Eagles, vs. Commanders

AFC Playoff Overview

y – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1), AFC West Champions: They’re in an excellent position for home-field advantage, with QB Patrick Mahomes ready to play on Saturday against Houston. Winning two more games will guarantee the No. 1 seed, which they currently hold. If Buffalo loses again, they would only need to win once more. Remaining schedule: vs. Texans, at Steelers, at Broncos

y – 2. Buffalo Bills (11-3), AFC East Champions: Their victory in Detroit on Sunday boosts morale more than their playoff standing for now. Pittsburgh’s loss provided a cushion for the Bills in the conference ranking, combined with a favorable upcoming schedule. Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots,

x – 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4), leaders of AFC North: Mixed results on Sunday. The Steelers secured a playoff spot thanks to the Colts’ loss (alongside Miami’s). However, they’re trailing the Ravens, this week’s rival, in the division and likely out of contention for the top seed. Yet, if they defeat Baltimore on Saturday, they’ll clinch the division title. Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

y – 4. Houston Texans (9-5), AFC South champions: With Sunday’s victory and Indianapolis’ defeat, the Texans will retain their hold on a weak division for the second consecutive year. Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans

5. Baltimore Ravens (9-5), wild card No. 1: After easily overcoming the struggling Giants, the Ravens gained ground on Pittsburgh, their opponent in Week 16. The AFC North title is still within reach, but even a win against the Steelers won’t grant them the top position this Saturday. Securing one more victory guarantees a wild card spot, at least. Wins against the Chargers and Broncos would provide additional security. Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns

6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6), wild card No. 2: By achieving a sweep over the Broncos for the first time in 14 years, they stopped Denver from securing a playoff spot while jumping ahead of their division rivals for a tiebreaker advantage. One additional win would guarantee their playoff entry, unless both the Colts and Dolphins lose this Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Patriots, at Raiders

7. Denver Broncos (9-6), wild card No. 3: They faced a win-and-in situation on Thursday which could have secured their first playoff appearance since winning Super Bowl 50 nine years ago. Now, they can only advance this weekend if the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals all lose. Nevertheless, one more victory will guarantee their spot in the playoffs, although significant stakes will be on the line in their Week 17 match against Cincinnati. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-8), in contention: Following their loss in Week 15 against Denver, their chances are almost extinguished. Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, at Giants, vs. Jaguars

9. Miami Dolphins (6-8), in contention: After losing to Houston in Week 15, their playoff hopes have dwindled considerably. Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, at Browns, at Jets

10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8), in contention: A win last Sunday revitalized their chances, leaving a small glimmer of hope for a dangerous team that could pose problems for others next month. However, a 3-6 conference record places them behind the Dolphins and Colts at this time. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Broncos, at Steelers

NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 16

Kansas City secures the No. 1 seed in the AFC with:

1. Win + Buffalo loss or tie
2. Tie + Buffalo loss

Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North with:

▶ Win

Baltimore secures a playoff spot with:

1. Win or tie
2. Miami loss or tie + Indianapolis loss or tie

Denver clinches a playoff spot with:

▶ Miami loss or tie + Cincinnati loss or tie + Indianapolis loss or tie

Los Angeles Chargers secure a playoff berth with:

▶ Miami loss or tie + Indianapolis loss or tie

Philadelphia clinches the NFC East with:

▶ Win or tie

Green Bay secures a playoff spot with:

1. Win or tie
2. Atlanta loss or tie + LA Rams loss or tie
3. Atlanta loss or tie + Seattle loss or tie

Washington secures a playoff spot with:

1. Win + Atlanta loss or tie + LA Rams loss or tie
2. Win + Atlanta loss or tie + Seattle loss or tie
3. Tie + Atlanta loss + Arizona loss or tie + LA Rams loss or tie + Seattle loss or tie (as long as the Rams and Seahawks both don’t tie)

NFL teams out of playoff contention in 2024

▶ New York Giants

▶ Las Vegas Raiders

▶ New England Patriots

▶ Jacksonville Jaguars

▶ Tennessee Titans

▶ Cleveland Browns

▶ New York Jets

▶ Chicago Bears

▶ Carolina Panthers

x – playoff berth secured

y – division title secured

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