With only three weeks left in the regular season, many fans are looking ahead to playoff possibilities while others are focused on mock drafts and tracking the upcoming draft order.

Seven teams have already secured their playoff spots: the Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) and Buffalo Bills (10-3) have clinched the AFC West and AFC East titles, respectively. The Houston Texans (9-5) have claimed the AFC South, and the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) are guaranteed a playoff slot.

In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings (12-2) have joined the Detroit Lions (12-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) as playoff participants following Week 15. With seven spots filled, there are still seven spots available as the season concludes.

This week, the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) will face off against the Denver Broncos (9-5)</span) on “Thursday Night Football.” The results of this game will provide clearer playoff scenarios as we approach the postseason.

Every team is either striving to secure a playoff spot or trying to stay healthy to be ready if they do. The NFL season often turns into a test of endurance, with teams like the San Francisco 49ers facing significant hurdles in 2024. As the playoff picture solidifies, here’s how sportsbooks view each team’s chances of making the playoffs this year.

NFL Playoff Picture by Odds

All odds provided by BetMGM and DraftKings as of Wednesday, Dec. 18.

• Arizona Cardinals to Make Playoffs: Yes +550 (implied chance 15.4%), No -800 (implied chance 88.9%)
• Atlanta Falcons: Yes +240 (29.4%), No -300 (75%)
• Baltimore Ravens: Yes -10000 (99%)
• Cincinnati Bengals: Yes +700 (12.5%), No -1100 (91.7%)
• Dallas Cowboys: Yes +15000 (0.7%), No -10000 (99%)
• Denver Broncos: Yes -1200 (92.3%), No +750 (11.8%)
• Green Bay Packers: Yes -10000 (99%)
• Indianapolis Colts: Yes +700 (12.5%), No -1100 (91.7%)
• Los Angeles Chargers: Yes -1100 (61.5%), No +700 (12.5%)
• Los Angeles Rams: Yes -160 (61.5%), No +135 (42.6%)
• Miami Dolphins: Yes +1100 (8.3%), No -2500 (96.2%)
• New Orleans Saints: Yes +25000 (0.4%)
• San Francisco 49ers: Yes +15000 (0.7%)
• Seattle Seahawks: Yes -120 (54.5%), No +100 (50%)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Yes -1200 (92.3%), No +750 (11.8%)
• Washington Commanders: Yes -650 (86.7%), No +450 (18.2%)

AFC Teams with Playoff Berths in 2024

• Buffalo Bills: Clinched AFC East title
• Houston Texans: Clinched AFC South title
• Kansas City Chiefs: Clinched AFC West title
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Clinched playoff berth

NFC Teams with Playoff Berths in 2024

• Detroit Lions: Clinched playoff berth
• Minnesota Vikings: Clinched playoff berth
• Philadelphia Eagles: Clinched playoff berth

NFL Teams Eliminated from 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

Key NFL Playoff Odds

While seven teams have already clinched their playoff spots, nine teams have been eliminated from contention.

Of the seven playoff spots available in both conferences, four in the NFC and three in the AFC are yet to be filled. The NFC has 10 teams still fighting for those five slots, while the AFC has six contenders.

For those tracking the teams with the best chances of making the playoffs, the Falcons (7-7) stand out in the NFC. Atlanta started the season as a favorite in the NFC South but has work to do to regain their playoff positioning.

The Falcons have a chance to take advantage of a favorable schedule in the final weeks, aiming for the last wild-card spot in the NFC. They are currently at +240 odds, suggesting a 40% chance of making the playoffs. After recently beating the Raiders, Atlanta’s remaining games are against the Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Washington (9-5) is currently holding the seventh spot in the NFC playoff standings, setting up a potential crucial matchup in Week 17. With quarterback Kirk Cousins benched, the Falcons will turn to rookie Michael Penix Jr. in hopes of revitalizing their struggling offense.

The AFC picture is tighter, with six teams vying for the last three spots. The Bengals (6-8) are a team to watch, currently at +700 odds for playoff aspirations, indicating a 12.5% chance. To stay in the hunt, the Bengals must win all remaining games. They are one of the more intriguing squads this season, boasting a potent offense led by Joe Burrow, competing for the MVP title, but facing challenges on defense. The team has scored the fifth-highest points per game (28.5) while allowing the second-most (27.6). They’ve managed to win against the Cowboys and Titans in their last outings. Their final three games are against the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers. The last playoff spot in the AFC may likely be settled in Week 18, with the Steelers potentially resting their starters by then.

The Broncos currently occupy the No. 6 seed in the AFC, but they may encounter challenges during the final three weeks of the season as they face the Chargers, Bengals, and Chiefs.

Over in the NFC, Tampa Bay is regaining players’ health, with Mike Evans returning, and is aiming for its fourth straight NFC South title. The Buccaneers are well-positioned to clinch the division with their remaining games against the Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints.

In the NFC West, all four teams are closely competing. Each team is within two games of each other. The rising Rams currently have the tiebreaker advantage over the Seahawks, who have upcoming games against the Packers and Vikings before a crucial Week 18 matchup against Los Angeles that might determine the division champion.