With the regular season coming to an end, it's time to start thinking about the playoffs. Who will make it, and who will be left out? It's all still up for grabs as we head into the final weekend of the season, but here's a look at the current standings and who is in the running for a playoff spot.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up the No. 1 seed, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills are battling it out for the No. 2 seed. The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens are also in the mix for a playoff spot, with the Titans holding the tiebreaker over the Ravens. In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles have clinched the No. 1 seed, while the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings are battling it out for the No. 2 seed.
A lot can still happen in the final week of the regular season, but here's a look at the current standings and who is in the running for a playoff spot.
Who's in the Playoffs?
With the regular season coming to an end, the playoff picture is starting to take shape.
- Chiefs clinch No. 1 seed in AFC.
- Bengals and Bills battle for No. 2 seed.
- Titans and Ravens in contention for AFC wild card.
- Eagles secure No. 1 seed in NFC.
- 49ers and Vikings vie for No. 2 seed.
- Seven teams still in the running for NFC wild card.
A lot can still happen in the final week of the regular season, but these are the teams to watch as the playoffs approach.
Chiefs Clinch No. 1 Seed in AFC
The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 13-3 record. This is the seventh time in the past eight seasons that the Chiefs have won the AFC West and the third time in the past four years that they have earned the No. 1 seed in the conference.
The Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL this season, leading the league in scoring offense (30.1 points per game) and total offense (415.1 yards per game). They also rank among the top 10 in scoring defense (19.9 points per game) and total defense (329.8 yards per game).
Patrick Mahomes has been at the forefront of the Chiefs' success this season, throwing for 4,400 yards and 37 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. He has also rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns. Travis Kelce has been Mahomes' favorite target, catching 105 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tyreek Hill has also been a key contributor, catching 111 passes for 1,749 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Chiefs' defense has also been impressive this season, led by Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and L'Jarius Sneed. Jones has recorded 15.5 sacks, while Clark has added 11 sacks and Sneed has intercepted five passes.
With the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Chiefs will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will host the lowest remaining seed in the Divisional Round.
Bengals and Bills Battle for No. 2 Seed
The Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills are battling it out for the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Both teams have identical 12-4 records, but the Bengals currently hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their head-to-head victory over the Bills in Week 17.
The Bengals have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season, exceeding expectations after reaching the Super Bowl last year. Quarterback Joe Burrow has taken another step forward in his development, throwing for 4,475 yards and 35 touchdowns with just 14 interceptions. Ja'Marr Chase has been his favorite target, catching 81 passes for 1,046 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Bills were considered to be the favorites in the AFC entering the season, but they have been plagued by injuries to key players, including quarterback Josh Allen. Allen has missed the past two games with an elbow injury, but he is expected to return for the playoffs. Stefon Diggs has been Allen's go-to receiver, catching 106 passes for 1,429 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Bengals and Bills are both high-powered offenses, so their matchup in the playoffs could be a shootout. The winner of this game will have a significant advantage in the AFC playoffs, as they will likely face the No. 7 seed in the Divisional Round.
The Bengals and Bills will face off in the regular season finale in Week 18, which could determine who wins the AFC North and the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Titans and Ravens in Contention for AFC Wild Card
The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens are both in contention for an AFC wild card berth. The Titans currently hold the No. 7 seed with a 9-7 record, while the Ravens are right behind them at 8-8.
The Titans have been led by running back Derrick Henry, who has rushed for 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has also played well, throwing for 3,544 yards and 22 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
The Ravens have been without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for the past five games due to a knee injury, but they have managed to stay in playoff contention thanks to the play of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Huntley has thrown for 1,927 yards and 13 touchdowns with just three interceptions in seven starts.
The Titans and Ravens both have tough matchups in Week 18, as the Titans will face the Houston Texans and the Ravens will face the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams will need to win their final games and get some help from other teams in order to make the playoffs.
The Titans and Ravens are two of the most experienced teams in the AFC, and they will be tough opponents for any team in the playoffs. If they can make it to the postseason, they will be a threat to win the Super Bowl.
Eagles Secure No. 1 Seed in NFC
The Philadelphia Eagles have secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 14-3 record. This is the first time that the Eagles have won the NFC East since 2019 and the second time in the past five seasons.
- Dominant Offense
The Eagles have been one of the most dominant offenses in the NFL this season, leading the league in scoring (30.7 points per game) and total offense (417.4 yards per game). Quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken a big step forward in his development, throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns with just six interceptions. He has also rushed for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Strong Defense
The Eagles' defense has also been impressive this season, ranking among the top 10 in scoring defense (20.2 points per game) and total defense (321.6 yards per game). Defensive end Haason Reddick has led the way with 16 sacks, while cornerback Darius Slay has intercepted eight passes.
- Home-Field Advantage
The Eagles will have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, which will be a significant advantage. They have a 9-1 record at Lincoln Financial Field this season and have won their last six home games.
- Favorable Playoff Schedule
The Eagles have a favorable playoff schedule, as they are likely to face the New York Giants or Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round. Both of those teams are beatable, which means that the Eagles have a good chance of reaching the NFC Championship Game.
The Eagles are one of the most complete teams in the NFL and are the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season.
49ers and Vikings Vie for No. 2 Seed
The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings are both in contention for the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Both teams have identical 13-4 records, but the 49ers currently hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their head-to-head victory over the Vikings in Week 12.
- 49ers' Strong Defense
The 49ers' defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season, ranking among the top 5 in scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and total defense (300.6 yards per game). Nick Bosa has led the way with 18.5 sacks, while Fred Warner has been a force at linebacker.
- Vikings' High-Powered Offense
The Vikings' offense has been one of the most explosive in the NFL this season, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Cousins has thrown for 4,547 yards and 33 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, while Cook has rushed for 1,173 yards and six touchdowns. Jefferson has been Cousins' favorite target, catching 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns.
- 49ers' Recent Struggles
The 49ers have struggled in recent weeks, losing two of their last three games. They have also been dealing with injuries to key players, including quarterback Trey Lance and running back Elijah Mitchell.
- Vikings' Favorable Schedule
The Vikings have a favorable schedule to end the season, as they will face the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears in their final two games. Both of those teams are struggling, which means that the Vikings have a good chance of finishing the season with a 15-2 record.
The 49ers and Vikings are two of the best teams in the NFC and are both capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. The winner of their Week 18 matchup will have a significant advantage in the race for the No. 2 seed.
Seven Teams Still in the Running for NFC Wild Card
There are seven teams still in the running for the three NFC wild card spots: the New York Giants (9-7), Seattle Seahawks (9-7), Detroit Lions (8-8), Washington Commanders (8-8), Green Bay Packers (8-8), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8), and Carolina Panthers (7-9).
The Giants and Seahawks are currently in the best position to earn a wild card berth, as they both have 9-7 records. The Lions, Commanders, Packers, and Buccaneers are all 8-8, while the Panthers are 7-9.
The Giants have won six of their last seven games and are led by running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. The Seahawks have also been playing well lately, winning four of their last five games. They are led by quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
The Lions have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season, exceeding expectations after a dismal 3-13-1 campaign last year. They are led by quarterback Jared Goff and running back D'Andre Swift.
The Commanders, Packers, and Buccaneers are all veteran teams that have been to the playoffs in recent years. The Commanders are led by quarterback Taylor Heinicke and running back Brian Robinson Jr. The Packers are led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams. The Buccaneers are led by quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Mike Evans.
FAQ
Have questions about who's in the playoffs? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: Who has clinched a playoff spot in the AFC?
Answer 1: The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Question 2: Who is in contention for the No. 2 seed in the AFC?
Answer 2: The Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills are battling for the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Question 3: Who is in contention for an AFC wild card spot?
Answer 3: The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens are both in contention for an AFC wild card spot.
Question 4: Who has clinched a playoff spot in the NFC?
Answer 4: The Philadelphia Eagles have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Question 5: Who is in contention for the No. 2 seed in the NFC?
Answer 5: The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings are battling for the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Question 6: Which teams are still in the running for an NFC wild card spot?
Answer 6: There are seven teams still in the running for the three NFC wild card spots: the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers.
Question 7: How can I watch the NFL playoffs?
Answer 7: The NFL playoffs will be broadcast on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN.
Closing Paragraph: I hope this FAQ has answered your questions about who's in the playoffs. For more information, please visit the official NFL website.
Transition Paragraph: Now that you know who's in the playoffs, here are a few tips for watching the games and enjoying the postseason.
Tips
Here are a few tips for watching the NFL playoffs and enjoying the postseason:
Tip 1: Plan Your Viewing Schedule
The NFL playoffs can be a busy time, with multiple games being played each day. Make sure to plan your viewing schedule in advance so that you don't miss any of the action. You can find the full playoff schedule on the official NFL website.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Snacks and Drinks
No football party is complete without snacks and drinks! Make sure to stock up on your favorite snacks and beverages before the game starts. Some popular options include pizza, wings, chips, and soda. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making some homemade snacks.
Tip 3: Invite Your Friends and Family
Watching the NFL playoffs is even more fun when you're surrounded by friends and family. Invite your loved ones over for a viewing party and enjoy the games together. You can also make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish.
Tip 4: Get Involved in the Conversation
The NFL playoffs are a great time to engage in conversation with other fans. Talk about the games, share your predictions, and debate the latest news and rumors. You can also join the conversation online by following your favorite teams and players on social media.
Closing Paragraph: I hope these tips help you make the most of the NFL playoffs. Whether you're watching the games at home or at a party, make sure to enjoy the excitement and drama of the postseason.
Transition Paragraph: Now that you know who's in the playoffs and how to watch the games, it's time to start thinking about who you think will win the Super Bowl. Here are a few of the contenders to keep an eye on.
Conclusion
The NFL playoffs are just around the corner, and the excitement is building. We've seen some great teams and players emerge this season, and the playoffs are sure to be filled with drama and excitement.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs are the team to beat. They have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills are also strong contenders, and they will be looking to dethrone the Chiefs.
In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles are the No. 1 seed and the team to beat. They have a well-rounded team with a strong offense and defense. The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings are also contenders, and they will be looking to make a run to the Super Bowl.
There are also a number of other teams that could make a run in the playoffs, including the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. The playoffs are always unpredictable, and anything can happen.
Closing Message: So who will win the Super Bowl this year? It's hard to say, but one thing is for sure: the playoffs are going to be a lot of fun to watch. Make sure to tune in and cheer on your favorite team.