The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, which had significant implications for the AFC playoff race. With the Jaguars’ loss, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills were able to clinch playoff spots. Additionally, the Houston Texans secured the AFC South division title.
On the other side of the league, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured their spot in the postseason by capturing the NFC South crown with a sluggish win over the Carolina Panthers.
As the regular season wraps up, there are various scenarios for every team with playoff aspirations. Here’s a breakdown of the current AFC and NFC playoff picture:
AFC Playoff Picture:
Clinched:
– Baltimore Ravens (13-4) – AFC North division title, No. 1 seed, first-round bye, and homefield advantage
– Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) – AFC West division title
– Houston Texans (10-7) – AFC South division title
– Cleveland Browns (11-5) – playoff berth
– Miami Dolphins (11-5) – playoff berth
– Buffalo Bills (10-6) – playoff berth
– Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) – playoff berth
Up for grabs:
The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will face off, with the Bills having the chance to clinch the AFC East division title with a win.
NFC Playoff Picture:
Clinched:
– San Francisco 49ers
– Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, or Detroit Lions
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Up for grabs:
The Dallas Cowboys have the opportunity to clinch the NFC East division title with a win against Washington or a loss by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Green Bay Packers have a chance to secure a playoff berth with a win against Chicago. The New Orleans Saints can clinch a playoff berth with a win, along with losses or ties by the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to clinch the NFC East division title with a win and a loss by the Dallas Cowboys.
The AFC and NFC playoff races are heating up as the regular season comes to a close. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis from NFL Week 18 as the postseason picture becomes clearer.