As we head into the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season, all eyes are on the playoff picture, which is slowly coming into focus. The action kicked off Saturday with two key games that saw the Baltimore Ravens secure the AFC North title by defeating the Cleveland Browns, while the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17, keeping their own playoff hopes alive.
Week 18 offers a 14-game slate on Sunday, with a lot still to play for. Currently, only six of the fourteen playoff spots have been officially locked in. For the AFC, the top teams are as follows:
- 1. Kansas City Chiefs (with a bye)
- 2. Buffalo Bills vs. 7. Denver Broncos
- 3. Baltimore Ravens vs. 6. Pittsburgh Steelers
- 4. Houston Texans vs. 5. Los Angeles Chargers
Moving to the NFC, the standings are as follows:
- 1. Detroit Lions (with a bye)
- 2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. 7. Green Bay Packers
- 3. Los Angeles Rams vs. 6. Washington Commanders
- 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 5. Minnesota Vikings
The Chiefs have already won the AFC West title for the ninth consecutive year and will have a week off before their playoff opener. The Bills will face the Broncos to determine who moves on in the Wild Card round. If the Broncos win, they secure the 7th seed. However, if they lose, it opens the door for the Dolphins or Bengals to sneak in.
The Ravens, having clinched their division, are set to host the Steelers unless the Chargers fail to win against the Raiders, which would alter the playoff landscape significantly. Meanwhile, the Texans, already crowned champions of the AFC South, are locked into the No. 4 seed, regardless of the outcome in their game.
In the NFC, the Lions will face the Vikings, with the winner claiming the No. 1 seed. The Eagles are secure in the 2nd seed but plan to rest key starters in this final matchup. Meanwhile, the Packers have already clinched a playoff berth and can improve to No. 6 seed with a win
As the dust settles after Week 18, fans will eagerly await the exciting playoffs that lie ahead. Every game matters and could change the trajectory for teams fighting for that coveted Super Bowl title.
