By Nate Davis
USA TODAY Sports
As we approach the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, the playoff race remains as intense as ever. Each week, USA TODAY Sports provides timely updates on the evolving playoff picture, capturing the shifting dynamics and the critical tiebreakers at play. After Week 16, several teams have secured playoff spots, but plenty of crucial matchups still lie ahead. The postseason field won’t be finalized until Sunday, January 5.
Let’s take a look at where things stand following Week 16:
x – 1. Detroit Lions (13-2), NFC North Leaders
The Lions entered Week 16 in a three-way tie for the top spot in the NFC, also battling with Minnesota for the division crown. Their victory over the Chicago Bears, combined with the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss at Washington, boosted their chances for both a division title and home-field advantage. Detroit remains in control of the NFC North, and with a win in their next two games, they can secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A victory in San Francisco in Week 17 and a Minnesota loss would also work in their favor.
Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Vikings
x – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), NFC East Leaders
It was a rough Sunday for the Eagles. A loss to the Washington Commanders snapped their 10-game win streak, preventing them from wrapping up the NFC East and forcing them to settle for second in the race for home-field advantage. Despite the setback, they can still clinch the division with either a win or a Commanders loss.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants
- Los Angeles Rams (9-6), NFC West Leaders
The Rams hold the advantage in the NFC West, but they will need a win and some help in Week 17 to secure the division title early. A victory over the Arizona Cardinals will put them in a stronger position to clinch the NFC West.
Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks
- Atlanta Falcons (8-7), NFC South Leaders
Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. shone in his first start for the Falcons, guiding them to a much-needed win over the New York Giants. This victory was crucial, especially after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Atlanta in control of the NFC South. With a win in Week 17, the Falcons will secure their division title.
Remaining schedule: at Commanders, vs. Panthers
x – 5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2), Wild Card No. 1
Like Detroit, the Vikings control their fate in the NFC North. If they win their final two games, they will secure the division and the No. 1 seed. A victory in Week 17 against Detroit would give them the edge in the division race.
Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at Lions
x – 6. Green Bay Packers (11-4), Wild Card No. 2
After losing to both Detroit and Minnesota, the Packers are relegated to a wild-card spot. However, Green Bay reminded everyone of its playoff pedigree with a dominant performance against the New Orleans Saints, firmly keeping their postseason hopes alive. A strong finish to the regular season could see them as one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.
Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Bears
- Washington Commanders (10-5), Wild Card No. 3
By defeating the Eagles, the Commanders ensured they remain in the hunt for the NFC East title, while simultaneously eliminating the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers from playoff contention. A win in Week 17 will guarantee Washington a playoff berth.
Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, at Cowboys
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), In the Hunt
The Buccaneers had an opportunity to strengthen their playoff bid but fell short against the Dallas Cowboys. Tampa Bay’s hopes of claiming the NFC South are now in jeopardy. Their postseason fate could hinge on a Week 17 win.
Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, vs. Saints
- Seattle Seahawks (8-7), In the Hunt
The Seahawks face a tough road ahead after their loss to Minnesota. With no pathway to the NFC West title and no wild-card spot at the moment, Seattle will need a strong finish and some help to remain in the playoff race.
Remaining schedule: at Bears, at Rams
AFC Playoff Picture
y – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1), AFC West Champions
The Chiefs clinched the AFC West with their win over the Houston Texans. With just one more win—or a Buffalo loss—the Chiefs can lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Remaining schedule: at Steelers, at Broncos
y – 2. Buffalo Bills (12-3), AFC East Champions
The Bills struggled to get past the New England Patriots but still maintain their grip on the AFC East title. Despite the win, Buffalo needs to win out and hope for a Kansas City loss to reclaim the No. 1 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Patriots
x – 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5), AFC North Leaders
Pittsburgh fell out of the running for the No. 1 seed following Kansas City’s win, and now they must fend off a strong challenge from Baltimore in the AFC North race. Their upcoming matchups are crucial to keeping their division lead.
Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals
y – 4. Houston Texans (9-6), AFC South Champions
The Texans continue to reign over the weak AFC South, but they are now locked in as the fourth seed. They’ll likely face a tough wild-card matchup, possibly against a team from the AFC North.
Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Titans
x – 5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5), Wild Card No. 1
Baltimore clinched a playoff spot and is back in the race for the AFC North title. The Ravens have recaptured their early-season form and could make a deep playoff run.
Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Browns
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6), Wild Card No. 2
The Chargers clinched a key win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16, improving their chances of making the playoffs. A victory in Week 17 would seal their postseason berth.
Remaining schedule: at Patriots, at Raiders
- Denver Broncos (9-6), Wild Card No. 3
The Broncos had a chance to clinch a playoff spot in Week 16 but now find themselves needing a victory in their final game to secure their postseason berth.
Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Chiefs
- Indianapolis Colts (7-8), In the Hunt
The Colts kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Titans, but they still need plenty of help to get into the postseason. Their next two games will be crucial.
Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Jaguars
- Miami Dolphins (7-8), In the Hunt
The Dolphins remain in the hunt after a crucial win over the San Francisco 49ers. They need to win their final two games and hope for help from other teams.
Remaining schedule: at Browns, at Jets
- Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), In the Hunt
The Bengals are mathematically still in the playoff race after defeating the Browns, but they’ll need a lot of help to make it in.
Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos, at Steelers
NFL Playoff-Clinch Scenarios for Week 17 (Incomplete)
- Kansas City Chiefs clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:
- Win or Buffalo loss
- Detroit Lions clinch the NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed with:
- Win + Minnesota loss
- Atlanta Falcons clinch the NFC South with:
- Win + Tampa Bay loss
- Philadelphia Eagles clinch the NFC East with:
- Win or Washington loss
- Los Angeles Rams clinch the NFC West with:
- Win + Seattle loss
- Denver Broncos clinch playoff berth with:
- Win
- Los Angeles Chargers clinch playoff berth with:
- Win
- Washington Commanders clinch playoff berth with:
- Win
Teams Eliminated from 2024 Playoff Contention
- New York Giants
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Jets
- Chicago Bears
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys
- San Francisco 49ers
- Arizona Cardinals
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X (formerly Twitter) @ByNateDavis for more NFL coverage.
