NFL playoff picture: Clinching scenarios for AFC’s Wild Card contenders

The Broncos, Dolphins and Bengals are fighting for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC going into Week 18. Here are the clinching scenarios.

Going into the final week of the 2024 NFL season, there are three teams competing for the final and seventh seed in the AFC playoff race.

The Denver Broncos (9-7) currently hold the No. 7 seed, but if they don’t beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, one of the Miami Dolphins (8-8) or Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) could overtake them for the final Wild Card spot.

The Broncos will host the Chiefs and the Dolphins will face the New York Jets on Sunday. The Bengals will travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

Here are the playoff-clinching scenarios for those three teams going into Week 18.

NFL playoff picture: AFC Wild Card

  • If the Broncos beat (or tie) the Chiefs, Denver would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs and the Dolphins beat the Jets, Miami would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Broncos lose to KC and the Dolphins lose to NY and the Bengals beat the Steelers, Cincinnati would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Dolphins and Bengals both lose, Denver would clinch a playoff berth even if the Broncos lose to the Chiefs.

The Buffalo Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC, so if the Broncos reach the postseason, they will face the Bills in the first round of the NFL playoffs.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]