The final week in the NFL — Week 18! — is here for the 2024 season.
And while the current NFL playoff picture is pretty clear in AFC (six of the seven teams have clinched spots) and the NFC (one spot is available), that means there are still squads that are very much alive heading into the final week of regular-season action.
So it’s time for that always fun and sometimes complicated breakdown of what needs to happen for certain teams heading into the week. Let’s break it all down by team and scenario:
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Ravens won, so now they can clinch the No. 5 seed in the AFC if the Chargers lose to the Raiders.
Denver Broncos
A win over the Chiefs and they’re in the postseason. It’s that simple.
Cincinnati Bengals
They beat the Steelers, so they now need the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs AND the Dolphins to lose or tie against the Jets to get into the postseason.
Miami Dolphins
A win plus a Broncos loss gets them in.
NFC
Detroit Lions
A win over the Vikings and they’re the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which means home-field advantage and a bye.
Minnesota Vikings
A win over the Lions and the NFC No. 1 seed belongs to them.
Atlanta Falcons
A win over Carolina AND a Bucs loss to the Saints gives them the NFC South crown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A win and they get the NFC South title. But they also get there with a Falcons loss or tie.
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