2024 NFL Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s Still Fighting After Week 14
The 2024 NFL season is reaching its climax, and the race for playoff spots is heating up as teams battle for the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl championship. With Week 14 in the books, the postseason picture is starting to take shape. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who’s in, who’s out, and who’s still in contention.
Who’s In?
Four teams have already punched their tickets to the postseason after impressive performances through Week 14.
AFC
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
The reigning champions remain dominant, securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They’re aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. - Buffalo Bills (10-3)
The Bills clinched the AFC East with ease, rebounding from their Week 11 victory over the Chiefs to secure a postseason berth.
NFC
- Detroit Lions (12-1)
The Lions are enjoying a historic season, solidifying their position as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They’ve secured their playoff spot and continue to look unstoppable. - Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
The Eagles’ long-winning streak and dominant performances helped them clinch the NFC East. They’re back in the playoffs, ready to contend for another Super Bowl appearance.
Who’s in the Mix?
AFC
The playoff race in the AFC looks relatively stable, with five teams close to clinching their spots:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
The Steelers are on the verge of securing the AFC North title with a two-game lead over the Ravens. - Houston Texans (8-5)
The Texans lead the AFC South by two games and are well-positioned to clinch their division.
5-7. Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos (all 8-5)
These teams are in strong contention, with only a massive swing likely to disrupt their playoff hopes.
On the outside, the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) and Miami Dolphins (6-7) are fighting to keep their seasons alive. The Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) still have a mathematical chance but face steep odds with just a 3% chance of making the playoffs.
NFC
The NFC playoff race is far more competitive, with several teams still in contention for division titles and wildcard spots:
- Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
Leading the NFC West, the Seahawks hold a slim one-game lead over the Rams, with a crucial Week 18 matchup ahead. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
The Bucs have bounced back from a mid-season slump and are poised to win the NFC South.
5-7. Minnesota Vikings (11-2), Green Bay Packers (9-4), Washington Commanders (8-5)
The Vikings and Packers are securing wildcard spots, while the Commanders, with an 81% chance of playoff qualification, hold the final spot.
On the bubble, the Los Angeles Rams (7-6) are the closest challengers, followed by the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers (all 6-7). Long-shot contenders include the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers, who all need miracles to extend their seasons.
Who’s Out?
For some teams, the 2024 season is already over as they turn their focus to the draft and the 2025 campaign.
AFC
Six teams are officially eliminated:
- Cleveland Browns (3-10)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)
- New York Jets (3-10)
- Tennessee Titans (3-10)
- New England Patriots (3-10)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
NFC
The New York Giants (2-11) are the sole NFC team eliminated so far. Their tumultuous season, including the release of starting quarterback Daniel Jones, raises questions about the future of head coach Brian Daboll.
Full Playoff Seedings After Week 14
AFC Standings
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) – clinched
- Buffalo Bills (10-3) – clinched
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
- Houston Texans (8-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
- Denver Broncos (8-5)
On the Outside: Colts (6-7), Dolphins (6-7), Bengals (5-8)
Eliminated: Browns, Jaguars, Jets, Titans, Patriots, Raiders
NFC Standings
- Detroit Lions (12-1) – clinched
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) – clinched
- Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
- Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
- Green Bay Packers (9-4)
- Washington Commanders (8-5)
On the Outside: Rams (7-6), Falcons (6-7), Cardinals (6-7), 49ers (6-7)
Eliminated: Giants
The road to the playoffs is narrowing, and each game from here on out could determine who gets a shot at Super Bowl glory. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!
