The NFL’s last regular-season week started with a doubleheader on Saturday.
The Texans secured a playoff spot by winning a crucial game against the Colts, with a score of 23-19. It’s their first playoff appearance since 2019. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud had a fantastic performance, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns. This win not only got them into the playoffs but also puts them in the running to win the AFC South.
On Saturday, the Steelers boosted their playoff chances with a significant 17-10 victory over the Ravens. Despite the win, they haven’t officially secured a playoff spot and will need assistance on Sunday. We’ll also discuss the Steelers’ requirements for the playoffs and how the Texans can clinch their division title.
Now, let’s check out how the teams are faring in the playoffs and take a look at the current playoff bracket before the Sunday games.
Jaguars (9-7):
The Jaguars can secure either the fourth seed or miss the playoffs. A win against the Titans on Sunday would make them AFC South champions, leading to a wild-card round matchup against the Browns. Despite the possibility of making the playoffs with a loss before Week 18, that changed after Pittsburgh’s Saturday win. Now, the Jaguars must win against the Titans, or the Texans will claim the division.
ELIMINATED
Colts (9-8): The Colts had a chance to make the playoffs with a win over Houston, but unfortunately, they’re now out of contention.
In the potential AFC Wild-card matchups, if the current standings hold:
The Steelers would face the Dolphins.
The Bills would take on the Chiefs.
The Browns would match up against the Texans.
Teams earning a Bye are the Ravens.
NFC Playoff Standings:
NFC West Champion (12-4)
49ers (Clinched No. 1 seed): The 49ers are already the top team and are resting key players against the Rams.
NFC East Leader (11-5)
Cowboys (Possible seeds: Second, third, or fifth; Clinched playoff berth): Cowboys can win their division by beating the Commanders. If Eagles lose and Cowboys win, they’re the fifth seed. If Cowboys and Eagles both lose, and Lions win, Cowboys could be the third seed.
NFC North Champion (11-5)
Lions (Possible seeds: Second or third; Clinched NFC North): The Lions can be the second seed if they win, and Cowboys and Eagles both lose. Otherwise, they’re the third seed.
NFC South Leader (8-8)
Buccaneers (Possible seeds: Fourth or out of playoffs): The Buccaneers need to win against the Panthers to be NFC South champs. If they lose, they’re out.
Wild Card 1 (11-5)
Eagles (Possible seeds: Second or fifth; Clinched playoff berth): Eagles can win the NFC East if they beat the Giants and Cowboys lose to the Commanders. Otherwise, they’re the fifth seed.
Wild Card 2 (9-7)
Rams (Possible seeds: Sixth or seventh; Clinched playoff berth): Rams secure the sixth seed with a win against the 49ers or if the Packers lose to the Bears. They might be the seventh seed if they lose and the Packers win.
Wild Card 3 (8-8)
Packers (Possible seeds: Sixth, seventh, or out of playoffs): Packers get in with a win over the Bears. They’re the sixth seed with a win and Rams lose, seventh seed if Rams win. They can still make it with a loss, but they need help from other teams losing too.
PLAYOFF HOPES STILL ALIVE:
Seahawks (8-8)
What they need: Seahawks can make the playoffs if they beat the Cardinals and the Packers lose to Chicago.
Saints (8-8)
What they need: Saints can win the NFC South by beating the Falcons, and the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers. They could also get a wild-card spot if they beat the Falcons, combined with a Packers loss, a Seahawks loss, and a Buccaneers win.
Vikings (7-9)
What they need: Vikings have a slim chance. They must beat the Lions, and both the Seahawks and Packers must lose, PLUS either the Saints or Buccaneers should also lose.
Falcons (7-9)
What they need: Falcons can only make the playoffs by beating the Saints, and the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers. This would help the Falcons clinch the NFC South title.
NFC Wild-card matchups (Based on current standings):
NFC
(7) Packers at (2) Cowboys
(6) Rams at (3) Lions
(5) Eagles at (4) Buccaneers
Bye: 49ers