NFL Playoff Scenarios and Stakes for Teams Heading into Week 18
As Week 18 approaches, teams are eyeing playoff spots and seeding in the NFL postseason
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Buffalo is also in a good spot. They’re heading to New England with nothing to gain since they’ve locked in the No. 2 seed. They’ll host a wild-card team next week, which could be the Broncos, Dolphins, or Bengals.
Now, the Ravens have a chance to clinch the AFC North. If they beat the Browns or if the Steelers lose to the Bengals, they’re in. They’ve already secured a playoff spot, but winning the division would mean hosting a game.
The Texans are already set as the No. 4 seed after clinching the AFC South. They’re not playing for anything against the Titans, but they’ll host a wild-card game.
The Steelers still have a shot at the division title. If they beat the Bengals and the Ravens lose, they could take the crown. They’ve already made the playoffs, but this game will determine their seeding.
The Chargers are in the wild-card mix, too. They’re already in but could be the No. 5 or 6 seed depending on their game against the Raiders. A win could set them up nicely.
The Broncos need a win against the Chiefs to secure the last wild-card spot. If they lose, they’ll need some help from other games to make it.
The Dolphins are in a tough spot. They need to win against the Jets and hope the Broncos lose to have a shot at the playoffs.
The Bengals have the hardest road. They need to beat the Steelers and hope for losses from both the Dolphins and Broncos to sneak in.
Switching to the NFC, the Vikings can clinch the North and the top seed with a win over the Lions. If they lose, they drop to the wild-card round.
The Eagles are locked in as the No. 2 seed and will host a wild-card team. They’re just looking to finish strong against the Giants.
The Rams can secure the No. 3 seed with a win against the Seahawks. They’ve got a bit of wiggle room, though, as they could still get it with a loss if the Bucs lose too.
The Buccaneers need to win against the Saints to make the playoffs as the NFC South champs. They could also move up in seeding with some help.
The Lions have a chance to win the North and secure home-field advantage with a win over the Vikings. A loss would send them to the wild-card round.
The Commanders and Packers are both in the wild-card hunt. They need to win their games to secure their spots, with the Commanders needing a little help to get a higher seed.
Finally, the Falcons have the toughest path. They need to win and hope the Bucs lose to have any chance at the playoffs. If they lose, they’re out.