NFL Playoff Picture: Postseason Probabilities Entering Final Week of 2024 Regular Season
As the 2024 NFL regular season draws to a close, the playoff picture is taking shape, with several teams vying for the final few spots in the postseason. Here’s a detailed look at the playoff probabilities entering the final week of the season:
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-3): Clinched AFC West, No. 1 seed
The Chiefs have been dominant throughout the season, led by MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes. They have already clinched the AFC West and have a firm hold on the No. 1 seed in the conference.
2. Buffalo Bills (12-4): Clinched AFC East, No. 2 seed
The Bills have rebounded from a slow start to the season and have secured the AFC East division title. They currently hold the No. 2 seed in the AFC and are in a strong position to earn a first-round bye.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5): Clinched AFC North, No. 3 seed
The Bengals have been a surprise this season, overcoming injuries to key players to clinch the AFC North. They currently hold the No. 3 seed in the conference and are looking to make a deep playoff run.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6): Clinched AFC South
The Jaguars have made a remarkable turnaround under first-year head coach Doug Pederson. They have clinched the AFC South and are currently in the driver’s seat for the No. 4 seed in the AFC.
5. New York Jets (9-7): 63.7% chance of making playoffs
The Jets have exceeded expectations this season and are in contention for a wild-card berth. They need a win in Week 18 against the Dolphins and some help from other teams to secure a playoff spot.
6. Baltimore Ravens (9-7): 59.1% chance of making playoffs
The Ravens have been hit by injuries this season but are still in the playoff hunt. They need to win in Week 18 against the Bengals and get some help from other teams to qualify for the postseason.
7. Miami Dolphins (9-7): 46.9% chance of making playoffs
The Dolphins have been inconsistent this season but still have a chance to reach the playoffs. They need to win in Week 18 against the Jets and get some help from other teams to secure a wild-card berth.
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): Clinched NFC East, No. 1 seed
The Eagles have been the class of the NFC this season, led by MVP candidate Jalen Hurts. They have already clinched the NFC East and have a firm hold on the No. 1 seed in the conference.
2. San Francisco 49ers (13-4): Clinched NFC West, No. 2 seed
The 49ers have overcome injuries to several key players this season and have secured the NFC West division title. They currently hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC and are in a strong position to earn a first-round bye.
3. Minnesota Vikings (13-4): Clinched NFC North, No. 3 seed
The Vikings have been a surprise this season, posting a 13-4 record and clinching the NFC North. They currently hold the No. 3 seed in the NFC and are looking to make a deep playoff run.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): Clinched NFC South
The Buccaneers have been inconsistent this season but have managed to clinch the NFC South. They currently hold the No. 4 seed in the NFC and are looking to make a strong playoff push.
5. Dallas Cowboys (12-5): 85.9% chance of making playoffs
The Cowboys have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL in recent weeks and are in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs. They need a win in Week 18 against the Commanders to secure a wild-card berth.
6. New York Giants (9-7): 61.2% chance of making playoffs
The Giants have been a pleasant surprise this season and are still in contention for a wild-card berth. They need to win in Week 18 against the Eagles and get some help from other teams to qualify for the postseason.
7. Seattle Seahawks (9-8): 36.3% chance of making playoffs
The Seahawks have been inconsistent this season but still have a slim chance of reaching the playoffs. They need to win in Week 18 against the Rams and get a lot of help from other teams to qualify for the postseason.
Key Matchups in Week 18
Several key matchups in Week 18 will have a major impact on the playoff picture:
* Jets vs. Dolphins: The Jets need a win and some help from other teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Dolphins need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
* Ravens vs. Bengals: The Ravens need a win and some help from other teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Bengals have already clinched a playoff berth but can improve their seeding with a win.
* Cowboys vs. Commanders: The Cowboys need a win to secure a wild-card berth. The Commanders are eliminated from playoff contention but can play spoiler.
* Giants vs. Eagles: The Giants need a win and some help from other teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Eagles have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
* Seahawks vs. Rams: The Seahawks need a win and a lot of help from other teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Rams are eliminated from playoff contention but can play spoiler.
Conclusion
The NFL playoff picture is set to come into sharper focus in Week 18, with several teams vying for the final few spots in the postseason. The Jets, Ravens, Dolphins, Giants, and Seahawks are all in contention for wild-card berths, while the Cowboys and Giants are looking to improve their seeding. Several key matchups in Week 18 will have a major impact on the playoff picture, so NFL fans should tune in for an exciting and dramatic conclusion to the regular season.