As the 2024 NFL season nears its dramatic conclusion in Week 18, three division titles remain undecided: the NFC North, AFC North, and NFC South. This uncertainty makes for an exciting finale, as multiple teams in both conferences now have a legitimate shot at claiming the Lombardi Trophy in February’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
With just one week left in the regular season, the playoff picture remains fluid. Who holds the advantages going into the final week, and which match-up carries the most significant stakes?
NFC Playoff Picture
The NFC playoff landscape is shaping up as follows:
Division Leaders:
Minnesota Vikings (14-2) – NFC North
Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) – NFC East
Los Angeles Rams (10-6) – NFC West
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) – NFC South
Wild Card:
Detroit Lions (13-2)
Washington Commanders (11-5)
Green Bay Packers (10-6)
On the Bubble:
Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
(x) denotes clinched playoff spot, (z) indicates clinched division.
AFC Playoff Picture
Meanwhile, in the AFC, the playoff picture looks like this:
Division Leaders:
Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) – AFC West
Buffalo Bills (13-3) – AFC East
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – AFC North
Houston Texans (9-7) – AFC South
Wild Card:
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
Denver Broncos (9-7)
On the Bubble:
Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
(x) denotes clinched playoff spot, (z) indicates clinched division.
NFC North Title Showdown: Lions vs. Vikings
One of the most crucial games of Week 18 is the NFC North clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. The Vikings, currently 14-2, are one win away from securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Their opponent, the Detroit Lions, who stand at 13-2, have been the most dominant team in the conference all season long.
The Vikings’ quest for the top spot is led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who has proven himself after bouncing around the league. Despite his previous struggles, Darnold has found success under the Vikings' offense. However, the task at hand is tough—Detroit has been unstoppable, and they won a thrilling 31-29 victory over Minnesota earlier in the season on October 29.
Recognizing the importance of this match-up, the NFL has flexed the game to Sunday Night Football. With both teams at the top of their game, this divisional championship showdown will decide who claims the coveted No. 1 seed. The loser, however, will be relegated to the fifth seed and will have to travel for a Wild Card game, either facing Tampa Bay or Atlanta.
For either team, the difference between a home-field advantage in the playoffs and the challenge of playing away is just one win. This high-stakes match is shaping up to be one of the most intense and critical games of the season. The tension surrounding this game is palpable, as both teams fight for an edge that could be the difference between a smooth playoff run or a difficult road ahead.