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As the NFL season reaches its midpoint, the playoff race is starting to heat up. With just over seven weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture in both the AFC and NFC is beginning to take shape. Below, we break down who would make the playoffs if the season ended today, who’s still fighting for a spot, and the teams that are already out of contention.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs (91) – AFC West Leaders
The Chiefs are currently sitting in the top spot of the AFC. Despite suffering their first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, Kansas City is still in control of the AFC West and has a chance to secure the coveted No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. However, with the Bills hot on their heels, every game will count.
2. Buffalo Bills (92) – AFC East Leaders
The Bills are just half a game behind the Chiefs following their dramatic victory over Kansas City. After a Week 12 bye, Buffalo will look to continue their strong play and potentially leapfrog Kansas City to grab the top seed. With their headtohead tiebreaker over the Chiefs, the Bills are wellpositioned to contend for the No. 1 spot.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (83) – AFC North Leaders
Despite a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, the Steelers remain in control of the AFC North, holding a narrow onegame lead over the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have a crucial matchup against the Ravens later in the season, which could determine the division champion and their playoff seeding.
4. Houston Texans (74) – AFC South Leaders
The Texans, now in a strong position to claim a second consecutive division title, have a twogame lead over the Indianapolis Colts. While the Texans are looking good for a playoff berth, they’ll need to stay strong to secure a high seed in the AFC, especially with tough competition in the topheavy conference.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (73) – AFC Wild Card
The Chargers moved up in the standings after a Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. They now sit a halfgame ahead of the Ravens for the top wildcard spot. The Chargers will look to keep their momentum going and potentially challenge for the AFC West title.
6. Baltimore Ravens (74) – AFC Wild Card
The Ravens are on the edge of playoff contention after losing to the Steelers in Week 11. They remain in the hunt for both the division title and a wildcard spot. A crucial Week 12 matchup against the Chargers will be key to staying in the race.
7. Denver Broncos (65) – AFC Wild Card
After a muchneeded win over the Falcons in Week 11, the Broncos have positioned themselves firmly in the wildcard hunt. A 65 record keeps them in front of the Indianapolis Colts, who are still trying to catch up.
Teams on the Bubble:
Indianapolis Colts (56) – AFC South
The Colts are still fighting for a wildcard spot, with their recent win against the Jets bringing them closer to the playoff race.
Miami Dolphins (46) – AFC East
The Dolphins are barely hanging on after an important win over the Raiders, but they need to string together a series of wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Cincinnati Bengals (47) – AFC North
The Bengals are on the outside looking in, and their loss to the Chargers in Week 11 hurt their playoff chances.
Teams Eliminated:
Cleveland Browns (38), New York Jets (38), New England Patriots (38), Tennessee Titans (28), Las Vegas Raiders (28), Jacksonville Jaguars (29)
These teams are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention as they struggle through disappointing seasons.
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Detroit Lions (91) – NFC North Leaders
The Lions hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC, with the best record in the conference. Their Week 11 win kept them a game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles for homefield advantage and the lone bye in the NFC playoffs. The Lions are looking to secure their first playoff appearance in recent memory and make a deep run.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (82) – NFC East Leaders
The Eagles continue to play at a high level, holding a 1.5game lead over the Washington Commanders in their division. They’ll need to keep winning if they hope to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC and avoid a tough road to the Super Bowl.
3. Arizona Cardinals (64) – NFC West Leaders
The Cardinals, following their Week 11 bye, still hold a onegame lead over the other three teams in the NFC West. With the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers all hot on their heels, Arizona will need to stay sharp to secure the division crown.
4. Atlanta Falcons (65) – NFC South Leaders
The Falcons continue to lead the NFC South, despite a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos. Their division is one of the weakest in the NFC, which makes them a strong candidate to hold onto their playoff spot. Atlanta’s path to the postseason will largely depend on maintaining its division lead.
5. Minnesota Vikings (82) – NFC Wild Card
Despite trailing the Lions in the NFC North, the Vikings have been one of the hottest teams in the NFC. Their Week 11 win keeps them firmly in the wildcard race, with an opportunity to secure a top playoff spot if they keep playing at a high level.
6. Green Bay Packers (73) – NFC Wild Card
The Packers remain in strong wildcard contention, thanks to a solid win over the Bears in Week 11. Their upcoming matchups, including a key game against the 49ers in Week 12, will be critical for keeping their playoff hopes alive.
7. Washington Commanders (74) – NFC Wild Card
Despite a Week 11 loss to the Eagles, the Commanders remain in the playoff picture as a wildcard contender. With a strong enough record, they still have a chance to secure a playoff spot, though their division title hopes are slim.
Teams on the Bubble:
Los Angeles Rams (55), Seattle Seahawks (55), San Francisco 49ers (55)
These teams are all right in the mix for the wildcard spots. The Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are all in a dogfight to stay relevant in the playoff race, especially as the NFC West remains competitive.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (46) – NFC South
The Bucs’ playoff hopes are still alive, but they need to bounce back from a tough loss to stay within striking distance of the Falcons in the NFC South.
Chicago Bears (46) – NFC North
The Bears are on the fringes of playoff contention and need to turn things around if they want to stay in the hunt.
Teams Eliminated:
New Orleans Saints (47), Carolina Panthers (37), Dallas Cowboys (37), New York Giants (28)
These teams are struggling, and their playoff chances are all but dashed with each passing week.
