NFL playoff picture: Complete AFC and NFC fields, matchups for wild-card games

With all 272 regular-season games now completed, the NFL playoff field is set. The Detroit Lions secured the NFC North title and the conference’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history after a hard-fought 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on “Sunday Night Football.” Here’s a comprehensive look at the playoff picture and upcoming matchups.

NFC playoff picture

1. Detroit Lions (15-2), NFC North champions
The Lions claimed the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye for the first time in franchise history. A battered roster will benefit from the extra rest as they prepare for a deep postseason run.
Playoff schedule: BYE

2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3), NFC East champions
The Eagles secured the No. 2 seed and rested starters in their Week 18 win over the Giants. They’ll host Green Bay in a wild-card rematch of their Week 1 victory.
Playoff schedule: vs. Packers

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7), NFC South champions
Tampa Bay rallied to beat the Saints and climbed to the third seed. They’ll host the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round.
Playoff schedule: vs. Commanders

4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7), NFC West champions
A Week 18 loss to Seattle dropped the Rams to the fourth seed. They’ll face a tough test against the Minnesota Vikings.
Playoff schedule: vs. Vikings

5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3), wild card No. 1
After falling short in their bid for the No. 1 seed, the Vikings must now win on the road, starting with a matchup against the Rams.
Playoff schedule: at Rams

6. Washington Commanders (12-5), wild card No. 2
Washington earned its first 12-win season since 1991 and will travel to Tampa Bay for the wild-card round.
Playoff schedule: at Buccaneers

7. Green Bay Packers (11-6), wild card No. 3
The Packers’ loss to Detroit locked them into the seventh seed and a wild-card rematch in Philadelphia.
Playoff schedule: at Eagles

AFC playoff picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), AFC West champions
The Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage by Week 17. They’ll enjoy a first-round bye as they prepare to defend their Super Bowl title.
Playoff schedule: BYE

2. Buffalo Bills (13-4), AFC East champions
Buffalo secured the No. 2 seed and will host the Denver Broncos in the wild-card round.
Playoff schedule: vs. Broncos

3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5), AFC North champions
The Ravens are surging and will host a divisional rubber match against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Playoff schedule: vs. Steelers

4. Houston Texans (10-7), AFC South champions
The Texans face a challenging wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Playoff schedule: vs. Chargers

5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6), wild card No. 1
The Chargers secured the fifth seed and a trip to Houston for the wild-card round.
Playoff schedule: at Texans

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7), wild card No. 2
After dropping their final four games, the Steelers head to Baltimore for a wild-card matchup.
Playoff schedule: at Ravens

7. Denver Broncos (10-7), wild card No. 3
Denver secured its first playoff berth in nine years with a stunning Week 18 win over Kansas City’s backups. They’ll face the Bills in Buffalo.
Playoff schedule: at Bills

First-round order for the 2025 NFL draft

Projected top picks:

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
2. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
3. New York Giants (3-14)
   (Full draft order determined by playoff results from spot 19 onward.)

Lions poised for a breakthrough postseason

With their No. 1 seed secured, the Lions could finally shed the title of being the only team never to reach a Super Bowl. Other teams with first-time Super Bowl aspirations include the Bills, Texans, Chargers, and Vikings.

Playoff schedule highlights

The 2024 playoff schedule is set to deliver exciting matchups
Saturday: AFC matchups kick off the wild-card weekend
Sunday: NFC action takes center stage
Monday: The Rams will host either the Lions or Vikings in the finale of the wild-card round

Let the road to Super Bowl 59 begin!

Herbert Bauernebel

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