The playoff landscape in the NFL crystallized significantly on Sunday, as the 49ers, Cowboys, and Cardinals were officially eliminated from postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Falcons strengthened their standings with supportive outcomes, while the Colts, Dolphins, and Bengals remained in the mix with slim chances of advancement.
As the season heads into its final fortnight, the status of division titles has started to take shape: three of the eight divisions have already crowned their champions, and eight teams have secured playoff spots. Eleven additional teams are now vying for the remaining six playoff positions.
The most notable shift occurred in the NFC South, where the Falcons regained the top spot from the Buccaneers.
**AFC East**
The Buffalo Bills have secured their fifth consecutive division title. In their latest matchup against the struggling New England Patriots, they overcame an early 14-0 deficit to triumph 24-21. The Bills, boasting a 12-3 record, remain in contention for the AFC’s top seed, but they must win their remaining games and hope the Chiefs lose on two occasions. Josh Allen sustained an elbow injury during the game but managed to finish.
The Miami Dolphins clinched a must-win with a 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. At 7-8, the Dolphins need wins on the road against the Browns and Jets to keep their wild-card hopes alive.
**AFC North**
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently on a two-game losing streak, highlighted by a significant 34-17 defeat to the Ravens. The Steelers (10-5) are under pressure but still control their division destiny; winning their upcoming games against Kansas City and Cincinnati would secure them the division.
The Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, are also in a strong position after their victory over the Steelers. With a 10-5 record, the Ravens can clinch the division title if they win their next two games and the Steelers stumble in one of theirs.
The Cincinnati Bengals, after a win against the Browns, remain competitive at 7-8 and need to secure victories against both the Broncos and Steelers for a chance at the playoffs.
**AFC South**
The Houston Texans have claimed their second consecutive division title but face challenges following a loss to the Chiefs, which saw key player Tank Dell sidelined with a severe knee injury. The Texans are likely to secure the No. 4 playoff seed.
The Indianapolis Colts kept their playoff dreams alive with a close 38-30 win over the Titans. To stay in contention, the Colts (7-8) will need victories against the Giants and Jaguars in their final games.
**AFC West**
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, continue to dominate, boasting a remarkable 14-1 record. Having clinched their ninth straight division title, they are just one win away from securing the No. 1 playoff seed and home-field advantage throughout.
The Los Angeles Chargers are well positioned for a wild-card spot. With a season sweep over the Denver Broncos, they can secure their spot with a win over the Patriots or Raiders.
The Denver Broncos are on the brink of their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl win about nine years ago, resting comfortably at 9-6 with two critical games remaining.
**NFC East**
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a disappointing 36-33 defeat to Washington, a setback in their pursuit of the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Without Jalen Hurts, they struggled offensively. However, they can clinch the NFC East title with a win against the Cowboys or Giants.
The Washington Commanders, propelled by impressive performances from Jayden Daniels, are closing in on a playoff berth. To clinch the division title, they need to secure wins and hope the Eagles falter in two of their next games.
**NFC North**
The Detroit Lions achieved a franchise-record 13 wins with a commanding 34-17 win against the Bears. At 13-2, the Lions can secure both the division crown and the top NFC seed with a win over the 49ers as well as a loss from the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings remain in the competition, rallying back for a 27-24 victory in Seattle. To qualify for the No. 1 seed, they must emerge victorious in their remaining games.
The Green Bay Packers are eyeing a wild-card spot and can solidify their position with a win against the Saints.
**NFC South**
The Atlanta Falcons found themselves back on top of the division after decisively beating the New York Giants 34-7. They hold the tiebreaker over the Buccaneers and face challenges in their upcoming matches.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having lost ground after a defeat against the Cowboys, must secure victories in their remaining games and rely on Atlanta to stumble once for a playoff opportunity.
**NFC West**
The Los Angeles Rams are moving closer to claiming the division title after defeating the Jets. With a nasty rivalry brewed, they can clinch with a win against the Cardinals and a loss by the Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks have been eliminated from wild-card talks; they can only secure a playoff spot by winning the division.
