As the 2024 NFL regular season progresses towards its dramatic conclusion, USA TODAY Sports is set to provide weekly updates on the evolving playoff picture. This analysis will take place after Sunday’s late games and through the week, culminating in a final look at the postseason field on January 5.
Currently, with Week 17 underway, here is how the playoff picture is shaping up:
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions sit at the top with a 13-2 record, providing them an advantageous position as they compete for home-field advantage. They are closely followed by the Philadelphia Eagles, who are facing a tough stretch after losing their 10-game winning streak and being left without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for this Sunday.
The Los Angeles Rams are leading the NFC West with a chance to clinch the division with a favorable outcome over the remaining two weeks. The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings hold their respective playoff spots, while the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders aim to solidify their positions with upcoming games that will determine their postseason fates.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have secured the top seed and home-field advantage after a dominant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are looking to maintain second place, while the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and others jockey for wild card placement. The Denver Broncos are in a pivotal win-or-go-home scenario for their playoff hopes.
As the regular season draws closer to its end, the excitement intensifies. Teams are not only competing for playoff berths but also strategizing how best to position themselves for a strong postseason run. The next two weeks promise to be filled with pivotal matchups that could shift the playoff landscape dramatically.
Additional commentary: The NFL playoff race highlights the intensity and unpredictability of professional football, as teams grapple with not just their own fortunes but the outcomes of other games. The remaining weeks inspire narratives of resilience and hope, with teams striving for redemption and fans rallying behind their clubs for a chance at championship glory.
Summary: The 2024 NFL playoff picture grows clearer as teams enter the critical final weeks of the regular season. With intense competitions in both the NFC and AFC, teams like the Lions, Chiefs, and Eagles are positioned for potential playoff success, setting the stage for an exhilarating and unpredictable postseason ahead.