As the NFL’s regular season wraps up on the final day, the playoff landscape is coming into focus. In Week 18, teams are securing their playoff berths and seeds, and updates will continue as the scenarios unfold.
With only two of the league’s 14 playoff spots still available heading into the final week, numerous seeds were left undecided until the last matchups.
Here is the current NFL playoff bracket:
**NFC**
1. **Minnesota Vikings (14-2)**: Already guaranteed a playoff spot, the Vikings can secure the NFC’s top seed and the first-round bye with a victory over the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Night Football.”
2. **Detroit Lions (14-2)**: Similarly, the Lions can also claim the NFC North title and top seed with a win against Minnesota.
3. **2nd Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)**: Clinched the 2nd seed following their Week 17 victory over Dallas, which enabled them to win the NFC East. They will face the Green Bay Packers during the wild-card weekend.
4. **3rd Seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)**: The Buccaneers secured the NFC South title with a thrilling win that came down to the wire. Their performance in the final games of the season solidified their playoff chances, resulting in a matchup against Washington in the wild-card round.
5. **4th Seed: Los Angeles Rams (10-7)**: Despite a narrow loss to Seattle, the Rams managed to secure a playoff spot and will face either the Lions or Vikings.
6. **6th Seed: Washington Commanders (12-5)**: A comeback victory over Dallas allowed the Commanders to clinch the NFC’s No. 6 seed, with their wild-card opponent yet to be determined.
7. **7th Seed: Green Bay Packers (11-6)**: The Packers secured the final playoff spot with their last-second loss to Chicago, breaking an impressive winning streak against their rivals.
**AFC**
1. **1st Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)**: With their ninth consecutive AFC West championship already in hand before the final game, the Chiefs have locked up the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye.
2. **2nd Seed: Buffalo Bills (13-4)**: Despite a loss in Week 18 against New England, the Bills maintain the 2nd seed as the champions of the AFC East.
3. **3rd Seed: Baltimore Ravens (12-5)**: They secured their playoff position with a win over Cleveland, clinching the AFC North.
4. **4th Seed: Houston Texans (10-7)**: The Texans triumphed over Tennessee, securing the AFC South title.
5. **5th Seed: Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)**: They achieved a decisive victory against Las Vegas, allowing them to rise to the fifth seed and set up a matchup with Houston in the wild-card round.
6. **6th Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)**: After a disappointing end to the season with a four-game losing streak, they will face Baltimore in the wild-card round.
7. **7th Seed: Denver Broncos (10-7)**: Clinching the final playoff position, the Broncos sealed their spot with a resounding victory over Kansas City, eliminating Miami and Cincinnati in the process. They will take on Buffalo during wild-card weekend.
As the playoffs approach, excitement builds, and fans look forward to a thrilling postseason. With several tight races and intense rivalries, the upcoming weeks promise to deliver unforgettable moments in football.