Here’s an up-to-date look at the NFL playoff race
5 min read
For the first time in 17 years, the NFL scheduled a Saturday doubleheader for the final week of the season and the first of those two games ended with the Chiefs beating the Broncos, 28-24, in an unexpected thriller.
Although the win moves Kansas City up to the top spot in the AFC, they might not be there for long and that’s because the Titans can claim the No. 1 overall seed by beating the Texans on Sunday.
In the NFC, the Eagles and Cowboys will be playing on Saturday, but there might not be much drama and that’s because both teams are expected to keep multiple starters on the bench in order to rest them for the playoffs. That being said, the game could still end up having an impact on the NFC playoff standings. If the Cowboys lose, they’ll clinch the fourth seed in the NFC. As for the Eagles, they’ll end up as the sixth or seventh seed, but they won’t know which one until after the 49ers (vs. Rams) and Saints (vs. Falcons) play on Sunday.
With the in mind, here’s a look at the current playoff standings following Kansas City’s Saturday win.
AFC playoff standings
Still alive
Raiders: The Raiders will get in the playoffs with a win over the Chargers on Sunday. They could also get in if both the Colts and Steelers lose.
Steelers: For the Steelers to make the playoffs three things have to happen: They have to beat the Ravens, the Colts have to lose to the Jags and the Chargers-Raiders game can’t end in a tie.
Ravens: For the Ravens to make the playoffs, four things have to happen: They have to beat the Steelers, the Colts have to lose to the Jags, the Dolphins have to lose to the Patriots and the Chargers have to lose to the Raiders.
NFC playoff standings
Still alive
Saints: The only way the Saints can’t get in the playoffs is if they beat the Falcons AND the 49ers lose to the Rams.
Wild card round matchups (Based on current standings)
AFC
(7) Chargers at (2) Titans
(6) Colts (3) Bengals
(5) Patriots at (4) Bills
Bye: Chiefs
NFC
(7) Eagles at (2) Rams
(6) 49ers at (3) Buccaneers
(5) Cardinals at (4) Cowboys
Bye: Packers
