Five NFL teams still have a chance to enter the 2024 playoffs in the final week of the regular season. Two teams control their fate, and the other three need additional outcomes to reach the postseason.
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos (9-7) can reach the postseason by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. With the Chiefs playing for nothing after clinching the AFC’s top seed, the Broncos might have the edge against Kansas City’s second-stringers. If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs, a loss by the Cincinnati Bengals will give Denver the seventh seed.
Meanwhile, the Bengals (8-8) must win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and hope the Broncos and the Miami Dolphins lose. Getting a playoff ticket would cap off an improbable run for Cincinnati, which was 4-8 by Week 13 after losing to the Steelers at home. Like the Chiefs, the Steelers might rest their starters because they have clinched their playoff berth.
Scenarios for the final AFC Playoff spot:
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024
Broncos (vs. KC): Win or DEN + CIN loss
Dolphins (vs. NYJ): Win + DEN loss
Bengals (vs. PIT): Win + DEN loss + MIA loss pic.twitter.com/9tPJ9znuDu
Finally, the Dolphins (8-8) can enter the playoffs by defeating the New York Jets, plus a loss by the Broncos. After starting the season at 2-6, Miami went 6-2 to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons are competing for a playoff spot in the NFC. Whoever earns the slot will host a Wild Card Round game as NFC South champions. The Buccaneers have the edge and will earn that spot by defeating the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
Conversely, the Falcons will enter the postseason if they win against the Carolina Panthers while the Buccaneers lose. Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay in their two regular season matchups, giving them an edge on a tiebreaker.
-Lance Fernandez