2024 NFL Playoff Picture: Chiefs, Bills clinch berths; wild race in NFC West

The AFC playoff field is almost settled, with five teams essentially locked in:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1): Clinched playoffs; aiming for their third straight Super Bowl.
2. Buffalo Bills (10-2): Division champions; chasing the AFC’s top seed.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): Strong defense, improving offense under Russell Wilson.
4. Houston Texans (8-5): Lead AFC South but struggling to maintain form.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4): Defense stepping up; offense remains inconsistent.
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5): Need to regain offensive rhythm post-bye.
7. Denver Broncos (7-5): Clinging to the last spot; upcoming games critical.

NFC Overview:
Five of seven spots are nearly secure, with the NFC South and West still hotly contested:

1. Detroit Lions (11-1): Dominant in the NFC; top-seed aspirations remain intact.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2): Balanced offense and defense; strong Super Bowl contenders.
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5): Lead NFC West but face tough competition in a tight division.
4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6): Struggling after a strong start; critical games ahead.
5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2): Winning consistently, though not convincingly.
6. Green Bay Packers (9-3): Peaking at the right time; huge showdown vs. Detroit looming.
7. Washington Commanders (8-5): Rookie QB Jayden Daniels shines as they hold onto the final spot.

NFC West Chaos:
The Seahawks, Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers are all within two games, making every matchup crucial. Key games in the next 11 days—Seahawks vs. Cardinals and Rams vs. 49ers—could clarify the standings.

Teams on the Bubble:

• AFC: Colts, Dolphins.
• NFC: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams, and even the Cowboys, who remain in the mix with back-to-back wins.

The final stretch promises drama as teams fight for their playoff lives.