The NFL playoff picture is taking shape as we enter the final stretch of the 2024 season. With critical games in Week 17, teams are battling for postseason spots and draft positioning. Here’s a breakdown of the current playoff picture, key scenarios, and the NFL draft order as we head into Sunday.
Rams Closing in on NFC West Crown
The Los Angeles Rams are on the brink of clinching the NFC West after a narrow 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. To secure the division, the Rams need favorable results from 2.5 or more wins among Minnesota, Buffalo, San Francisco, Washington, or Cleveland in Week 17.
The NFC West standings show the Rams holding a slim lead over the Seattle Seahawks, who are still in the hunt. With a postseason berth almost guaranteed, the Rams playoff scenarios are looking brighter as they prepare for a potential playoff run.
AFC Playoff Picture: Chargers Clinch, Bengals Stay Alive
The AFC playoff picture is nearly complete, with six of seven spots secured. The Kansas City Chiefs claimed the top seed with a dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, ensuring home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Los Angeles Chargers joined the postseason mix after a decisive 40-7 win against the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime victory against the Denver Broncos. The Bengals face a must-win scenario in Week 18 and need help to sneak into the postseason.
NFC Playoff Picture: Divisions Up for Grabs
The NFC playoff standings are packed with drama heading into Week 17:
- Detroit Lions (13-2): NFC North leaders with a chance to clinch the division if the Vikings falter against the Packers.
- Philadelphia Eagles (12-3): Control their fate in the NFC East and can seal the division with a win or tie against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Los Angeles Rams (10-6): A win away from the NFC West crown.
- Atlanta Falcons (8-7): Could clinch the NFC South with a win and a Panthers victory over the Buccaneers.
Teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are also vying for favorable seeding, while the Seahawks and Buccaneers remain in the hunt for wild-card spots.
NFL Draft Order Shaping Up
As the playoff race intensifies, teams at the bottom of the NFL standings are jockeying for draft position. The New York Giants currently hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Patriots, Jaguars, and Titans close behind.
Top 10 Draft Picks as of Week 17:
- New York Giants (2-13)
- New England Patriots (3-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
- Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
- Chicago Bears (4-12)
- Carolina Panthers (4-11)
- New York Jets (4-11)
- New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Teams outside the playoffs, like the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, could see movement in draft positioning based on Week 17 results.
Key Scenarios to Watch in Week 17
- NFC North Battle: The Lions can clinch the division with a win over the 49ers if the Vikings lose to the Packers.
- NFC East Showdown: The Eagles can win the division with a victory against Dallas or a Commanders loss to the Falcons.
- Wild Card Spots: The Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Commanders are fighting to secure the final playoff spots.
Looking Ahead to Week 18
As the NFL playoff schedule takes shape, Week 18 promises even more high-stakes drama. Teams like the Colts and Bengals will battle to keep their postseason dreams alive, while division leaders like the Chiefs and Lions aim to lock in favorable playoff positions.
The NFL continues to deliver excitement with every passing week, from the playoff races to the draft order. Stay tuned for the action-packed conclusion to the regular season.
Conclusion
With the playoff picture coming into focus and draft positioning solidifying, Week 17 is pivotal for teams across the league. Whether it’s the Rams playoff scenarios, the AFC playoff picture, or the draft implications for struggling teams like the Giants, every game counts as the 2024 NFL season nears its thrilling conclusion.
Keep an eye on the NFL standings, follow the NFL playoff predictor, and gear up for a dramatic finish to the season!
