The final week in the NFL — Week 18! — is here for the 2024 season.
And while the current NFL playoff picture is pretty clear in AFC (six of the seven teams have clinched spots) and the NFC (one spot is available), that means there are still squads that are very much alive heading into the final week of regular-season action.
So it’s time for that always fun and sometimes complicated breakdown of what needs to happen for certain teams heading into the week. Let’s break it all down by team and scenario:
A win and they clinch the AFC North. But they can do the same if the Steelers lose to the Bengals on Saturday.
A win AND a loss by the Ravens and they get the AFC North crown.
A win and they’re in the postseason. But also: a Bengals loss/tie AND a Dolphins loss/tie gets them there.
It starts with a win over the Steelers. Then, they also need the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs and the Dolphins to lose or tie against the Jets.
A win plus a Broncos loss gets them in.
A win over the Vikings and they’re the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which means home-field advantage and a bye.
A win over the Lions and the NFC No. 1 seed belongs to them.
A win over Carolina AND a Bucs loss to the Saints gives them the NFC South crown.
A win and they get the NFC South title. But they also get there with a Falcons loss or tie.
