The NFC field could lock up with the last places

On December 29, 2024By Littum

At least one side of the NFL playoff picture will remain undecided heading into Week 18, with several teams all vying for the final opening of the AFC field. However, the NFC may have all of its participants set when week 17 is completed.

Two of the last berths in the conference are up for grabs Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose to the Carolina Panthers as the result would clinch at least one more wild card spot Washington’s commanders. That result would also open the window for Atlanta Falcons to seal the NFC South with a win over the Commanders on “Sunday Night Football.” Meanwhile Los Angeles Rams could take home the NFC West title and avoid a winner-take-all matchup against Seattle Seahawks for the division crown in Week 18, but only if multiple results go their way to provide a strength-of-victory tiebreaker. And while the top seed in the conference is still up for grabs, it is Detroit Lions could claim it with both a win Monday night over San Francisco 49ers and one Minnesota Vikings loss Sunday to Green Bay Packers.

Here are all the clinch scenarios still on the table for Week 17 going into Sunday:

Win the NFC North and the NFC’s no. 1-seed (first round bye and home field advantage) with:

Clinch the NFC East with:
- Win or draw
- Commanders loss or draw

Clinch the NFC West with:
- Strength-of-victory tiebreaker over the Seahawks with 2½ or more wins from the following teams: Bills, Browns, Vikings, 49ers and Commanders. A draw equals half a win in this formula.

Clinch the playoff spot with:
- Win or draw
- Buccaneers loss or tie

NFL teams that have already made the playoffs

Buffalo Bills: AFC East
Houston Texans: AFC South
Kansas City Chiefs: No. 1 seed and home field advantage, AFC West
Baltimore Ravens: Playoff spot
Los Angeles Chargers: Playoff spot
Pittsburgh Steelers: Playoff spot
Detroit Lions: Playoff spot
Green Bay Packers: Playoff spot
Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff spot