The final two weeks of the 2024 NFL regular season promise intense competition as teams vie for playoff spots. In the AFC, five out of seven playoff positions are secured, with the Kansas City Chiefs clinching the top seed after a decisive victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, in the NFC, four teams have booked their postseason tickets, but all division titles remain up for grabs. This weekend’s games will significantly clarify the playoff picture for both conferences.

In the AFC, the Denver Broncos are on the verge of making their first playoff appearance since Super Bowl 50 if they secure a win or tie against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Los Angeles Chargers also have a chance to join them with a favorable outcome against the New England Patriots or if other results go their way. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are set to battle for the NFC North title, while the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders eye the NFC East crown. Additionally, the Atlanta Falcons aim to clinch the NFC South by defeating the Commanders.

AFC Playoff Contenders Face Critical Tests

The AFC playoff race is heating up as several teams fight for the remaining two spots. The Kansas City Chiefs have already secured the top seed, but the real drama lies in the wildcard positions. The Denver Broncos stand on the brink of securing their playoff berth with a potential win or tie against the Cincinnati Bengals. Similarly, the Los Angeles Chargers can join the playoffs with a win or tie against the New England Patriots, provided the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts do not win their respective games.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens hold strong positions, but the wildcards remain uncertain. The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals are all within striking distance of a playoff spot. A win for any of these teams could dramatically shift the balance. For instance, the Colts need to defeat the Panthers and hope the Buccaneers falter, while the Dolphins must focus on winning their own game. The Chargers’ path to the playoffs involves either beating the Patriots or relying on external help. Each team's performance this weekend will be crucial in determining who secures the final playoff spots.

NFC Division Titles and Wildcard Races Intensify

The NFC playoff race remains tightly contested, with all division titles still up for grabs. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are neck-and-neck for the NFC North title. If the Vikings lose to the Green Bay Packers and the Lions defeat the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit will claim the division crown. In the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are battling for supremacy. The Eagles can clinch the division with a win or tie against the Dallas Cowboys, or if the Commanders fail to beat the Atlanta Falcons.

The NFC South and West divisions also offer intriguing storylines. The Atlanta Falcons can clinch the NFC South by defeating the Commanders and hoping the Panthers win against the Buccaneers. In the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams are poised to secure the division if they beat the Arizona Cardinals and gain enough strength-of-victory points. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the bubble, needing strong performances to stay in contention. The upcoming weekend will be pivotal in shaping the NFC playoff landscape, with every game carrying significant weight.