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Things always get kind of crazy during the final week of the NFL regular season, and this year was no different.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a win over the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South, and they got it in dramatic fashion. In a game where the Bucs trailed by double digits in the second half, they ended up rallying for a 27-19 win over the Saints.
There was also plenty of drama with the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers both aiming to get the sixth seed in the NFC. The Commanders needed a win to clinch the sixth spot, and they got it by scoring a touchdown with three seconds left to beat the Dallas Cowboys 23-19.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at where the playoff picture stands following the 1 p.m. games. We’ll take a look at all the possible seeds and possible opponents for each team in the playoff race.
AFC playoff standings
STILL ALIVE
Bengals (9-8): After beating the Steelers on Saturday, two more things now have to happen for the Bengals to make the playoffs: The Broncos have to lose to the Chiefs AND the Dolphins have to lose to the Jets.
Dolphins (8-8): For the Dolphins to make the playoffs, they have to beat the Jets on Sunday AND the Broncos have to lose to the Chiefs.
Note: The Bengals and Dolphins can only get the seventh seed, which means the team that eventually earns the final wild card spot will be heading to Buffalo for the opening round of the playoffs.
AFC wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)
(Teams in bold have clinched their seed)
(7) Broncos at (2) Bills
(6) Steelers at (3) Ravens
(5) Chargers at (4) Texans
Bye: (1) Chiefs
NFC playoff standings
ELIMINATED
Falcons (8-9): For the Falcons to have any chance at winning the NFC South, they had to win and they needed the Buccaneers to lose, but neither of those things happened. The Falcons ended up losing to the Panthers, 44-38, in overtime in a game that ended after the Bucs had already beaten the Saints to clinch the division.
NFC wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)
(Teams in bold have clinched their seed)
(7) Packers at (2) Eagles
(6) Commanders at (3) Rams
(5) Vikings at (4) Buccaneers
Bye: (1) Lions
