The final push to the NFL playoffs is on, and it started Saturday with a doubleheader to kick off Week 18.
With the win, the Ravens have now clinched the AFC North and the third overall seed in the AFC.
In the nightcap on Saturday, the Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive by pulling out a wild 19-17 win over the Steelers.
The win means that the Bengals can steal the final wild-card spot in the AFC if both the Broncos and Dolphins lose on Sunday.
We’ll take a look at all the possible seeds and possible opponents for each team in the playoff race.
Week 18 of the NFL playoffs began on Saturday with a doubleheader, marking the beginning of the final push.
Baltimore hosted the day’s first game, in which the Ravens thrashed the Browns 35–10. The Ravens have now secured the third overall seed in the AFC and the AFC North with the victory.
Before Week 15, the Ravens were two games behind the leaders and appeared to have little chance of winning the division. However, they have since won four straight games while the Steelers have lost three straight, allowing the Ravens to steal the division.
By defeating the Steelers 19–17 in the nightcap on Saturday, the Bengals maintained their hopes of making the playoffs. The Bengals can take the final AFC wild-card spot if the Broncos and Dolphins both lose on Sunday thanks to the victory. Although the Steelers are already in the playoffs, they won’t find out their seed until Sunday’s games between the Chargers and Raiders.
In light of that, let’s examine the playoff picture after the doubleheader. In the playoff race, we will examine every team’s potential opponents and seeds.
The AFC playoff standings.
Still alive.
Bengals (9-8): The Bengals need to defeat the Chiefs AND the Dolphins in order to qualify for the playoffs after defeating the Steelers on Saturday.
Dolphins (8-8): The Dolphins must defeat the Jets on Sunday AND the Broncos must lose to the Chiefs in order to qualify for the playoffs.
Because the Dolphins and Bengals are only eligible for the seventh seed, the team that ultimately secures the final wild card spot will travel to Buffalo for the first round of the playoffs.
matchups for the AFC wild card (based on current standings).
The teams that are bolded have secured their seed.
Bills at (7) Broncos.
Steelers (6) at Ravens (3).
Chargers (5) versus Texans (4).
(1) Chiefs, good-by.
NBA playoff standings.
ALMOST ALIVE.
Falcons (eight to eight): The Falcons can only advance to the playoffs if they defeat the Panthers AND the Bucs lose to the Saints.
4 or out is a possible seed.
Potential wild-card opponent: the season-ending Lions/Vikings opponent.
NFC wild card games (based on the standings as of right now).
The bolded teams have secured their seed.
The Packers at the Eagles, (7).
Officers at (3) Rams (6).
Bucs at (4) Vikings (5).
