The final week of the 2024 NFL regular season is here, and for some teams, there is not much to play for due to already having their spot set in the playoffs, or worse, being knocked out of playoff contention. However, for other teams not on either end of the spectrum, there is everything to play for, making this week a must-win situation.
The current playoff picture shows only one available playoff spot in both the AFC and NFC. Four games in the AFC and three games in the NFC have playoff implications for nine total teams, whether it is simply making the playoffs or seeding within the bracket.
The Baltimore Ravens, with an 11-5 record, have already clinched a playoff spot, but they are still fighting for the AFC North title and the No. 3 seed. They will face the Cleveland Browns, and a win or tie would secure the division title and the No. 3 seed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, also with an 11-5 record, have clinched a playoff spot, but they are still fighting for the AFC North title and the No. 3 seed. They will face the Cincinnati Bengals, and a win would secure the division title and the No. 3 seed.
The Cincinnati Bengals, with an 8-8 record, are still alive in the playoff hunt, but they need to win their final game and have the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins lose or tie to make the playoffs.
The Denver Broncos, with a 9-7 record, need to win their final game to make the playoffs. They will face the Kansas City Chiefs, and a win would secure a playoff spot.
The Miami Dolphins, with a 9-7 record, also need to win their final game and have the Broncos lose or tie to make the playoffs. They will face the New York Jets, and a win would secure a playoff spot.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are fighting for the No. 1 seed, with the winner hosting every game except for the Super Bowl. The loser would be the No. 5 seed and would have to travel to face the winner of the NFC South.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons are fighting for the NFC South title, with the winner securing a playoff spot. The Buccaneers have the edge, but the Falcons could win the division if they win their final game and the Buccaneers lose.
The final week of the regular season promises to be an exciting one, with many teams fighting for playoff spots and seeding.