As we approach the final week of the NFL regular season, the playoff landscape is shaping up to be an exhilarating spectacle. After Week 17, several teams have solidified their postseason chances, while others are left grappling with their fate. Here’s the full breakdown of who’s clinched spots, who’s still in the hunt, and the drama ahead.

Playoff Teams Already Secured Their Berths!

A total of 12 teams have now punched their tickets to the playoffs, with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the pack as reigning champions. They officially secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC after a decisive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Buffalo Bills, the only team to have beaten Kansas City this season, clinched their spot back in Week 13 and remain a formidable contender.

In a standout performance, the Los Angeles Chargers captured the AFC's sixth playoff slot, dominating the New England Patriots 40-7. Quarterback Justin Herbert shone brightly, throwing three touchdown passes and setting a record by joining legends Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson as the only players to achieve over 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in each of their first five seasons.

The picture in the NFC is equally exciting. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are set for a thrilling clash in Week 18, where the winner will take home the No. 1 seed, a coveted playoff bye, and the NFC North division title.

A particularly heart-pounding moment came from the Washington Commanders, who clinched their playoff berth for the first time since 2020, thanks to an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Teams Keeping Their Hopes Alive

Notably still in the playoff race are the Denver Broncos, who, despite a solid 9-5 start, have stumbled recently with losses to the Chargers and Bengals. The Broncos will face the Chiefs, who might rest their starters after claiming their spot. The Broncos still have an 83% chance of making the playoffs, but they need to secure a win to guarantee their position.

The Miami Dolphins aren’t out yet either, improving their odds with a convincing 20-3 victory against the Cleveland Browns. They now have a 12% chance of snagging a spot, needing a win over the New York Jets next week.

The Cincinnati Bengals remain in contention, albeit slim, with only a 6% chance to sneak into the playoffs. They must defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and rely on the misfortunes of the Broncos and Dolphins.

In the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a strong position with an 89% chance of qualifying after defeating the Carolina Panthers 48-14. On the contrary, the Atlanta Falcons, shaken by their overtime loss to the Commanders, see their playoff hopes dimmed to just 11%.

Who’s Out in the Cold?

The harsh reality of Week 17 saw the Indianapolis Colts watch their chances evaporate after a shocking 45-33 defeat to the New York Giants. They join the likes of the Jets and the Las Vegas Raiders in being eliminated from playoff contention. Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks cannot progress despite a win over the Chicago Bears, as other results left them on the outside looking in.

Current Standings after Week 17

AFC Playoff Picture:

1) Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) – Clinched 2) Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Clinched 3) Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Clinched 4) Houston Texans (9-7) – Clinched 5) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) – Clinched 6) Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) – Clinched 7) Denver Broncos (9-7) On the Outside: 8) Miami Dolphins (8-8) 9) Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) Eliminated: 10) Indianapolis Colts (7-9) 11) New York Jets (4-12) 12) Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) 13) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) 14) Cleveland Browns (3-13) 15) Tennessee Titans (3-13) 16) New England Patriots (3-13) NFC Playoff Picture: 1) Detroit Lions (14-2) – Clinched 2) Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) – Clinched 3) Los Angeles Rams (10-6) – Clinched 4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) 5) Minnesota Vikings (14-2) – Clinched 6) Washington Commanders (11-5) – Clinched 7) Green Bay Packers (11-5) – Clinched On the Outside: 9) Atlanta Falcons (8-8) Eliminated: 8) Seattle Seahawks (9-7) 10) Dallas Cowboys (7-9) 11) Arizona Cardinals (7-9) 12) San Francisco 49ers (6-10) 13) New Orleans Saints (5-11) 14) Chicago Bears (4-12) 15) Carolina Panthers (4-12) 16) New York Giants (3-13) As the excitement of Week 18 approaches, the stakes have never been higher! Will the Broncos pull off a miracle? Can the Bucs capitalize on their opportunity? Don't miss the final weekend of regular season action—the NFL playoffs are just around the corner, and they promise to be unforgettable!