The NFL Playoff Bracket is Set
01/08/2024
By: Jeff Yoder
Steelers, Texans, Bills, Buccaneers & Packers Clinch Playoffs in Final Weekend… And the Postseason Bracket is Set
After 18 weeks and 272 games spanning 125 days, the 2023-24 NFL regular season is a wrap. Fourteen teams are still alive as we shift into postseason mode after Week 18 saw six hopefuls get the boot in their final game. The Steelers, Texans, Bills, Packers, and Buccaneers (5 Teams) all clinched playoff bids in Week 18 through a variety of outcomes. On the flip side, the Vikings, Seahawks, Falcons, Saints, Colts, and Jaguars (6 Teams) were all sent home through final weekend scenarios. We now know who plays who, and when. It’s full speed ahead towards Super Bowl LVIII.
AFC Week 18 Scenarios
- Steelers Sneak In: The Steelers beat the Ravens (17-10) to claim the #7 Seed thanks to some helpful losses by the Jaguars and Colts.
- Texans Take the South: The Texans beat the Colts (23-19) and the Jaguars fell to the Titans (28-20), resulting in the Texans taking the AFC South and the #4 Seed. Both the Jags and Colts missed the postseason entirely due to the Steelers’ win.
- Bills Steal the East: The Bills beat the Dolphins (21-14) to take the AFC East crown for the fourth consecutive season and slide all the way up to the #2 Seed. The loss for Miami bumped them down to the #6 Seed.
NFC Week 18 Scenarios
- Bucs Clinch the South: The Bucs beat the Panthers (9-0) to win the NFC South and the #4 Seed.
- Packers Lock Wild Card Late: Both the Saints (9-8) and Seahawks (9-8) won on Sunday to give themselves a chance at the postseason, but the Packers beat the Bears (17-9) to lock down the #7 Seed.
- Cowboys Secure the East: The Cowboys ran roughshod on the Commanders (38-10) to secure the NFC East and the #2 Seed. That resulted in Philly remaining the #5 Seed, and the Eagles lost to the Giants anyway (27-10).
Official NFL Playoff Picture
AFC
1. North: Ravens (13-4)
2. East: Bills (11-6)
3. West: Chiefs (11-6)
4. South: Texans (10-7)
5. WC: Browns (11-6)
6. WC: Dolphins (11-6)
7. WC: Steelers (10-7)
NFC
1. West: 49ers (12-5)
2. East: Cowboys (12-5)
3. North: Lions (12-5)
4. South: Buccaneers (9-8)
5. WC: Eagles (11-6)
6. WC: Rams (10-7)
7. WC: Packers (9-8)
Week 18 Scoreboard & Highlights
Buccaneers def. Panthers (9-0)
Cowboys def. Commanders (38-10)
Seahawks def. Cardinals (21-20)
Wild Card Weekend Schedule (This Weekend)
#5 Browns at #4 Texans (Sat. 4:30 pm ET)
#6 Dolphins at #3 Chiefs (Sat. 8:00 pm ET)
#7 Steelers at #2 Bills (Sun. 1:00 pm ET)
#7 Packers at #2 Cowboys (Sun. 4:30 pm ET)
#6 Rams at #3 Lions (Sun. 8:00 pm ET)
#5 Eagles at #4 Buccaneers (Mon. 8:00 pm ET)
*#1 Ravens & #1 49ers Get 1st-Round Bye
Reunions Incoming: Our NFL Playoff coverage and previews will continue throughout the week ahead, but the Wild Card round is full of reunions. Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit. Mike McCarthy faces the Packers. Tyreek Hill returns to Kansas City. And the Browns and Texans meet just two years after the blockbuster Deshaun Watson deal. Plenty to discuss.
Black Monday: Today is commonly referred to as “Black Monday” in the NFL. Expect a number of coach firings and announcements in the next 24-72 hours.
Breaking News: Falcons Fire Head Coach Arthur Smith After 3 Seasons
Season-Ending (Likely) Goodbyes
RB Derrick Henry Bids Farewell to Titans Fans
Was It Bill Belichick’s Last Game With Patriots?
Jets Reportedly Tell QB Zach Wilson to Expect Offseason Trade
RB Saquon Barkley Admits ‘Giant for Life’ Dream is in Jeopardy
QB Russell Wilson Decision Looms Over Broncos’ Offseason
Season-Ending Rookie Records
Lions TE Sam LaPorta Sets Rookie TE Receiving Mark (86 Catches)
Rams WR Puka Nacua Breaks NFL Rookie Receiving Records for Yards (1,473) & Catches (105)
Read More
ESPN: NFL Playoff Bracket: Schedule, SBLVIII Odds, Stats & More
B/R: Week 18 Takeaways For Every Team Heading Into Playoffs or Offseason
Yahoo! Sports: For NFL’s Worst Teams, It’s Time to Look Towards the Draft
SI: 2024 NFL Playoffs Preview: Why Each Team Could Win Super Bowl LVIII
Image via NFL.com