2024 NFL playoff picture, bracket: How wins by Steelers and Texans ...
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The final week of the NFL regular-season kicked off with a doubleheader on Saturday.
In the biggest game of the day, the Texans clinched their first playoff berth since 2019 by going on the road to beat the Colts, 23-19. CJ Stroud capped off an impressive rookie regular-season by throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns. With the win, not only did the Texans clinch a playoff berth, but they also now have a chance to win the AFC South.
In Saturday's other game, the Steelers gave their playoff hopes a huge boost by beating the Ravens, 17-10. Despite the win, the Steelers haven't clinched a postseason berth just yet. They'll also need some help on Sunday and we'll be going over what they need and also how the Texans can clinch the division title.
With that in mind, here's a look at the current playoff standings plus what the playoff bracket currently looks like heading into Sunday.
AFC playoff standingsSTILL ALIVE Jaguars 9-7Possible seeds: Fourth or out of playoffs. The AFC South is Jacksonville's to lose: If the Jaguars beat the Titans on Sunday, they'll win the AFC South and host the Browns in the wild-card round. Going into Week 18, the Jags had a path to make the playoffs even with a loss against the Titans, but that's no longer possible after Pittsburgh's win on Saturday. That means the Jags will be in a "win or go home" situation against Tennessee. If the Jags lose, the Texans will win the division.
ELIMINATEDColts (9-8): The Colts would have punched their ticket to the postseason with a win over Houston, but instead, they were eliminated.
AFC Wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)AFC(7) Steelers at (2) Dolphins(6) Bills at (3) Chiefs(5) Browns at (4) Texans
Bye: Ravens
NFC playoff standingsSTILL ALIVESeahawks (8-8)Possible seeds: Seventh or out of playoffs. The Seahawks will punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Cardinals combined with a Packers loss to Chicago.
Saints (8-8)Possible seeds: Fourth, seventh or out of playoffs. The Saints will win the NFC South if they beat the Falcons AND the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers. The Saints could also get a wild-card berth if they beat the Falcons and that's combined with a Packers loss, a Seahawks loss and a Buccaneers win.
Vikings (7-9)Possible seeds: Seventh or out of playoffs. The Vikings can still make the postseason, but they need some serious help. Not only would the Vikings have to beat the Lions, but the Seahawks and Packers would both have to lose PLUS either the Saints or Buccaneers would have to lose.
Falcons (7-9). Possible seeds: Fourth or out of playoffs. The only way the Falcons can get to the playoffs is if they beat the Saints AND the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers. That combination would allow the Falcons to clinch the NFC South title.
NFC Wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)NFC (7) Packers at (2) Cowboys(6) Rams at (3) Lions(5) Eagles at (4) Buccaneers
Bye: 49ers