NFL Playoff Picture 2024: Current Standings, Projected Matchups

NFL Playoff Picture 2024, Current Standings, As we enter the crucial final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, the playoff picture is coming into sharp focus, with several teams battling for division titles, wild-card spots, and precious postseason positioning. This year’s playoff race features surprise contenders, disappointing underachievers, and the usual powerhouse franchises making their expected pushes.

In this comprehensive playoff breakdown, we analyze:
✔ Current AFC & NFC playoff standings
✔ Projected divisional winners and wild cards
✔ Strength of schedule analysis for bubble teams
✔ Key remaining games that will decide the postseason
✔ Updated Super Bowl odds from NFL NewsZ
✔ Potential first-round playoff matchups

Let’s examine where every team stands in the 2024 NFL playoff hunt.

Current AFC Playoff Standings (Through Week X)

Division Leaders

1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) – AFC West leaders, own tiebreaker over Ravens

2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3) – Tough remaining schedule (vs. SF, @CLE)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) – Trevor Lawrence heating up at right time

4. Miami Dolphins (7-4) – Hold tiebreaker over Bills in AFC East

Wild Card Race

5. Buffalo Bills (7-4) – Brutal remaining schedule

6. Cleveland Browns (6-5) – Elite defense keeps them in hunt

7. Houston Texans (6-5) – C.J. Stroud making surprise push

On the Bubble:

• Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) – Worst point differential (-24) of contenders

• Los Angeles Chargers (5-6) – Need to win close games

(Include NFC standings in same format)

Projected Playoff Matchups if Season Ended Today

AFC Playoff Bracket

1. Chiefs (BYE)

2. Ravens vs. 7. Texans

3. Jaguars vs. 6. Browns

4. Dolphins vs. 5. Bills

NFC Playoff Bracket

1. 49ers (BYE)

2. Eagles vs. 7. Vikings

3. Lions vs. 6. Seahawks

4. Falcons vs. 5. Cowboys

Strength of Schedule: Easiest & Toughest Paths

Easiest Remaining Schedules

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (.420 opponent win %)

2. Detroit Lions (.435)

3. Houston Texans (.440)

Toughest Remaining Schedules

1. Buffalo Bills (.620 opponent win %)

2. Baltimore Ravens (.605)

3. Cleveland Browns (.590)

For full strength of schedule breakdown, visit NFL NewsZ.

Key Remaining Games That Will Decide Playoffs

AFC Game of the Year: Ravens at Chiefs (Week 14)

• Potential #1 seed decider

• Jackson vs. Mahomes MVP showdown

NFC Game of the Year: 49ers at Eagles (Week 15)

• NFC Championship preview?

• Last year’s NFC title game rematch

Other Crucial Matchups:

• Bills at Chiefs (Week 13)

• Cowboys at Eagles (Week 16)

• Lions at Cowboys (Week 17)

Updated Super Bowl Odds (via NFL NewsZ)

1. Kansas City Chiefs +450

2. San Francisco 49ers +500

3. Philadelphia Eagles +600

4. Baltimore Ravens +700

5. Miami Dolphins +1000

Potential Playoff X-Factors

AFC Dark Horse: Houston Texans

• C.J. Stroud playing beyond his years

• Weak AFC South helps path

NFC Dark Horse: Detroit Lions

• Best offensive line in football

• Favorable potential matchups

Teams That Could Collapse:

• Buffalo Bills – Tough schedule, defensive injuries

• Dallas Cowboys – Can’t beat winning teams

Conclusion: Projected Playoff Field

Based on current standings and remaining schedules, our predicted playoff teams:

AFC:

1. Chiefs

2. Ravens

3. Jaguars

4. Dolphins

5. Bills

6. Browns

7. Texans

NFC:

1. 49ers

2. Eagles

3. Lions

4. Falcons

5. Cowboys

6. Seahawks

7. Vikings

Read More: NFL Super Bowl 2025 Predictions: Early Favorites, Dark Horses & Potential Matchups

Final Thought: The race for the No. 1 seeds (and crucial bye weeks) will likely come down to the final weeks, with tiebreakers potentially deciding multiple playoff spots.

For daily playoff picture updates, bookmark NFL NewsZ.