NFL Playoff Picture 2024: Which Teams Are Losing Wildcard Spot?

NFL Playoff Picture 2024: The 2024 NFL season is heating up as December rolls in, and the playoff race is more intense than ever. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, teams are fighting tooth and nail to secure their spot in the postseason—while others are on the verge of collapse.

In this in-depth analysis, we’ll break down:
✔ Current AFC & NFC playoff standings
✔ Teams in danger of losing their wildcard spot
✔ Surprise contenders making a late push
✔ Key matchups that will decide the postseason fate

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which teams are rising, which are falling, and who might pull off a shocking last-minute playoff run.

Current NFL Playoff Standings (December 2024)

As of early December, the playoff picture is starting to solidify—but there’s still plenty of room for chaos. Here’s where things stand in both conferences:

AFC Playoff Picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) – Locked in for the #1 seed?

2. Baltimore Ravens (9-4) – Lamar Jackson leading a strong charge.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) – Trevor Lawrence making a statement.

4. Miami Dolphins (8-5) – Can Tua stay healthy for a playoff push?

5. Cleveland Browns (8-5) – Deshaun Watson’s resurgence?

6. Houston Texans (8-5) – C.J. Stroud’s rookie magic continues.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) – Mike Tomlin’s squad hanging on.

On the Bubble:

• Buffalo Bills (7-6) – Josh Allen’s team in danger of missing playoffs.

• Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) – Burrow’s injury hurting their chances.

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) – Jalen Hurts dominating again.

2. San Francisco 49ers (10-3) – Brock Purdy silencing doubters.

3. Detroit Lions (9-4) – Can they finally win a playoff game?

4. Atlanta Falcons (8-5) – Surprise division leaders?

5. Dallas Cowboys (9-4) – Always in the mix, but can they go deep?

6. Seattle Seahawks (8-5) – Geno Smith keeping them alive.

7. Green Bay Packers (7-6) – Jordan Love’s breakout year?

On the Bubble:

• Minnesota Vikings (7-6) – Kirk Cousins’ injury a major setback.

• Los Angeles Rams (7-6) – Stafford & Kupp fighting for a wildcard.

5 Teams in Danger of Losing Their Wildcard Spot

While some teams are comfortably positioned, others are one bad loss away from disaster. Here are the biggest wildcard risks in December:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6, AFC #7 Seed)

• Why They’re in Trouble:

  • Struggling offense (ranked 28th in yards per game).

  • Tough remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Seahawks, vs. Bengals.

  • Mike Tomlin’s magic may not be enough this year.

2. Buffalo Bills (7-6, Outside Looking In)

• Why They’re in Trouble:

  • Josh Allen’s turnovers are piling up (NFL-high 15 INTs).

  • Must face Cowboys, Chargers, Dolphins, Patriots—brutal stretch.

  • Could this be the year the Bills miss the playoffs entirely?

3. Green Bay Packers (7-6, NFC #7 Seed)

• Why They’re in Trouble:

  • Inconsistent defense (allowing 24+ PPG).

  • Jordan Love is improving, but can he win must-have games?

  • Upcoming games: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Vikings.

4. Minnesota Vikings (7-6, On the Bubble)

• Why They’re in Trouble:

  • Lost Kirk Cousins for the season (Josh Dobbs is streaky).

  • Tough remaining schedule: vs. Lions, Packers, and Lions again.

  • Defense is solid, but can they score enough?

5. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6, Outside Looking In)

• Why They’re in Trouble:

  • Joe Burrow’s injury derailed their season.

  • Jake Browning has been decent, but is he playoff-caliber?

  • Must face Vikings, Steelers, and Chiefs—hard path.

3 Surprise Teams That Could Steal a Wildcard Spot

While some teams are slipping, others are heating up at the perfect time. Keep an eye on:

1. Houston Texans (8-5, AFC #6 Seed)

• Why They’re Dangerous:

  • C.J. Stroud playing like a 10-year veteran.

  • Weak remaining schedule (Titans, Browns, Colts).

  • Could they win the AFC South over Jacksonville?

2. Atlanta Falcons (8-5, NFC South Leaders)

• Why They’re Dangerous:

  • Bijan Robinson emerging as a superstar.

  • Desmond Ridder improving every week.

  • Weak division gives them a clear path to the playoffs.

3. Los Angeles Rams (7-6, On the Bubble)

• Why They’re Dangerous:

  • Matthew Stafford & Cooper Kupp healthy at the right time.

  • Kyren Williams is a top-5 RB this season.

  • Could they sneak in over Seattle or Green Bay?

Key December Games That Will Decide the Playoffs

These matchups will make or break playoff hopes:

• Week 15: Cowboys @ Bills – Will Buffalo’s season end here?

• Week 16: Ravens @ 49ers – Potential Super Bowl preview.

• Week 17: Lions @ Cowboys – Huge NFC seeding implications.

• Week 18: Dolphins vs. Bills – Could be a win-and-in game.

Final Prediction: Who Makes the Playoffs?

Based on current trends, here’s our projected playoff field NFL Playoff Picture 2024:

AFC Seeds:

1. Chiefs

2. Ravens

3. Jaguars

4. Dolphins

5. Browns

6. Texans

7. Steelers (Bills & Bengals miss out)

NFC Seeds:

1. Eagles

2. 49ers

3. Lions

4. Falcons

5. Cowboys

6. Seahawks

7. Packers (Rams & Vikings fall short)

Read More: The Shocking MVP Dark Horse Nobody Saw Coming (Hint: Not Mahomes!)

Conclusion: The Wildcard Race Will Be Wild

The 2024 NFL playoff picture is far from settled, and December will bring massive shakeups. Teams like the Bills, Steelers, and Vikings are on thin ice, while the Texans, Falcons, and Rams could be this year’s Cinderella stories.

For the latest NFL playoff updates, check out NFL News and stay tuned as the drama unfolds!

Who do you think will make the playoffs? Let us know in the comments!