NFL Playoff Picture 2024: The 2024 NFL season is heating up as teams battle for playoff positioning, wild card spots, and divisional supremacy. With every game becoming more critical, fans and analysts are closely watching the NFL playoff picture to see which teams will secure a postseason berth and which will fall short.
In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll analyze:
✔ Current NFL standings (November 2024)
✔ Key playoff scenarios for AFC & NFC teams
✔ Surprise contenders and underperforming squads
✔ Expert predictions for Super Bowl LIX contenders
✔ Must-watch games that will decide the playoff fate
Let’s dive in!
Current NFL Standings (November 2024)
As we approach the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, the standings are starting to solidify—but surprises still lurk. Here’s a look at the division leaders and wild card contenders in both conferences.
AFC Playoff Standings (Top 7 Teams)
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Kansas City Chiefs (8-2) – Patrick Mahomes continues to dominate, making the Chiefs the team to beat.
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Baltimore Ravens (7-3) – Lamar Jackson’s MVP-level play keeps them in the hunt.
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Buffalo Bills (7-3) – Josh Allen is heating up at the right time.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) – Trevor Lawrence is leading a strong AFC South charge.
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Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) – Joe Burrow is back to full health, making Cincy dangerous.
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Miami Dolphins (6-4) – Explosive offense, but can their defense hold up?
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Cleveland Browns (5-5) – Their defense keeps them in the wild card mix.
On the Bubble:
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Los Angeles Chargers (5-5) – Justin Herbert needs a late-season surge.
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Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) – Mike Tomlin’s squad always finds a way.
NFC Playoff Standings (Top 7 Teams)
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San Francisco 49ers (8-2) – Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey are unstoppable.
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Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) – Jalen Hurts remains an MVP candidate.
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Detroit Lions (7-3) – Dan Campbell has turned Detroit into a powerhouse.
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Dallas Cowboys (6-4) – Dak Prescott must avoid late-season collapses.
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Seattle Seahawks (6-4) – Geno Smith is proving last year wasn’t a fluke.
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New Orleans Saints (5-5) – A weak NFC South keeps them in contention.
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Minnesota Vikings (5-5) – Can they survive without Kirk Cousins?
On the Bubble:
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Green Bay Packers (5-5) – Jordan Love is improving, but is it enough?
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Atlanta Falcons (5-5) – Their defense is solid, but QB play is shaky.
Key Playoff Scenarios for AFC & NFC Teams
AFC Playoff Race: Who’s In Danger?
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Kansas City Chiefs – Likely to secure the #1 seed, but the Ravens are close behind.
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Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins – The winner of their Week 15 matchup could decide the AFC East.
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Wild Card Battle – The Browns, Chargers, and Steelers are fighting for the final spot.
NFC Playoff Race: Can Anyone Stop the 49ers?
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San Francisco 49ers – The favorites to secure home-field advantage.
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Eagles vs. Cowboys – Their Thanksgiving showdown could determine the NFC East.
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Lions & Seahawks – Both teams are fighting for a first-round bye.
Surprise Contenders & Underperforming Teams
Biggest Surprises
✅ Detroit Lions (7-3) – Dan Campbell has built a legit Super Bowl contender.
✅ Houston Texans (5-5) – Rookie QB C.J. Stroud is exceeding expectations.
✅ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) – Baker Mayfield is keeping them in the NFC South race.
Biggest Disappointments
❌ New York Jets (3-7) – Aaron Rodgers’ injury ruined their season.
❌ Chicago Bears (3-7) – Another year, another rebuild.
❌ Denver Broncos (4-6) – Russell Wilson’s struggles continue.
Expert Predictions: Who’s Winning Super Bowl LIX?
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Kansas City Chiefs (+450) – Mahomes is still the best in the game.
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San Francisco 49ers (+500) – Elite on both sides of the ball.
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Baltimore Ravens (+600) – Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level.
Dark Horse Pick: Detroit Lions (+1200) – If they stay healthy, they could make a deep run. NFL Playoff Picture 2024.
Must-Watch Games That Will Decide the Playoff Fate
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Chiefs vs. Bills (Week 14) – A potential AFC Championship preview.
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Eagles vs. Cowboys (Week 12, Thanksgiving) – NFC East supremacy on the line.
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Ravens vs. Jaguars (Week 15) – A battle for AFC seeding.
For the latest NFL playoff scenarios and standings, check out NFL NewsZ.
Read More: NFL Rookie Rankings 2024: Top First-Year Stars Dominating the League
Final Thoughts: Who Makes the Playoffs?
The 2024 NFL playoff race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. While the Chiefs and 49ers look like the favorites, dark horses like the Lions and Jaguars could make unexpected runs.
Stay tuned for weekly updates on the NFL playoff picture, and don’t miss the crucial matchups that will decide who advances to Super Bowl LIX!
For more NFL news and analysis, visit NFL NewsZ.
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