The home stretch of the 2021 NFL season is here, as Week 18 is underway following the Kansas City Chiefs' 28-24 victory over the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
The playoff picture, as you know, is really taking shape. And both conferences are chock-full of some feisty battles for the remaining three postseason spots still up for grabs. There are still plenty of scenarios on the table as we venture into the final week of the regular season.
Below, find an updated 2021 NFL playoff picture, featuring complete postseason standings (with tiebreakers already accounted for), a rundown of wild card contenders and projected opening-weekend playoff matchups for both the AFC and NFC:
AFC
- Chiefs (12-5)*
- Titans (11-5)*
- Bengals (10-6)*
- Bills (10-6)*
- Patriots (10-6)*
- Colts (9-7)
- Chargers (9-7)
On the brink
8. Raiders (9-7)
9. Steelers (8-7-1)
11. Ravens (8-8)
Officially eliminated
10. Dolphins (8-8)
12. Browns (7-8)
13. Broncos (7-9)
14. Texans (4-12)
15. Jets (4-12)
16. Jaguars (2-14)
Note: * = officially clinched playoff berth.
Projected wild card matchups
- (No. 1 Titans on bye)
- No. 7 Chargers at No. 2 Chiefs
- No. 6 Colts at No. 3 Bengals
- No. 5 Patriots at No. 4 Bills
NFC
- Packers (13-3)*
- Rams (12-4)*
- Buccaneers (12-4)*
- Cowboys (11-5)*
- Cardinals (11-5)*
- 49ers (9-7)
- Eagles (9-7)*
On the brink
8. Saints (8-8)
Officially eliminated
9. Vikings (7-9)
10. Falcons (7-9)
11. Washington (6-10)
12. Bears (6-10)
13. Seahawks (6-10)
14. Panthers (5-11)
15. Giants (4-12)
16. Lions (2-12-1)
Note: * = officially clinched playoff berth.
Projected wild card matchups
- (No. 1 Packers on bye)
- No. 7 Eagles at No. 2 Rams
- No. 6 49ers at No. 3 Buccaneers
- No. 5 Cardinals at No. 4 Cowboys
Get 40% off NFL gear now
The holidays are almost here, and you can now get 40% off select NFL gear at Fanatics. Hoodies, shirts, jackets, and much more are discounted. There's even baseball gear on sale. Check out the full Holiday Promo selection here now.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.