The NFL playoff picture is getting clearer as we head into Week 17. In the NFC, teams like the Lions and Eagles have already secured their spots, while others like the Vikings and Commanders are still fighting. The AFC also has its share of locked-in teams, with the Chiefs and Bills leading the pack. Let's dive into who's in and who's on the brink of elimination.

In the NFC, the Lions are at the top with a 13-2 record. They've clinched a spot and are looking strong. The Eagles also have a secure spot with a 12-3 record. The Rams are leading in the NFC West with a 9-6 record, and the Falcons are ahead in the NFC South thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker over the Buccaneers. Teams like the Vikings, Packers, and Commanders are still in the mix for wild card spots.

On the other side, the AFC has its own top contenders. The Chiefs are leading with a 14-1 record and have clinched the AFC West. The Bills are close behind with a 12-3 record and have secured the AFC East. The Steelers are in a good position with a 10-5 record, and the Texans have clinched the AFC South. For wild card spots, teams like the Ravens, Chargers, and Broncos are still competing.

It's not all good news for everyone. Teams like the Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers, Saints, Bears, Panthers, Giants, Colts, Dolphins, Bengals, Jets, Browns, Jaguars, Titans, Raiders, and Patriots have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Looking ahead to this week, there are several clinching scenarios. In the AFC, the Chiefs can clinch the number one seed with a win or if the Bills lose. The Chargers can secure a playoff spot with a win or if the Colts and Dolphins both lose. The Broncos can clinch a playoff berth with a win. In the NFC, the Lions can clinch the NFC North and the number one seed with a win and the Vikings losing. The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win or if the Commanders lose. The Rams can secure the NFC West with a win and the Seahawks losing. The Falcons can clinch the NFC South with a win and the Buccaneers losing. The Commanders can clinch a playoff spot with a win.

Who's In and Who's Out: NFL Playoff Race 2024

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