NFL Playoff Scenarios 2024: Reviewing Post-Week 16 AFC, NFC Picture, Bracket

Week 16 in the NFL brought further clarity to the upcoming playoffs while ensuring there are still plenty of teams vying for the hotly contested wildcards.

The Detroit Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell and resilient quarterback Jared Goff, clinched their first NFC North title since 1993 in a hard-fought win over the Minnesota Vikings, while the Miami Dolphins ensured their spot in the playoffs by knocking off the Dallas Cowboys late.

The AFC wild-card picture remains jam-packed with four teams tied at 8-7 and chasing the last spot.

Following Monday's slate of games, find out who sits where and what the Wild Card Round bracket would look like if the playoffs started today, with this updated look at the postseason picture.

AFC Playoff Picture

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Current standings following Monday's slate of games:

1. Baltimore Ravens (12-3, AFC North) (clinched playoffs)
2. Miami Dolphins (11-4, AFC East) (clinched playoffs)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6, AFC West)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7, AFC South)
5. Cleveland Browns (10-5, wild card)
6. Buffalo Bills (9-6, wild card)
7. Indianapolis Colts (8-7, wild card)

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On the Bubble

Houston Texans (8-7)

Cincinnati Bengals (8-7)

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)

Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)

Denver Broncos (7-8)

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Eliminated

Tennessee Titans (5-10)

New York Jets (6-9)

Los Angeles Chargers (5-10)

New England Patriots (4-11)

NFC Playoff Picture

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs out onto the field during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 45-29. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Current standings following Monday's slate of games:

1. San Francisco 49ers (11-4, NFC West) (clinched playoffs, division)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4, NFC East) (clinched playoffs)
3. Detroit Lions (11-4, NFC North) (clinched playoffs, division)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7, NFC South)
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-5, wild card) (clinched playoffs)
6. Los Angeles Rams (8-7, wild card)
7. Seattle Seahawks (8-7, wild card)

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On the Bubble

Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

Atlanta Falcons (7-8)

Green Bay Packers (7-8)

New Orleans Saints (7-8)

Chicago Bears (6-9)

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Eliminated

New York Giants (5-10)

Washington Commanders (4-11)

Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

Carolina Panthers (2-13)

Playoff Brackets

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles pauses for a moment before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

AFC Bracket

Bye: Baltimore Ravens

No. 7 Indianapolis Colts at No. 2 Miami Dolphins

No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs

No. 5 Cleveland Browns at No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars

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NFC Bracket

Bye: San Francisco 49ers

No. 7 Seattle Seahawks at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles

No. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Detroit Lions

No. 5 Dallas Cowboys at No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC East Poised to Go Down to the Wire

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to throw a pass during the first quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles had lost three straight games heading into Week 16. The Dallas Cowboys have now dropped two after their loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The top two teams in the NFC East have essentially ensured that the division will go down to the wire, with the winner perhaps not determined until Week 18.

The Cowboys dropped a heartbreaker of a game Sunday night to Miami, losing in the final seconds of the game to a Dolphins field goal. The defense was stellar, keeping stud receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle under 100 yards and holding running back Raheem Mostert to 46 yards on 11 carries.

Dak Prescott played mistake-free and the only team turnover came on the first play of the game, when rookie fullback Hunter Luepke fumbled at the goal line on the opening drive.

It was a game that Dallas should have won. Now, if the playoffs started today, the Cowboys would be forced to go on the road and play in the Wild Card Round.

The Eagles beat the New York Giants on Monday but got a late scare after jumping out to a 20-3 lead. The defending NFC champs play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 before facing the Giants on the road to close out the regular season.

The Cowboys battle the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions on Saturday night and the Washington Commanders in Week 18.