NFL Playoff Picture 2023-24: Updated AFC, NFC Standings After Week 18 Early Slate

With the conclusion of the Week 18 slate, the NFL regular season has concluded and with it, the playoff picture is complete.

The Sunday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins was the final puzzle piece, determining the final seeding for the AFC. With their win over the Dolphins, the Bills claimed the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed.

In a day packed with division showdowns, there were two playoff spots available in each conference at the start of play Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the Houston Texans claimed the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars' stunning loss to the Tennessee Titans.

In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys' win over the Washington Commanders secured the NFC East title over the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas secured the No. 2 seed, while the Eagles slot in at No. 5. In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinced the division, and the No. 4 seed, with a win over the Carolina Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints' dominant 48-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons not only eliminated the Falcons but also knocked the Minnesota Vikings out of contention. The Saints themselves, however, were eliminated after the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears, as were the Seattle Seahawks,

Let's take a closer look at how the playoff picture came into focus after the conclusion of play Sunday.

AFC Standings

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 07: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

1. Baltimore Ravens (13-4, 1st AFC North)

2. Buffalo Bills (10-6, 1st AFC East)

3. Kansas City Chiefs (11-6, 1st AFC West)

4. Houston Texans (10-7, 1st AFC South)

5. Cleveland Browns (11-6, 2nd AFC North)

6. Miami Dolphins (11-5, 2nd AFC East)

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, 3rd AFC North)

NFC Standings

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 07: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints and A.T. Perry #17 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown in the first quarter at Caesars Superdome on January 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

1. San Francisco 49ers (12-5, 1st NFC West)

2. Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 1st NFC East)

3. Detroit Lions (12-5, 1st NFC North)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8, 1st NFC South)

5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6, 2nd NFC East)

6. Los Angeles Rams (10-7, 2nd NFC West)

7. Green Bay Packers (9-8, 2nd NFC North)

*Standings current prior to Sunday Night Football