NFL Playoff Picture Week 15: Latest AFC, NFC Standings and Bracket Scenarios
Two different types of playoff races are taking place in the AFC and NFC.
The AFC has a clear set of seven teams that appear to be headed to the postseason.
That can become even more clear in Week 15 if the Denver Broncos beat the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans take down the Miami Dolphins.
The final three weeks of the regular season could be all about seeding and nothing else in the AFC.
Over in the NFC, a handful of teams are still alive beneath the Washington Commanders in the race for the final wild-card spot.
Thursday's clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers is the first of a few key Week 15 matchups that will affect how crowded the wild-card race becomes.
Los Angeles and San Francisco are also still in contention for the NFC West crown. No other AFC teams beneath the playoff line are in great shape to win their divisions.
AFC Standings
1 of 2
Division Leaders
1. Kansas City (12-1)
2. Buffalo (10-3)
3. Pittsburgh (10-3)
4. Houston (8-5)
Wild-Card Race
5. Baltimore (8-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
7. Denver (8-5)
8. Indianapolis (6-7)
9. Miami (6-7)
10. Cincinnati (5-8)
The AFC playoff picture is fairly straightforward going into Week 15.
Kansas City needs to produce the same record or better as Buffalo in the last four weeks to secure the No. 1 seed.
Buffalo and Pittsburgh are now battling for the No. 2 seed. Each team faces a tough test against a top-two team in the NFC in Week 15. The Bills take on Detroit, while Pittsburgh faces Philadelphia.
Houston potentially has the most to gain in Week 15 if it beats Miami and both Buffalo and Pittsburgh lose. That would put the Texans within one game of the No. 2 seed.
The Texans are able to clinch the AFC South with a win and an Indianapolis loss against Denver.
Wins by the Broncos and Texans would almost solidify the seven teams going to the postseason out of the AFC.
In that scenario, Denver would be three games ahead of both the Colts and Dolphins for the final wild-card spot.
Baltimore is expected to beat the New York Giants to get to 9-5 and the Chargers are more than capable of beating Tampa Bay at home to reach 9-5.
The order of the seven playoff teams will not be settled until Week 18, but the AFC field could be set as early as Week 16.
NFC Standings
2 of 2
Division Leaders
1. Detroit (12-1)
2. Philadelphia (11-2)
3. Seattle (8-5)
4. Tampa Bay (7-5)
Wild-Card Race
5. Minnesota (11-2)
6. Green Bay (9-4)
7. Washington (8-5)
8. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
9. Atlanta (6-7)
10. Arizona (6-7)
11. San Francisco (6-7)
12. New Orleans (5-8)
13. Dallas (5-8)
14. Chicago (4-8)
15. Carolina (3-10)
The NFC at least has some more potential drama in its wild-card race.
The Los Angeles Rams are to thank for that, as they pulled within one game of Washington with their Week 14 win over Buffalo.
The Rams and 49ers do battle on Thursday night in a game that is important in both the NFC West and wild-card races.
Seattle is only one game ahead of the Rams and two games in front of both the 49ers and Cardinals, so there is plenty of room for movement.
Both the Rams and 49ers should see Thursday night as an opportunity to gain ground with a win since Seattle plays Green Bay on Sunday night.
The Vikings and Packers can each clinch a playoff berth in Week 15.
Minnesota needs a win or tie against Chicago or a loss from the Rams or Seahawks.
Green Bay needs a win plus an Atlanta loss and a Rams-49ers tie to clinch on Sunday.
Washington is back in action against the Saints. The Commanders need to earn a win off their bye to fend off all the challengers lurking for the wild-card spot from the NFC West.
The Commanders will likely have to settle for a wild-card spot since the Eagles are close to clinching the NFC East.
Philadelphia needs a win and a Washington loss or tie to become the NFC East champion on Sunday.
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