2024 NFL Playoff picture: Updated NFC scenarios entering Week 18

The 2024 NFL playoffs are taking shape as the 18th week of the regular season kicks off on Thursday. When it comes to the NFC, six teams have clinched a playoff spot with the final one being determined on Sunday afternoon.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win the NFC South if they beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. However, if they lose and the Atlanta Falcons defeat the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons will win the division. Here’s a look at the updated NFL playoff scenarios for the NFC.

NFL Playoff Scenarios for NFC: Week 18

Division Leaders

1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2): Clinched a playoff berth, will clinch the No. 1 seed if they beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3): Clinched the No. 2 seed.

3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6): Clinched the NFC West.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): Can clinch NFC South with a win over New Orleans Saints.

Wild Cards

5. Detroit Lions (13-2): Clinched playoff berth, will clinch the No. 1 seed if they beat the Vikings on Sunday night.

6. Washington Commanders (11-5): Clinched playoff berth.

7. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Clinch playoff berth.

Outside Looking In

8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7): Eliminated from playoff contention.

9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): Will win NFC South with victory over Carolina Panthers and Buccaneers loss to Saints.

Looking at a big NFC matchup with major NFL playoff implications

All eyes will be on the Vikings-Lions game as it has major playoff implications. The winner gets the No. 1 seed, gets a bye in the first round and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The loser gets the No. 5 seed and will face either the Buccaneers or the Falcons in the wild-card round of the playoffs in a road contest.

The Vikings-Lions matchup will make NFL history as it will be the first regular season game between two teams that have won at least 13 games.

“It would be phenomenal, but it is going to be an absolute challenge going on the road to a very hostile place and a team that’s had a ton of success,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters about facing the Lions, per MLIve.com. “We have nothing but confidence for the team we’re going to play this week, and we’ve got to go earn it with really great preparation.

“Late in the year, December football was something I wanted to make sure we were good about, and I think we’ll finish that 5-0 as we click over into January. But honestly, we’ve really been in January for a few weeks now, in my mind.”