The 2024 NFL regular season is heading into its final week, and the stage is set for a chaotic conclusion. Out of 14 playoff spots, 12 have already been secured, leaving two coveted spots—one each in the AFC and NFC—still up for grabs. With postseason dreams on the line, Week 18 promises high-stakes action.
AFC Wild Card Race
The final AFC playoff spot is being hotly contested by three teams:
Denver Broncos (9-7): Denver has had two missed opportunities to clinch but still controls its destiny. A win or tie against the Chiefs in Week 18 will send the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win. Denver benefits from facing a Kansas City team likely to rest starters, having already secured the AFC’s top seed. With a significant 87.5% implied probability (-700), the Broncos remain favorites to lock up the final wild card.
Miami Dolphins (8-8): Miami needs a win over the Jets on Sunday and a Broncos loss to claim the final playoff berth. Although their path is less direct, the Dolphins are given a 13.3% implied probability (+650).
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): Cincinnati enters Week 18 as a long shot, with just a 1% chance to advance (+1600). Despite a four-game winning streak fueled by Joe Burrow’s MVP-caliber performances, the Bengals need a win over the Steelers, plus losses by both Denver and Miami, to sneak into the postseason.
NFC South: A Two-Team Battle
The final NFC playoff spot hinges on the NFC South title race between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Tampa Bay holds the upper hand heading into Week 18. A win over the Saints will secure their fourth straight division crown and a fifth consecutive playoff appearance. With an implied 94.1% probability (-1600), the Buccaneers are in an excellent position to clinch.
Atlanta Falcons (8-8): Atlanta, once the division frontrunner, has stumbled in recent weeks. After losing to Washington in Week 17, the Falcons now require a win over their Week 18 opponent and a Buccaneers loss to claim the division. Their chances are slim, with an 11.4% implied probability (+775).
Playoff Teams Set So Far
Twelve teams have secured their playoff berths:
AFC: Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers
NFC: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders
Teams Eliminated
Several teams are already out of playoff contention, including the New York Giants, Raiders, Patriots, Jaguars, Titans, Browns, Jets, Bears, Panthers, Saints, Cowboys, Cardinals, Seahawks, 49ers, and Colts. These franchises now turn their focus to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Betting Odds (via BetMGM, Dec. 31)
| Team | Odds to Make Playoffs |
|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | Yes: -700 (87.5%) |
| Miami Dolphins | Yes: +650 (13.3%) |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Yes: +1600 (1%) |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Yes: -1600 (94.1%) |
| Atlanta Falcons | Yes: +775 (11.4%) |
What to Expect in Week 18
With half the league eyeing playoff success and the other half focused on draft positioning, the outcomes of Week 18 will bring much-needed clarity. Whether it’s the AFC wild card scramble or the NFC South showdown, football fans are in for an exhilarating weekend as the playoff picture comes into focus.
