NFL Playoff Picture: Updated standings after Week 16 Sunday games

Here’s an updated look at the 2018 NFL playoff picture now that Week 16 Sunday games are over and there’s only one game remaining for each team (except for the four teams who play on Monday).

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

Top six seeds

1 - Philadelphia Eagles: 12-2 overall, 10-1 conference

2 - Minnesota Vikings: 12-3 overall, 9-2 conference

3 - Los Angeles Rams: 11-4 overall, 7-4 conference (direct tie-breaker over NO)

4 - New Orleans Saints: 11-4 overall, 8-3 conference (direct tie-breaker over CAR)

5 - Carolina Panthers: 11-4 overall, 7-4 conference

6 - Atlanta Falcons: 9-6 overall, 8-3 conference (direct tie-breaker over SEA)

In the hunt

7 - Seattle Seahawks: 9-6 overall, 7-4 conference

ANALYSIS

The Eagles can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win over the Raiders on Monday night. The only way they can’t clinch home field advantage is if they lose out and the Vikings beat the Bears in Week 17. Even then, Philly would still hold the No. 2 seed.

The Vikings haven’t officially clinched a first-round bye yet. They can do so by beating the Bears in Week 17.

The Rams clinched the NFC West by beating Tennessee. They’re locked into either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.

The Saints clinched a playoff berth with a win over Atlanta. They haven’t officially wrapped up the NFC South, though. They can do that by beating Tampa Bay next Sunday.

The Panthers clinched a playoff berth with a win over the Buccaneers. They can still be the No. 2 seed if: they beat the Falcons, the Vikings lose to the Bears, AND New Orleans loses to the Buccaneers. Carolina can also win the NFC South if they beat the Falcons and the Saints lose in Week 17. The Panthers’ worst case scenario is remaining at the No. 5 seed.

The Falcons are still in the sixth spot despite losing on Sunday. Atlanta can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17 by beating the Panthers. The Falcons will be playing at home.

The Seahawks are still alive after beating the Cowboys on Sunday. They can make the playoffs by beating the Cardinals in Week 17 and hoping the Falcons lose to Carolina. For the Eagles’ sake, probably better that Seattle gets eliminated.

The Lions and Cowboys (lololol) were eliminated from the playoff picture by losing in Week 16.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

Top six seeds

1 - New England Patriots: 12-3 overall, 9-2 conference (direct tie-breaker over PIT)

2 - Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-3 overall, 8-3 conference

3 - Jacksonville Jaguars: 10-5 overall, 9-2 conference

4 - Kansas City Chiefs: 9-6 overall, 7-4 conference

5 - Baltimore Ravens: 9-6 overall, 6-4 conference

6 - Tennessee Titans: 8-7 overall, 7-4 conference

In the hunt

7 - Los Angeles Chargers: 8-7 overall, 5-6 conference (direct tie-breaker over BUF)

8 - Buffalo Bills: 8-7 overall, 6-5 conference

ANALYSIS

The Patriots and Steelers will likely be the top two seeds in the AFC. Pittsburgh can clinch a first-round bye by defeating the Texans on Christmas.

The Jaguars clinched the AFC South via Tennessee’s loss. They’ll likely be the No. 3 seed.

The Chiefs clinched the AFC West with a win over the Dolphins.

The Ravens can clinch a berth with a home win over the Bengals in Week 17.

The Titans, Chargers, and Bills are still battling it out for the sixth seed in the AFC.