:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58166219/usa_today_10483385.0.jpg)
The 2017 NFL regular season is over. The 2018 NFL playoff picture is officially set. Here’s what the final standings look like.
NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
Top six seeds
1 - Philadelphia Eagles: 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference (common opponents tie-breaker over MIN)
2 - Minnesota Vikings: 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference
3 - Los Angeles Rams: 11-5 overall, 7-5 conference (direct tie-breaker over NOR)
4 - New Orleans Saints: 11-5 overall, 8-4 conference (direct tie-breaker over CAR)
5 - Carolina Panthers: 11-5 overall, 7-5 conference
6 - Atlanta Falcons: 10-6 overall, 9-3 conference (direct tie-breaker over SEA)
ANALYSIS
Given the way the Eagles finished the regular season, it’s fair to wonder if they’re one of the least threatening No. 1 seeds in history. Sigh. Maybe they can turn it around in the playoffs?! That’s the wishful thinking. In the divisional round, the Eagles will host the lowest remaining seed of the Saints, Panthers, and Falcons.
The Vikings are the other team in the NFC with a first-round bye. Minnesota’s defense looks tough. Case Keenum still isn’t scaring a ton of people despite having a good season.
The Rams rested their starters (in order to play the Eagles?) and still ended up being the No. 3 seed. Lol at that. Los Angeles will host Atlanta in the wild card round.
The Saints had an opportunity to hold on to the No. 3 seed but blew it by losing to the Buccaneers. They’ll host the Panthers in the wild card.
The Panthers lost to the Falcons in Week 17. They’ll play the Saints, who they lost to twice in the regular season.
The Falcons will play in L.A. after winning a must-win game.
The Seahawks missed out on making the playoffs by losing to the Cardinals. They also needed the Falcons to lose, but losing to Arizona ended their season.
AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
Top six seeds
1 - New England Patriots: 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference (direct tie-breaker over PIT)
2 - Pittsburgh Steelers: 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference
3 - Jacksonville Jaguars: 10-6 overall, 9-3 conference
4 - Kansas City Chiefs: 10-6 overall, 8-4 conference
5 - Tennessee Titans: 9-7 overall, 8-4 conference
6 - Buffalo Bills: 9-7 overall, 7-5 conference
ANALYSIS
The Pats are the No. 1 seed yet again. Yawn.
The Steelers will also get a first-round bye.
The Jaguars are the No. 3 seed since they have a better conference record than KC. Jacksonville will host Buffalo in the wild card round.
The Chiefs won the AFC West. They’ll host Tennessee in the wild card round.
The Titans somehow made the playoffs despite being bad.
The Bills made the post-season for the first time since 1999!!!!! Wow.
The Ravens and Chargers missed out on making the post-season. Baltimore really choked by losing at home to Cincy.