NFL Week 16 Playoff Picture: Lions Clinch First Division Title Since 1993, Ravens Top 49ers
Only three weeks remain in the 2023 NFL regular season. Then, we can look at the playoff brackets and predict away, knowing full-well we’re trying to predict the impossible.
In the meantime, the only teams that have punched their proverbial playoff tickets are the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, with San Francisco and Detroit having won their respective divisions.
Standings are updated through Week 16.
Jackson and the Ravens are in the top spot, but have a big showdown with the 49ers on Christmas night.
Jessica Rapfogel/USA TODAY Sports
AFC: Who’s In
If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs.
No. 1: Baltimore Ravens
Record: 12–3, first, AFC North
The Ravens crushed the 49ers on Christmas night, staying a game ahead of the Dolphins for the AFC’s top seed. This Sunday they’ll host Miami, before welcoming in the Steelers.
No. 2: Miami Dolphins
Record: 11–4, first, AFC East
Miami began a tough three-game stretch to finish its season by beating the Cowboys with a last-second field goal. Next up is a visit to the Ravens, before finishing up at Hard Rock Stadium against the Bills.
No. 3: Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 9–6, first, AFC West
The Chiefs lost to the Raiders on Christmas afternoon. They will welcome in the Bengals on New Year’s Eve before finishing with the Chargers in Los Angeles.
No. 4: Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 8–7, first, AFC South
Jacksonville is trying to hold onto the AFC South, but suffered a fourth straight loss this weekend. The Jaguars are tied with the Colts and Texans atop the division, and will take on the Panthers at home next week.
No. 5: Cleveland Browns
Record: 10–5, second, AFC North
Cleveland has a chance to win out. The Browns beat an injury-riddled Texans team Sunday, and now will host the Jets on Thursday night. In Week 18, it’ll be Jake Browning and the Bengals in Cincinnati.
No. 6: Buffalo Bills
Record: 9–6, second, AFC East
The Bills are finally in control of a playoff spot. However, they’ll likely need to beat the Patriots and Dolphins over the season’s final two weeks if they’re going to reach the postseason.
No. 7: Indianapolis Colts
Record: 8–7, second, AFC South
Indianapolis was without Michael Pittman Jr. on Sunday, and the offense suffered in a loss to Atlanta. The last two weeks will see the Raiders and Texans come to Lucas Oil Stadium.
In the Hunt
Houston Texans (8–7): The Texans were blown out by Cleveland, and remain one spot out of the playoffs. Now, they’ll face the Titans and Colts to finish the year.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8–7): Pittsburgh gave itself a chance at the postseason by beating the Bengals, sweeping the season series.
Cincinnati Bengals (8–7): After losing to the Steelers, Cincinnati must beat the Chiefs and Browns to finish the season, and get help.
Goff has brought playoff football back to Detroit for the first time since the NFC North was created.
Matt Krohn/USA TODAY Sports
NFC: Who’s In
If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs:
No. 1: San Francisco 49ers
Record: 11–4, first, NFC West
The Niners have already wrapped up the NFC West. But after losing to the Ravens, they might need wins over the Commanders and Rams to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
No. 2: Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 11–4, second, NFC East
Philadelphia got off the schneid on Christmas, handling the Giants despite a second-half scare. The Eagles have an easy path ahead with the Cardinals and New York once more.
No. 3: Detroit Lions
Record: 11–4, first, NFC North
With the Lions’ win on Christmas Eve, they clinched the NFC North for the first time in their history, and their first divisional title since the old NFC Central 1993. Congrats to Motown!
No. 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 8–7, first, NFC South
The Buccaneers moved closer to a third consecutive NFC South title with a win Sunday over the lackluster Jaguars. Next up is a rematch with the Saints.
No. 5: Dallas Cowboys
Record: 10–5, first, NFC East
Dallas lost to the Dolphins on Christmas Eve, a second straight defeat, despite only allowing one touchdown. The Cowboys now need an Eagles loss to win the NFC East.
No. 6: Los Angeles Rams
Record: 8–7, second, NFC West
After beating the Saints, the Rams are now in a tremendous position. They likely only need one more win to reach the playoffs, and they’ll welcome in the Giants on New Year’s Eve.
No. 7: Seattle Seahawks
Record: 8–7, third, NFC West
The Seahawks got an enormous win Monday night over the Eagles and then backed it up with a comeback victory in Nashville against the Titans. Next up, the Steelers and Cardinals await.
In the Hunt
Minnesota Vikings (7–8): Minnesota has hope, but now must win against the Packers on Sunday night before visiting the Lions.
Atlanta Falcons (7–8): After a hideous loss to the Panthers, the Falcons bounced back against the Colts. Now, they’ll need wins over the Bears and Saints for a shot at the postseason.
Green Bay Packers (7–8): If Green Bay is going to make the playoffs, it must win next week on the road against the Vikings.
