The race for home field advantage is over.
On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers took care of the Washington Commanders. With the shocking result of the Philadelphia Eagles losing to the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco clinched the NFC’s top seed.
Meanwhile, the Ravens took care of business in a major way against the Miami Dolphins, winning 56–19 behind Lamar Jackson’s five touchdown passes.
Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports (Jackson); Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports (Purdy)
The Ravens and 49ers have home field advantage in their respective conferences for the first time since 2019.
Here’s a closer look at the rest of the playoff scenarios.
AFC: Who’s In
If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs.
No. 1: Baltimore Ravens
Record: 13–3, first, AFC North
With their demolition of the Dolphins, the Ravens clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the first time since 2019. Baltimore can now rest its starters in Week 18 against the Steelers.
No. 2: Miami Dolphins
Record: 11–5, first, AFC East
The Dolphins are assured of a playoff berth, but everything comes down to next Sunday. If Miami beats the Bills, it’s the No. 2 seed. If the Dolphins lose, they’ll be the sixth seed.
No. 3: Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 10–6, first, AFC West
Kansas City is locked into the third seed after winning the AFC West for the eighth consecutive year.
No. 4: Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 9–7, first, AFC South
By beating the Panthers, the Jaguars simply need to beat the Titans in Week 18 to clinch the AFC South.
No. 5: Cleveland Browns
Record: 11–5, second, AFC North
The Browns have clinched a wild-card berth and the No. 5 seed after its win over the Jets on Thursday night.
No. 6: Buffalo Bills
Record: 10–6, second, AFC East
Buffalo looks at an incredible scenario in Week 18. If the Bills beat the Dolphins, they’ll be the second seed. If Buffalo loses, it’s out of the playoffs if the Steelers beat the Ravens.
No. 7: Indianapolis Colts
Record: 9–7, second, AFC South
By beating the Raiders, the Colts control their destiny. If they can beat the Texans at home in Week 18, they’ll be in the playoffs. If Indianapolis wins and the Jaguars lose to the Titans, the Colts win the AFC South.
In the Hunt
Houston Texans (9–7): Houston can make the playoffs by beating the Colts in Week 18. The Texans lost the previous matchup at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9–7): Pittsburgh draws the Ravens in Week 18, who will be playing for nothing. The Steelers need the Bills to lose as well.
NFC: Who’s In
If the season ended today, here’s who would make the playoffs.
No. 1: San Francisco 49ers
Record: 12–4, first, NFC West
With their win over the Commanders, coupled with a loss by the Eagles, the 49ers are the NFC’s top seed. They can rest against the Rams next weekend.
No. 2: Dallas Cowboys
Record: 11–5, second, NFC East
If the Cowboys beat the Commanders next Sunday at FedEx Field, they will win the NFC East and guarantee themselves at least two home games (should they advance from the wild-card round).
No. 3: Detroit Lions
Record: 11–5, first, NFC North
The Lions suffered a controversial loss to Dallas on Saturday. They can’t fall lower than the third seed, but can rise to the second seed with a win and losses by the Cowboys and Eagles.
No. 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 8–8, first, NFC South
Tampa Bay can still make the playoffs and win the NFC South despite losing to the Saints. If the Buccaneers go to Charlotte and beat the Panthers in Week 18, they’ll take the division title.
No. 5: Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 11–5, second, NFC East
With their shocking loss to the Cardinals, the Eagles will be the NFC’s fifth seed unless they beat the Giants next Sunday and get a Dallas loss at Washington.
No. 6: Los Angeles Rams
Record: 9–7, second, NFC West
By virtue of the Rams win over the Giants, along with the Seahawks losing to the Steelers, Los Angeles is in the playoffs. There’s a real chance the wild-card round brings the Rams to Detroit, giving Matthew Stafford a date with his former team at Ford Field.
No. 7: Green Bay Packers
Record: 8–8, third, NFC North
After beating the Vikings on Sunday night, it’s simple for the Packers. If they beat the Bears at Lambeau Field next weekend, they’re in the playoffs. Additionally, if the Rams lose to the locked-in 49ers, Green Bay would be the sixth seed.
In the Hunt
Seattle Seahawks (8–8): Seattle needs to beat the Cardinals in Week 18, and get a loss from the Packers against the Bears to reach the playoffs.
