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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Charles Curtis

NFL playoff scenarios: The updated playoff picture in Week 18 after the Titans and Bucs won on Sunday

Week 18 in the NFL has begun in 2024, with two games played on Saturday that had an affect on the playoff race.

The Houston Texans walked away with a victory and a playoff spot with a win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a win for many of their scenarios to get into the postseason and got it against the Baltimore Ravens, who rested their starters.

So what does the updated playoff scenario picture look like as of Sunday morning? Glad you asked. Here’s a look at what teams who are still in the running need to have happen to clinch:

Buffalo Bills

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A win over the Dolphins and they win the AFC East.

They clinched a playoff spot with the Jaguars’ loss.

Houston Texans

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

They won and they’re in the playoffs.

Texans are AFC South champs after the Jaguars’ loss.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars were eliminated after their loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

A win or a tie against the Bills and they win the AFC East.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers clinched a playoff berth with the Jaguars’ loss on Sunday.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons were eliminated after the Buccaneers’ win over Carolina. Atlanta ended up losing to the Saints as well.

Dallas Cowboys

(AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

They clinched the NFC East title with Sunday’s win over the Commanders.

Green Bay Packers

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

They clinched a playoff berth with Sunday’s win against the Bears.

Minnesota Vikings

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Vikings were eliminated after Sunday’s loss to the Lions.

New Orleans Saints

Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the win over Atlanta, the Saints were eliminated following the Packers’ win against the Bears.

Philadelphia Eagles

(AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

The Cowboys’ win against the Commanders dropped the Eagles to a wild-card spot.

Seattle Seahawks

(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Seahawks were eliminated with the Packers’ win against the Bears.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

They won the NFC South by beating the Panthers.

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