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NFL

2021 NFL playoff picture: which teams have been eliminated?

Eight teams - the Bears, the Giants, the Jaguars, the Jets, the Lions, the Panthers, the Seahawks and the Texans - can no longer qualify for the 2021 NFL postseason.

Update:
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 26: Jake Fromm #17 of the New York Giants looks on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/A
Scott TaetschAFP

With Week 16 of the 2021 NFL regular season almost complete - the New Orleans Saints are still to host the Miami Dolphins in Monday Night Football - there are now eight teams who are officially out of the running to reach the playoffs:

AFC:

Houston Texans, AFC South, 4-11

The Houston Texans were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention in 2021. Their postseason hopes were ended when they lost 31-0 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. After winning the AFC South division title in four out of five seasons between 2015 and 2019, the Texans have now failed to make the playoffs two seasons running.

Jacksonville Jaguars, AFC South, 2-13

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ playoff chances were snuffed out by a 20-0 defeat to the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Since 2007, the Jaguars have managed just the one appearance in the postseason, in 2017.

New York Jets, AFC East, 4-11

It’s 11 years and counting since the New York Jets last qualified for the playoffs. Their absence from the 2021/22 postseason was confirmed by a 30-9 defeat to the New Orleans Saints in Week 14.

The Carolina Panthers' hopes of qualifying for the playoffs were ended against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
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The Carolina Panthers' hopes of qualifying for the playoffs were ended against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.Jim DedmonUSA TODAY Sports

NFC:

Carolina Panthers, NFC South, 5-10

The Carolina Panthers’ aspirations of taking their campaign beyond the regular season were officially put to bed by a 32-6 loss to reigning Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Panthers haven’t reached the playoffs since 2017.

Chicago Bears, NFC North, 5-10

The Chicago Bears were eliminated from the race for the playoffs in Week 15, a 17-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings ending their aspirations of a first Super Bowl in 15 years.

Detroit Lions, NFC North, 2-12-1

The Detroit Lions, who lost their first eight games of the season, were knocked out of playoff contention in Week 13, when results elsewhere eliminated them before their 38-10 defeat to the Denver Broncos.

New York Giants, NFC East, 4-11

The New York Giants’ 34-10 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday ensured that they won’t be taking any part in the postseason. It’s now five years since the Giants reached the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks, NFC West, 5-10

The Seattle Seahawks’ season is officially done after a 25-24 reverse against the already-eliminated Bears on Sunday. It’s only the second time in the last 10 years that the Seahawks have missed out on the playoffs.

Who's already through to the playoffs?

AFC:

Kansas City Chiefs, AFC West, 11-4

NFC:

Green Bay Packers, NFC North, 12-3

Dallas Cowboys, NFC East, 11-4

Los Angeles Rams, NFC West, 11-4

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFC South, 11-4

Arizona Cardinals, NFC West, 10-5

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