NFL standings after Week 15: The playoff picture for the AFC and NFC starting to take shape

Seven out of 14 teams have now clinched their spot in the 2024-25 NFL postseason, after three more franchises stamped their tickets to the playoffs in Week 15.

The Houston Texans, the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers all added their names to the bracket this weekend, joining the already-qualified Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

How playoff places were clinched in NFL 2024 Week 15

In the AFC, Houston claimed the AFC South division title on Sunday, when their 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins was followed up by a 31-13 defeat for the Indianapolis Colts against the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the 10-4 Steelers reached the postseason despite losing to the Eagles. Pittsburgh were beaten 27-13 as Philadelphia secured a franchise-record 10th straight win, but the defeats suffered by the Colts and the Dolphins sent the Steelers through.

In the NFC in Week 15, the Vikings’ postseason place was confirmed ahead of their Monday Night Football victory over the Chicago Bears. Minnesota, who beat Chicago 30-12 yesterday, were guaranteed a postseason spot by the Green Bay Packers’ 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Playoff picture: postseason seedings as things stand

AFC

1. Kansas City Chiefs: 13-1, AFC West champions

2. Buffalo Bills: 11-3, AFC East champions

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-4

4. Houston Texans: 9-5, AFC South champions

NFC

1. Detroit Lions: 12-2

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 12-2

5. Minnesota Vikings: 12-2

Which teams have been eliminated?

Nine of the NFL’s 32 teams are now out of playoff contention, with the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears the latest to be eliminated.

The Bears were knocked out ahead of Monday’s loss to the Vikings, thanks to the Washington Commanders’ 20-19 triumph over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. This is the fourth straight year that the 4-10 Bears have failed to make the playoffs. The Panthers’ postseason hopes were officially put to bed when they slipped to 3-11 this weekend, courtesy of a 30-14 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. This is the seventh season on the spin that Carolina have missed out on the playoffs - a record for the franchise.

Full list of teams officially out of the 2024-25 NFL playoff picture

AFC

11. New York Jets: 4-10

12. Cleveland Browns: 3-11

13. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-11

14. Tennessee Titans: 3-11

15. New England Patriots: 3-11

16. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-12

NFC

14. Chicago Bears: 4-10

15. Carolina Panthers: 3-11

16. New York Giants: 2-12

When are the 2024-25 NFL playoffs?

The Wild Card round is scheduled for January 11 to 13, before the Divisional round on January 18 to 19. The Conference Championship games are due to be held on January 26, before Super Bowl LIX is played on February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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