As the 2024 NFL playoff race enters its final round of matches in Week 18, only two spots remain available. The implications for seeding are critical, with various possibilities unfolding as teams strive for optimal positioning. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has provided insights into the different scenarios that could impact this weekend.

In the American Football Conference (AFC), three of the top four seeds are already determined, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills leading the conference, while the AFC South champion Houston Texans have secured the No. 4 seed. Conversely, uncertainty looms in the National Football Conference (NFC), where only the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed their playoff berth. The situation is further complicated for the Detroit Lions, who entered Week 17 as the No. 1 seed but could potentially drop to the fifth seed if they fall against the Minnesota Vikings. The forthcoming matchup between Minnesota and Detroit has been flexed into the Sunday Night Football slot, highlighting its significance as one of the key contests of the season's concluding week.

The previous encounter between the Lions and the Vikings ended dramatically, with Jake Bates successfully executing a 44-yard field goal in the dying moments to secure a narrow 31-29 victory for Detroit. If the Lions manage to sweep the season series against Minnesota, it would solidify their standing as championship contenders, despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season. Conversely, a loss could raise doubts regarding their trajectory and whether their regular-season efforts will translate into Super Bowl contention. Meanwhile, the AFC's focus shifts to the battle for the last wild-card spot, where the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in precarious positions. Current standings suggest that if results hold, both Miami and Cincinnati may be heading home after the regular season. While the Dolphins have extended head coach Mike McDaniel's contract for several years, speculation persists about his future should the season conclude unfavorably. Furthermore, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is also under scrutiny as his team attempts to secure a playoff berth amidst a four-game winning streak. Both franchises entered the season with lofty goals, and the conclusion of Week 18 may leave one or both feeling deeply disappointed.