Week 16 of the NFL season brought significant changes to the playoff landscape, with division titles now within reach for some teams that previously seemed out of contention. As the regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff brackets have taken on a clearer form, shedding light on which teams could secure their positions for the postseason and raising the stakes for those who have yet to clinch.

In the current NFC playoff picture, the standings reveal the following: Division Leaders include the Detroit Lions (13-2, NFC North), Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, NFC East), Los Angeles Rams (9-6, NFC West), and Atlanta Falcons (8-7, NFC South). The Wildcard standings comprise the Minnesota Vikings (13-2), Green Bay Packers (10-4), and Washington Commanders (10-5). Teams on the verge of elimination include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks (both at 8-7), and Arizona Cardinals (7-8) among others.

On the AFC side, the playoff picture showcases the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1, AFC West), Buffalo Bills (12-3, AFC East), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5, AFC North), and Houston Texans (9-6, AFC South) leading their divisions. Wildcard contenders include the Baltimore Ravens (10-5), Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos (both at 9-6). Meanwhile, the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders unfortunately find themselves eliminated from playoff contention.

Entering Week 17, several teams with playoff aspirations still find themselves on the outside looking in. In the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams can clinch the division title if they emerge victorious in their matchup. They will be closely monitoring the outcome of the Seattle Seahawks playing against the Chicago Bears earlier in the week, as the results will influence their final game scenario. Additionally, a potential Week 18 showdown against the Seahawks could determine the divisional champion if both teams continue to perform well.

In the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons have benefited from their impressive performance against the New York Giants, rising in the standings while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced defeat. The Falcons are now in a solid position, needing to win their remaining games to secure the division title. Due to winning both matchups against Tampa Bay this season, the Buccaneers must finish with a better overall record than Atlanta to claim the title.

The AFC North has seen intense competition, particularly after the Baltimore Ravens outperformed the Pittsburgh Steelers with a commanding 34-17 victory. The Ravens are vying for the division title and must win their upcoming games against the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, while also hoping for a Steelers loss in one of their remaining contests. Even with a Ravens victory, the season finale could potentially settle the division crown, delighting fans of the AFC North who thrive on such competitive drama.