Now that Week 15’s out of the way, let’s talk playoff standings. The AFC is dwindling down to only six teams vying for a playoff spot while the Chiefs, Bills, and Texans won their division, and the Steelers clinch a playoff berth.

Meanwhile, the NFC still has a chock full of teams still alive for a playoff spot, even the 6-8 Niners and Cowboys, and 5-9 Saints. Detroit, Philly, and Minnesota all sit with a 12-2 record and playoff berths while 10 other teams are still sorting out the last four spots with three weeks left.

The 49ers, Cowboys, and Bengals that were usually the expected playoff teams are living on a prayer. Whether it’s injuries or offense or defense is just horribly holding back the team’s success, this is it. Another loss and an outside team’s win can likely seal them from a playoff opportunity. It hurts me as a Niner fan, but I already accepted that they will be back in 2025…with Kyle Shanahan on the hot seat. I won’t get into that until after the season’s over though. Let the last three weeks of Judgment Football commence!

TEAMS CONSIDERED

14. CHARGERS

13. TEXANS

12. SEAHAWKS

11. COMMANDERS

10) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

It looked like the game was heading down to the wire after halftime before Tampa Bay flipped a switch. Baker started the game with one touchdown and interception before torching the Chargers defense for three touchdowns (2 to Mike Evans). Tampa’s in great position to win the division again, but they must stave off Atlanta as long as possible.

9) DENVER BRONCOS

It was a very slow molasses start for Denver. Eventually defensive plays, including an awesome Fumble-6 off a bad reverse pass made by Nick Bonitto (Boomer Sooner!!!). Despite Bo Nix’s blunders with three interceptions, he still threw three touchdowns. Denver could see a playoff opportunity in the near future if they defeat the Chargers on Thursday.

8) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Bad news: Pittsburgh didn’t play well, especially on offense. Russ couldn’t cook without George Pickens and the run game suffered. TJ Watt also suffered an ankle injury. Good news: they made the playoffs despite the whole thing. Mike Tomlin continues running with no losing seasons and Pittsburgh’s back in the playoffs for the second straight season. They still must hold for an AFC North title, which is up for grabs against Baltimore next weekend.

7) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love and company wasted no time torching Seattle in their own home. They made it worse by taking out Geno Smith for the rest of the second half and making life miserable for backup quarterback Sam Howell. They avoided a Murphy’s Law type situation when it came to a near botched punt catch. They’re keeping up with Minnesota in hopes of stealing the second NFC North spot from them in two weeks.

6) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Lamar Jackson torched the Giants for five passing touchdowns and added 65 rushing yards along with it. Baltimore did what they were supposed to do and will have the opportunity to take back the AFC North with a big matchup with Pittsburgh this weekend.

5) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

It wasn’t a problem for Minnesota on Monday Night. They handled Caleb Williams with ease and made it difficult for Chicago to even get into scoring position. The two fourth down stops were big early to stave off any motivations or momentum swings. They’re now in line with Philly and Detroit for the NFC’s overall seed.

4) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs win their second game of the season by double digits, which is unheard of for them in 2024. Kansas City’s defense does it yet again to bog down Jameis Winston and the Browns offense with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries off of three forced. However, keep an eye on Patrick Mahomes after suffered another high-ankle sprain. He played on it two seasons ago in the 2022 playoffs.

3) DETROIT LIONS

Detroit had little to nothing going in the first and third quarter. They were in desperation mode in the fourth quarter and were a successful onside kick away from unlimited possibilities with 12 seconds to work with. The bruised and battered defense eventually reared its ugly head in the eyes of Super Josh Allen. They still hold a tie over Philly for the overall seed, but their next two road games will likely decide their fate before Week 18.

2) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Whatever drama happened last week, it meant nothing after Jalen Hurts and Philly outlasted Pittsburgh. Jalen carved out a big passing game and a touchdown celebration with AJ Brown whether it’s relevant that they’re good or not. It wasn’t the Saquon Barkley show this time, but the team as a whole outplayed Pittsburgh just enough to qualify for the playoffs.

1) BUFFALO BILLS

Buffalo carved out Detroit for 48 points thanks to Josh Allen, James Cook, Ty Johnson (in the passing game) and Dalton Kincaid. They put up insane numbers throughout the game liked they did last week against the Rams, but they won scoring 48 points this time. As of now, Buffalo looks like the best AFC team as long as Super Josh Allen’s on the field, but their defense is an eye sore. Who are they in pass coverage???