2024 NFL playoff picture, bracket: How wins by Steelers and Texans impact postseason race, clinching scenarios

[ad_1]

The final week of the NFL regular-season kicked off with a doubleheader on Saturday.  

In the biggest game of the day, the Texans clinched their first playoff berth since 2019 by going on the road to beat the Colts, 23-19. CJ Stroud capped off an impressive rookie regular-season by throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns. With the win, not only did the Texans clinch a playoff berth, but they also now have a chance to win the AFC South.

In Saturday’s other game, the Steelers gave their playoff hopes a huge boost by beating the Ravens, 17-10. Despite the win, the Steelers haven’t clinched a postseason berth just yet. They’ll also need some help on Sunday and we’ll be going over what they need and also how the Texans can clinch the division title. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at the current playoff standings plus what the playoff bracket currently looks like heading into Sunday. 

AFC playoff standings

STILL ALIVE 
Jaguars 9-7
Possible seeds:
Fourth or out of playoffs. The AFC South is Jacksonville’s to lose: If the Jaguars beat the Titans on Sunday, they’ll win the AFC South and host the Browns in the wild-card round. Going into Week 18, the Jags had a path to make the playoffs even with a loss against the Titans, but that’s no longer possible after Pittsburgh’s win on Saturday. That means the Jags will be in a “win or go home” situation against Tennessee. If the Jags lose, the Texans will win the division. 

ELIMINATED
Colts (9-8): The Colts would have punched their ticket to the postseason with a win over Houston, but instead, they were eliminated. 

AFC Wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)

AFC
(7) Texans at (2) Dolphins
(6) Bills at (3) Chiefs
(5) Browns at (4) Jaguars

Bye: Ravens

NFC playoff standings

STILL ALIVE
Seahawks (8-8)

Possible seeds: Seventh or out of playoffs. The Seahawks will punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Cardinals combined with a…

[ad_2]

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-playoff-picture-bracket-how-wins-by-steelers-and-texans-impact-postseason-race-clinching-scenarios/

Author : John Breech

Publish date : 2024-01-07 04:26:43

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.