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With just one Sunday left in the N.F.L. regular season, five teams are vying for the final two available spots. This represents a much clearer playoff scenario compared to last season, where 11 teams were competing for five spots on the final weekend.
For many teams, the seeding implications of the final week are as crucial as ever. The outcome of the Vikings-Lions game, for example, will determine whether they play on the road as a wild-card team or secure a No. 1 seed and a bye.
Additionally, the playoff seeding for several teams may hinge not only on their own game but also on the results of other games. The diagrams below illustrate how the final weekend will impact the seeding outcomes for each remaining contender.
If you want to delve deeper into all possible outcomes, our interactive playoff simulator allows you to set the result of any game and observe how it alters the playoff probabilities for each team.
(Please note: The diagrams consider scenarios involving ties, but in the discussions below, we assume there will be no ties.)
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 13-4
Scroll down for more exciting details. The Bills will secure the No. 2 seed and face the lowest-seeded A.F.C. wild-card team.
Potential opponents as the No. 2 seed: Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals
Miami Dolphins 8-8
With two consecutive wins, the Dolphins have kept their playoff hopes alive. A victory against the 4-12 Jets, coupled with a loss for the Denver Broncos to the Kansas City Chiefs, will seal their spot.
It remains uncertain whether Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play this weekend. The availability of Kansas City starters is also unclear now that they have secured the top seed.
Opponent as the No. 7 seed: Buffalo Bills
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