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Each conference’s top seed is clinched, but there is still one playoff spot (NFC) and two division titles out there for the taking. We’re live-tracking the closest, most interesting races during Week 18. Wondering how, say, a pick-six in one game right after a long touchdown run in another impacts the playoff race? We have you covered through all the swings and surprises.
How the Bills and Steelers clinched AFC playoff spots
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Baltimore, Miami, Kansas City and Cleveland clinched before Week 18, and Houston joined them on Saturday by beating Indianapolis. Pittsburgh also beat Baltimore on Saturday and snuck into the final seven when Jacksonville lost to Tennessee on Sunday afternoon. And while the Sunday night Bills-Dolphins game will decide the AFC East, both teams are safe since the Jaguars’ loss also put Buffalo in the AFC playoff field.
One more NFC playoff spot up for grabs
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The 49ers are the top seed in the conference, and the Cowboys, Lions, Eagles, Rams and Buccaneers have all punched their tickets. The Buccaneers took the NFC South with their win over the Panthers, but the Saints are still alive for a playoff spot after defeating the Falcons (need losses or ties from Green Bay and Seattle). Green Bay can clinch a wild-card spot with a win against Chicago, while Seattle needs a win over Arizona and a Green Bay loss. The Vikings and Falcons have been eliminated.
How the Texans clinched the AFC South
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The Texans have won the AFC South. At one point, the Jaguars were 8-3 and looked like a lock to take the division. But a slump down the stretch and some impressive play from DeMeco Ryans’ team flipped the script. In Week 18, Houston first beat the Colts on Saturday night. Then it watched as Jacksonville lost to the Titans on Sunday. The Texans will now be the fourth seed in the AFC and play the Browns on wild-card weekend.
How the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South
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The Buccaneers won the NFC South at 9-8 after beating the Panthers — the NFL’s worst team — on Sunday. It is their third straight division title, and they will be the conference’s fourth seed and play either the Eagles or Cowboys in their wild-card game. The Saints missed out on the division, but they are still potentially in play for a wild-card spot (Atlanta is eliminated).
Cowboys or Eagles in the NFC East?
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Will we see a repeat NFC East champion for the first time since 2004? Philadelphia — last season’s champ — is trailing Dallas in the race entering Week 18, but the door is still open. If the Cowboys beat the Commanders, Dak Prescott‘s team will keep the wild streak going and take the title. But the Eagles can take the division home for a second straight season if they beat the Giants and see the Cowboys fall to the Commanders. The NFC East winner will be either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the conference, while the loser will be the No. 5 seed.