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Christmas Day games had major playoff implications around the NFL, thanks to all four of the teams playing holding a spot in the AFC playoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs needed just one victory to lock up home-field advantage in the AFC, and they earned it by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opener of the Christmas Day doubleheader.
The Steelers have lost the AFC North lead, as the Baltimore Ravens took over first place in the division with their blowout victory over the Houston Texans. Baltimore is one win away from clinching the AFC North.
Below is a breakdown of the conference standings with the Week 17 slate underway:
AFC playoff picture
z — clinched first-round bye
y — clinched division
x — clinched playoff berth
e — eliminated from playoffs
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
The Chiefs wrapped up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with their win over the Steelers. Kansas City gets the lone bye in the conference and can rest its starters in Week 18.
Remaining schedule: at Broncos
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
The Bills needed the Chiefs to lose out to still have a shot at the No. 1 seed. That didn’t happen, so the Bills need a win in their final two games to lock up the No. 2 seed.
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Patriots
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
The Ravens have taken over the AFC North lead with their win and the Steelers’ loss, having a one-game lead over Pittsburgh heading into the final week. A win or a Steelers loss in Week 18 gives Baltimore the division.
Remaining schedule: vs. Browns
4. Houston Texans (9-7)
The Texans have already clinched the AFC South. They will be at least the No. 4 seed in the AFC and will have a home game in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Remaining schedule: at Titans
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
The Steelers lose the AFC North lead after falling to the Chiefs. They need a win and a Ravens loss in the final week to win the…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-playoff-picture-standings-chiefs-lock-up-no-1-seed-in-afc-ravens-seize-first-place-in-afc-north/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-12-26 01:17:00
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