As we head into the nail-biting final week of the NFL regular season, playoff spots are nearly claimed, but excitement is not over yet! Two teams are still in contention, and the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC will come down to the last game. Here's a closer look at the current NFL playoff picture as we gear up for Week 18:

NFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders:

1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2): Already locked in for the playoffs, the Vikings have a prime chance to secure the top seed by defeating the Lions this Sunday night.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3): Having already clinched the NFC East, the Eagles aim to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6): The Rams have secured the NFC West title and are looking formidable.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): They sit one game ahead in the NFC South, but a tiebreaker against the Falcons looms large.

Wild Cards:

5. Detroit Lions (13-2): The Lions have clinched a playoff berth and could take the coveted No. 1 seed with a victory over the Vikings.

6. Washington Commanders (11-5): They’ve firmly secured a playoff spot and hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Packers.

7. Green Bay Packers (11-5): The Packers have also punched their playoff ticket.

On the Outside Looking In:

8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7): Their playoff dreams have officially ended.

9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): A path to NFC South glory still exists; they need a win and a Buccaneers’ loss this Sunday.

10. Dallas Cowboys (7-9): Out of the running for the playoffs, the Cowboys look to end on a high note.

11. Arizona Cardinals (7-9): Their playoff hopes are dashed.

12. San Francisco 49ers (6-9): Mathematically eliminated from contention.

13. New Orleans Saints (5-11) through 16. New York Giants (3-13): All eliminated from playoff possibility.

AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1): The Chiefs have not just clinched a playoff berth but also boast home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

2. Buffalo Bills (13-3): Solidified as the No. 2 seed, the Bills are a force to be reckoned with.

3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): With a playoff slot secured, the Ravens can clinch the No. 3 seed with a win this Saturday.

4. Houston Texans (9-7): They’ve clinched the AFC South title.

Wild Cards:

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6): The Steelers are in and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chargers.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6): Secured their place in the playoffs as well.

7. Denver Broncos (9-7): One victory away from securing a wild card spot.

On the Outside Looking In:

8. Miami Dolphins (8-8): Their hopes remain alive after a key victory against the Browns.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): They also keep their wild card hopes alive after recently defeating the Broncos.

10. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) through 16. New England Patriots (3-13): All these teams have been eliminated from playoff contentions.

Clinching Scenarios

AFC:

- The Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win or tie, or if Pittsburgh loses or ties.

- The Steelers clinch the AFC North if they win and the Ravens lose.

- Denver can secure a wild card with a win or tie, or with losses by both Miami and Cincinnati.

- Miami locks in a wild card with a win and a Denver loss.

- Cincinnati clinches a wild card with a win, along with a Denver loss and a Miami loss or tie.

NFC:

- The winner of the Detroit-Minnesota showdown clinches the No. 1 seed.

- Tampa Bay can secure the NFC South with a win or tie, or an Atlanta loss or tie.

- Atlanta claims the NFC South with a win and a loss from Tampa Bay.

As playoff scenarios become clearer, fans will be on the edge of their seats! Can the underdogs rise to the occasion? Will the division leaders maintain their dominance? One thing’s for sure—Week 18 is set to be an exhilarating climax to the regular season!