NFL, the playoffs
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NFL playoff picture 2026: Updated standings, clinching scenarios for Week 18 bracket
The Jaguars clinched the AFC South by besting the Titans in Week 18. They remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed, although they'll need the Broncos and Patriots to lose their matchups to have a shot at the top spot. The Steelers clinched the AFC North and the final playoff spot by beating the Ravens in Week 18.
The Los Angeles Chargers have clinched a playoff berth, but they also control their own destiny for the AFC West. If they win their final two games, then they'll jump the Denver Broncos. L.A. would own the tiebreaker against Denver by virtue of a 2-0 head-to-head record.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tennessee Titans to finish the regular season on an eight-game winning streak and win the AFC South title. The Carolina Panthers captured the NFC South by winning a three-way tiebreaker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons thanks to the Falcons' victory against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
The four division champions from each conference make the playoffs and are seeded No. 1 through No. 4 based on record. The three remaining teams in each conference with the best record qualify for the postseason as wild-card teams and are seeded No. 5 through No. 7.
It was three years ago in the NFC Championship Game when the Philadelphia Eagles trounced the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 to advance to Super Bowl LVII. Brock Purdy was injured in that game, hindering San Francisco’s chances.
Denver will get the first-round bye while New England and Jacksonville play on Wild Card Weekend — and neither has an easy matchup. Chargers vs. Patriots will feature two of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks with Drake Maye and Justin Herbert facing off. The Jaguars drew the shortest straw and will have to host Josh Allen.