Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season is nearly wrapped up, and as we approach the halfway mark of the league’s thrilling 17-game schedule, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the current standings and playoff scenarios for both the NFC and AFC. With trades on the horizon, injuries piling up, and unexpected twists, the landscape is bound to shift. However, the first half of the season has already laid a strong foundation for what we can expect as we move deeper into the playoff race.
AFC playoff picture: Who’s leading the charge?
1. Kansas City Chiefs 7-0 (first place, AFC West): The Chiefs remain the last undefeated team in the NFL, and they are eyeing a perfect season. With their sights set on a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, they look unstoppable.
2. Houston Texans 6-2 (first place, AFC South): The Texans showcased their resilience by overcoming a challenge from the Colts in Week 8. They hold a slight edge over the Bills thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker, keeping their playoff hopes bright.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-2 (first place, AFC North): Following an upset of the Ravens by the Browns, the Steelers seized the top spot in their division. They solidified their lead with a home victory against the Giants on Monday night.
4. Buffalo Bills 6-2 (first place, AFC East): The Bills are cruising toward their fifth consecutive division title, as their rivals—the Dolphins, Patriots, and Jets—have struggled, combining for just six wins.
5. Denver Broncos 5-3 (second place, AFC West): The Broncos have been a delightful surprise this season, leveraging a favorable schedule and impressive performances from rookie quarterback Bo Nix to prove that Sean Payton’s coaching prowess is very much alive.
6. Baltimore Ravens 5-3 (second place, AFC North): The Ravens have some work to do in their rivalry with the Steelers. They’ll need to focus on their upcoming matchup against the Broncos in Week 9 to keep pace.
7. Los Angeles Chargers 4-3 (third place, AFC West): The Chargers are making a strong case for three AFC West teams to reach the playoffs. Under Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert’s improved play has complemented a solid running and defensive strategy.
Who’s most in the hunt?
- 8. Indianapolis Colts 4-4 (second place, AFC South)
- 9. Cincinnati Bengals 3-5 (third place, AFC North)
While the Colts are still in contention, the Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, have the firepower to make a late-season push.
Who’s left?
- 10. Miami Dolphins 2-5 (second place, AFC East)
- 11. Cleveland Browns 2-6 (fourth place, AFC North)
- 12. Las Vegas Raiders 2-6 (fourth place, AFC West)
- 13. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-6 (third place, AFC South)
- 14. New England Patriots 2-6 (third place, AFC East)
- 15. New York Jets 2-6 (fourth place, AFC East)
- 16. Carolina Panthers 1-7 (fourth place, AFC South)
NFC playoff picture: Who’s rising to the top?
1. Detroit Lions 6-1 (first place, NFC North): The Lions have transformed into an offensive powerhouse this season, with Jared Goff leading a dynamic scoring attack. They are emerging as serious contenders for the NFC title.
2. Washington Commanders 6-2 (first place, NFC East): Under the guidance of Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, and Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders are finding their rhythm. With some thrilling last-minute victories, they’re in a fierce battle with the Eagles for the division crown.
3. Atlanta Falcons 6-2 (first place, NFC South): The Falcons are dominating their division, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in divisional play. With Kirk Cousins steering the offense, they have a firm grip on the division title—barring any unforeseen disasters.
4. Arizona Cardinals 4-4 (first place, NFC West): A recent comeback victory in Miami has propelled the Cardinals to the top of their division, thanks to a superior conference record over the Seahawks and 49ers.
5. Green Bay Packers 6-2 (second place, NFC North): Just a half-game behind the Lions, the Packers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against Detroit in Week 9. A win could shift the balance of power in the NFC North.
6. Minnesota Vikings 5-2 (third place, NFC North): The Vikings suffered a setback with an upset loss to the Rams, which cost them a playoff spot and allowed the Packers to leapfrog them in the standings.
7. Philadelphia Eagles 5-3 (second place, NFC East): The Eagles have surged back into contention with three straight wins, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the Commanders in Week 11.
Who’s most in the hunt?
- 8. Chicago Bears 4-3 (fourth place, NFC North)
- 9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-4 (second place, NFC South)
- 10. San Francisco 49ers 4-4 (second place, NFC West)
- 11. Seattle Seahawks 4-4 (third place, NFC West)
- 12. Los Angeles Rams 3-4 (fourth place, NFC West)
- 13. Dallas Cowboys 3-4 (third place, NFC East)
The Bears face challenges after a tough loss in Washington, while the Buccaneers are grappling with injuries. The 49ers and Cowboys need to step up their game, especially after their recent clash. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are struggling to stay afloat with a daunting schedule ahead.
Who’s left?
- 14. New Orleans Saints 2-6 (third place, NFC South)
- 15. New York Giants 2-6 (fourth place, NFC East)
- 16. Carolina Panthers 1-7 (fourth place, NFC South)
As we look ahead to the second half of the season, the excitement is palpable. Which teams will rise to the occasion? Who will falter? The playoff race is heating up, and every game counts. Buckle up, NFL fans—this is just the beginning!
