The 2024 NFL Season has been a wild ride throughout its opening three-quarters. The Kansas City Chiefs headed into the campaign as the league’s dominant force after claiming their second straight Lombardi at Super Bowl LVIII. They began the current term with ten straight victories before being beaten by the Buffalo Bills on week 11, but with some close victories against some lowly sides on their resume, perhaps their record is somewhat deceiving.
Elsewhere, recent heavyweights such as the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys have capitulated in stunning fashion. The former of that duo has managed to pick up just four wins so far this term, despite MVP-caliber form from quarterback Joe Burrow. The latter meanwhile have had to endure a disastrous campaign, with a season-ending injury to Dak Prescott torpedoing their faint postseason aspirations.
But while those two are seemingly out of contention, some teams are still battling it out for a spot in the playoffs. While most division winners look to be wrapped up already, four wildcard spots are still up for grabs., Here are the teams that are currently in the race,
Baltimore Ravens/Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers are currently amid an almighty scrap to win the highly competitive AFC North. Heading into the season, it was the former of that duo that was expected to reign supreme thanks to the sensational Lamar Jackson under center and new right-hand man Derrick Henry bulldozing his way through on the ground. The Black and Yellow meanwhile were expected to struggle, especially after they brought in not one but two out-of-form QBs, namely Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
However, one has underperformed and one has defied expectations. They both currently have eight wins under their belt, with the Ravens having played one game more than their divisional rivals. It remains to be seen which team will top their respective quartet, but expect the runner-up to claim one of the AFC’s two wildcard slots.
Los Angeles Chargers
That leaves one space remaining in the conference, and two divisional rivals are seemingly gunning for it. The favorite is the Los Angeles Chargers, who have added a staunch defense to a scintillating offense. In attack, star quarterback Justin Herbert has been on fire, racking up over 3,000 yards already this term thanks to the supplementary support provided by explosive wide receiver Keenan Allen.
The link-up between those two has provided points aplenty for the SoFI outfit, but it’s in defense in which the Cali side has shone. The Chargers have allowed just 175 points in their 11 games so far this term, the lowest in the league by some distance. They have already secured victories against the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals this season, and with some winnable fixtures against the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots on the horizon, they will be feeling confident about their chances.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are another AFC West side that has genuine playoff aspirations. Not much was expected of the Colorado-based side, especially after a rocky start from rookie QB Bo Nix. However, in recent games, the former Oregon Duck has turned a corner, and his outplaying of Patrick Mahomes on week ten – albeit in a heartbreaking losing effort – made the rest of the league sit up and take notice.
They too have a resolute defense, and they are going to need it. They face a tough run-in, with a week 17 clash against the Bengals on the road looking particularly challenging. While the NFL week 17 odds haven’t yet been published – with bookies preferring to wait and see what unfolds in the next few weeks before posting them – the end-of-season futures certainly have.
The odds makers currently make the Broncos a +12500 outsider to win their division. That won’t phase them one bit though, and further victories to close out the campaign will stand them in good stead to end their eight-year playoff drought, the second longest in the league.
Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers
Over in the NFC, it looks as though two teams from the same division will also secure the wildcard spots. Namely the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Both teams have been in stellar form so far this term, both boasting a whopping nine wins already this term. Because that number of wins was enough for a wildcard spot last season, both will feel hard done by if they ultimately miss out.
Despite their impressive campaigns though, both teams are still a million miles away from the team that currently tops the division. The Detroit Lions have emerged as a genuine heavyweight within the league this term and have an 11-1 record, as well as an exemplary record against the spread. The Ford Field side was the second most bet team on week ten and they duly delivered with their rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and now they are predicted to reach the Super Bowl for the first time ever.
Washington Commanders
The upstart Washington Commanders are the only team that can usher either the Packers or the Vikings out of their current wildcard berths. Not much was expected of the capital city side this season, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has proven to be a revelation. The former LSU standout has led his side to an impressive 7-5 record however, a recent downturn in form may well have cost his side a spot in the playoffs, as well as halting his rookie of the year hopes.
