NFL 2021 playoff picture: Updated standings, wild card race, projected matchups with two weeks remaining

Mon, Dec 27, 2021
NFL News (AP)

The home stretch of the 2021 NFL season is here, as Week 16 is in the books following the Miami Dolphins' 20-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The win was the seventh in a row for the Dolphins and moved them into the final spot in the AFC playoffs for the time being. On Sunday, the Chiefs, Cowboys and Buccaneers clinched division titles and the Rams and Cardinals punched their tickets as well.

The playoff picture is really taking shape. And both conferences are chock-full of some feisty battles for the 14 combined postseason spots. From the competition in the NFC West to the increasingly muddy race in the AFC North, there are lots of scenarios on the table as we venture closer to the new year.

Below, find an updated 2021 NFL playoff picture, featuring complete postseason standings (with tiebreakers already accounted for), a rundown of wild card contenders and projected opening-weekend playoff matchups for both the AFC and NFC:

AFC

1. Chiefs(11-4)**
2. Titans(10-5)
3. Bengals (9-6)
   
4. Bills (9-6)
5. Colts (9-6)
6. Patriots (9-6)
7. Dolphins (8-7)

8.Chargers(8-7)
9.Raiders(8-7)
10. Ravens (8-7)
11.Steelers(7-7-1)
12. Browns (7-8)
13.Broncos(7-8)

Out of the race

14. Jets (4-11)*
15. Texans (4-11)*
16. Jaguars (2-13)*

Note: * = officially eliminated. ** = officially clinched playoff berth.

• (No. 1 Chiefs on bye)
• No. 7 Dolphins at No. 2 Titans
• No. 6 Patriots at No. 3 Bengals
• No. 5 Colts at No. 4 Bills
  

NFC

1. Packers (12-3)**
2. Cowboys(11-4)**
3. Rams (11-4)**
4. Buccaneers (11-4)**
5. Cardinals (10-5)**
   
6. 49ers (8-7)
7. Eagles (8-7)

8. Vikings (7-8)
9. Falcons (7-8)
10.Saints(7-8)
11. Washington (6-9)

12.Panthers(5-10)*
13.Bears(5-10)*
14. Seahawks (5-10)*
15.Giants(4-11)*
16. Lions (2-12-1)*

Note: * = officially eliminated. ** = officially clinched playoff berth.

• (No. 1 Packers on bye)
• No. 7 Eagles at No. 2 Cowboys
• No. 6 49ers at No. 3 Rams
• No. 5 Cardinals at No. 4 Buccaneers

The holidays are almost here, and you can now get 40% off select NFL gear at Fanatics. Hoodies, shirts, jackets, and much more are discounted. There's even baseball gear on sale. Check out the full Holiday Promo selection here now.

We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Article Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.