Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Playoff Picture After Week 14

The picture for the NFL playoffs became a little clearer after Week 14.

The Carolina Panthers (13-0) are already in, having clinched the NFC South division title with their Week 13 victory over the Saints. Yesterday’s blowout victory over the Falcons ensured a first round bye for the team.

Looking at the rest of the conference, the Arizona Cardinals (11-2) are the only other team from the NFC Conference that has clinched a playoff spot. The Cardinals can wrap up the NFC West in the coming weeks. In the other NFC divisions, the Green Bay Packers (9-4) lead the NFC North and the Washington Redskins (6-7) lead the NFC East.

If the season were to end today, the divisional leaders of the NFC, the Panthers, the Cardinals, the Packers and the Redskins, would all be in the playoffs. The wildcard spots would go to the Seattle Seahawks (8-5), who are behind the Cardinals in the race for the NFC West, and the Minnesota Vikings (8-5), who are behind the Packers in the race for the NFC North.

Despite their sub-par records, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7), Atlanta Falcons (6-7), Philadelphia Eagles (6-7), New York Giants (5-7), St. Louis Rams (5-8), New Orleans Saints (5-8), Chicago Bears (5-8) and Dallas Cowboys (4-9) all remain in the playoff hunt in the NFC. Rounding out the conference, the Detroit Lions (4-9) and the San Francisco 49ers (4-9) have been eliminated from the playoff picture.

In the AFC, the New England Patriots (11-2) are the only team in the conference that has officially clinched a playoff spot. In the rest of the AFC, the playoff picture is a little bit more clear.

Despite both teams suffering losses on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) still lead the AFC North and the Denver Broncos (10-3) still lead the AFC West. In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) lead.

If the playoffs began today, the divisional leaders of the AFC, the Patriots, the Bengals, the Broncos and the Colts, would all be in. The wildcard spots would go to the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) and the New York Jets (8-5).

Still alive in the playoff race in the AFC are the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5), Oakland Raiders (6-7), Buffalo Bills (6-7), Houston Texans (6-7), Miami Dolphins (5-7) and Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8). The Baltimore Ravens (4-9), San Diego Chargers (3-10), Cleveland Browns (3-10) and Tennessee Titans (3-10) have all been eliminated from the playoff picture.

The New York Giants will take on the Miami Dolphins tonight to wrap up Week 14 action. A Dolphins’ loss will clinch the AFC East division title for the Patriots.

About Ellen Bazley

Junior telecommunication student at the University of Florida. Passionate about all things related to sports.

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Florida Lacrosse Wins 10th Straight Game, Routs Liberty

The No. 11 Florida Gators lacrosse team beat Liberty University, 23-3, Wednesday to extend their …