For the first time in several months, the Kansas City Chiefs gave their fans reason for optimism following a game. They took care of business against the Houston Texans on Saturday, securing a 27-19 victory.
This was a (relatively) comfortable victory, as Houston never possessed the ball with an opportunity to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Patrick Mahomes was outstanding, while the pass rush consistently pressured C.J. Stroud, and the secondary intercepted the Texans quarterback twice.
After the 16th week of the 2024-25 NFL season, which teams in the AFC and NFC are still fighting for playoff positioning?
NFC Playoff Standings, Week 16
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
6. Green Packers (11-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
In the hunt: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) and Seattle Seahawks (8-7).
The Rams grounded the Jets, strengthening their grip on the NFC West. The Lions mauled the Bears, with Jared Goff defying his cold-weather struggles. The Falcons, energized by Michael Penix Jr., steamrolled the Giants. The Commanders pulled off a thrilling victory against the Eagles, with Jayden Daniels orchestrating an amazing game-winning drive. The Panthers ended the Cardinals' playoff hopes in an overtime contest.
Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention, the 49ers laid an egg against the Dolphins. The Vikings maintained their #1 seed hopes while the Seahawks' NFC West title hopes diminished. The Cowboys upset the Buccaneers, damaging Tampa Bay's division title odds. The Packers shut out the Saints on Monday Night Football.
The NFC's #1 seed appears to be hinging on the Week 18 clash between the Vikings and Lions at Ford Field. While the Eagles remain mathematically alive, they're facing an uphill battle—needing Detroit to fall in both Weeks 17 and 18, plus a Vikings loss to Green Bay in Week 17.
A look at the NFC playoff odds
According to Team Rankings, the Lions are still the strong favorites to secure the NFC's #1 seed with a 84.3% chance. The Vikings are behind them at 12.8%, while the Eagles (2.9%) still have a small glimmer of hope, but need a lot of help.
The Lions also remain the favorites in the NFC to win Super Bowl LIX at a whopping 31.1%. The Eagles are second with an 8.8% chance of winning it all. They're followed by the Packers at 7.0%, while the Vikings (4.9%), Buccaneers (1.7%), Commanders (1.1%), and Rams (1.0%) are right behind them.