The NFL Playoff picture is becoming less complicated. Three teams in the AFC are fighting for the final playoff spot in Week 18 with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers working to clinch on Sunday.
All three teams are 8-8 with the Patriots holding the early advantage in controlling their own playoff destiny. But there are multiple NFL playoff scenarios to watch for these teams.
We will know the result after the early slate of NFL games as all three teams play in the opening window. Here is the full playoff picture for the AFC.
2023 NFL Playoff Picture: AFC
New England Patriots Playoff Picture (8-8)
Yes, technically the Patriots have the advantage. If they win, they’re in. However, New England is an 8.5-point underdog at DraftKings on the road against the Buffalo Bills. Are the Bills motivated by what’s happened with their team and Damar Hamlin over the last week or are they distracted? Buffalo can no longer earn the No. 1 overall seed that belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs, but a win over the Patriots means an AFC Championship game between Buffalo and KC would come on a neutral field.
If the Patriots lose — as the betting market expects — they can still clinch the final spot in the AFC with losses by both the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Multiple Patriots find their way into our best PrizePicks plays.
Miami Dolphins Patriots Playoff Picture (8-8)
The Dolphins need help. They need help from the Bills. They need help from their third-string quarterback. They need help from their defense.
Miami makes the playoffs with a win over the New York Jets and a loss by the Patriots. Miami will turn to Skylar Thompson at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa out. The good news? The Jets are starting Joe Flacco over the injured Mike White. Miami is a 3.5-point favorite at home.
With a loss, the Dolphins are out.
Pittsburgh Steelers Patriots Playoff Picture (8-8)
The Steelers need the most help. In addition to beating the Cleveland Browns at home as 3-point favorites, Pittsburgh needs both Miami and New England to lose. The Steelers are riding high, winning five of their last six games including last week’s win over the Baltimore Ravens. And perhaps the Browns drama between Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett was enough of a distraction for an already-eliminated team.
But after years of playing against him, the Steelers will be Joe Flacco fans on Sunday.
