The NFL playoffs standings coming out of Week 15 of the season has the Patriots and the Panthers leading the AFC and NFC. The Packers, Bengals and Seahawks all clinched postseason spots this weekend and Carolina stayed undefeated with a win over the Giants to improve to 14-0 this season.
The AFC playoff picture has the New England Patriots in the number one seed at 12-2 and the team has clinched the AFC East division title and a first round bye. The Bengals clinched a playoff spot this weekend and they are second in the conference at 11-3 after winning against the 49ers. The Denver Broncos are third as the leaders of the AFC West, while the Houston Texans are fourth as leaders of the AFC South after winning over the Colts.
The AFC Wild Card picture has the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth spot at 9-5, while the Pittsburgh Steelers are also in at 9-5. The Jets are in the hunt at 9-5, but if the Chiefs and Steelers win out, the Jets will stay at home. The AFC West is still not locked up, as the Chiefs have won seven straight games and now are just one game back of the Broncos after Denver lost against the Steelers on Sunday.
The NFC standings has the Carolina Panthers in the number one seed in the conference at 14-0 after winning over the Giants and they also have clinched a first round bye. The Arizona Cardinals have clinched the NFC West division after a win on Sunday night and they are the second seed at 12-2. The Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot in Week 15 and they are third ahead of the Redskins, who are leading the NFC East.
The Redskins have not clinched the division yet, but they are in good position to do so after the Giants and Eagles lost on Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks clinched a playoff spot and are sitting in the fifth spot in the conference, while the Vikings are in the sixth spot as the second wild card. The Falcons are in the hunt but need help and the Vikings can get in with a win next week.
The Bengals and Broncos will play on Monday night football next week and that is a big game for playoff seeding in the AFC, as Denver has not yet clinched a spot. The AFC West is up for grabs and the Bengals have not yet clinched the AFC North division with the Steelers coming up behind in the standings. The Texans won over the Colts to improve to 7-7 and now they are in position to win the AFC South.
