Every week for the duration of the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable).
What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Here’s where things stand with Week 13 of the 2024 season nearly complete:
(**AFC playoff picture**
**x – 1. *Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), AFC West leaders:** Yet another close shave as they narrowly escaped the Raiders 19-17 on Black Friday. But that was sufficient to convey this season’s first clinched
Do you think the Buffalo Bills can close the gap and overtake the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 seed in the AFC?
**Host:** Joining me now is NFL analyst, [Guest Name], to break down the latest AFC playoff picture. [Guest Name], the Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot. Is anyone surprised by their dominance so far?
**Guest:** Not really. They’ve been consistently strong for years now. Mahomes is playing at an MVP level, and their defense is getting the job done.
**Host:** They’re sitting pretty at 11-1 but the Bills are right behind them. Do you think Buffalo can close the gap?
**Guest:** It’s definitely possible. They have a tough schedule ahead, but if they can get past the Bengals, who they play this week, it’ll send a message.
**Host:** And what about the Steelers? They’re quietly making a move. Where do you see them finishing?
**Guest:** If they keep winning, they could steal the AFC North from the Bengals. But they need to prove they can beat the top teams.
**Host:** A lot can change in the coming weeks. Thanks for your insights, [Guest Name]! Now, let’s open it up to our viewers. Do you think the Bills can catch the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
