The 2021 NFL season is entering the home stretch and is about to enter the first Week 18 in league history. While a total of seven teams still hope to make the playoffs, the ultimate finale is coming up in the AFC.

Munich – Rarely has the battle for a place in the NFL playoffs been as exciting as it is this season.

Before the historic first 18th game day in NFL history, three playoff spots are still up for grabs, and a total of eleven teams have already qualified for the postseason. With 14 teams, less than half of all teams no longer have a chance to make the Super Bowl in February.

That leaves a total of seven teams that still have hopes before the Monday Night Game in Week 17 and the grand finale of the regular season in Week 18. NFL News takes a look at where the contenders stand and what they need to make sure they make the playoffs.

Tight Race in the AFC – Finals in Week 18

Indianapolis Colts: 9-7

With nine wins and seven losses, the Indianapolis Colts currently sit in sixth place in the AFC and despite the loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, they still have it in their own hands as to whether they are one of the 14 best teams in the league.

On Matchday 18, they face a supposedly easy clash at the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are in last place in the AFC with just two wins and 14 losses. If they win this one, they would be safely in sixth place and thus in the playoffs. A loss by the Ravens, Chargers and Steelers would be enough for them, as would a loss by the Chargers and Steelers in another scenario, with the Miami Dolphins winning.

Los Angeles Chargers: 9-7

With their win over the Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers not only knocked Denver out of the playoff race, but also the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Moreover, the success was an important step towards the postseason.

On matchday 18, they now face the Las Vegas Raiders in the finals for a place in the playoffs. Because they are behind the Indianapolis Colts in the tie-breaker, they absolutely have to win to participate.

Las Vegas Raiders: 9-7

The Raiders’ somewhat surprising win over the Colts has put them in a similar position to the Chargers. A win against their rivals would mean a direct entry into the playoffs.

However, since the Raiders have now won the head-to-head matchup against the Colts, they would still make the playoffs with a loss to the Chargers should the Colts lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Baltimore Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7-1

A real surprise package in the fight for the playoffs are currently still the Pittsburgh Steelers. Besides a playoff appearance and an early exit, everything is still possible for the team around quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

To do so, they have to win in the Monday Night Game against the Cleveland Browns as well as in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens and at the same time hope for a defeat of the Colts against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Baltimore Ravens: 8-8

Only the Baltimore Ravens still have an outside chance of making the play-offs after losing to the Los Angeles Rams, which was also their fifth defeat in a row. In order for them to still reach seventh place in the AFC, a lot will have to come together on the last matchday.

Besides a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have to hope for losses by the Colts, the Chargers, the Browns and the Dolphins. It doesn’t matter that the latter two teams have already been eliminated from the playoff race, a win would still put them ahead of the Ravens based on head-to-head comparisons.

Two-way tie in the NFC

San Francisco 49ers: 9-7

Thanks to a hard-fought win against the Houston Texans, the San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of making the playoffs. However, in order to secure their place, they must win a tough away game against the Los Angeles Rams on the final day of play.

If they fail to do so, they will have to hope for a loss or a draw by the New Orleans Saints, who are breathing down the 49ers’ necks.

New Orleans Saints: 8-8

The New Orleans Saints, on the other hand, do not have their fate in their own hands. So they have to win their duel at the Atlanta Falcons and hope for a defeat of San Francisco. Should both teams win or lose in step, the 49ers would always end up ahead of the Saints due to their better record.