Week 14 brought major changes at the top of both conferences as the NFL's playoff race enters its final stretch. The Chiefs replaced the Steelers atop the AFC, while the Packers overtook the Saints for the No. 1 spot in the NFC. The Chiefs and Packers also clinched their division titles, have favorable paths to earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and were the big winners of Week 14. The Steelers, it should be noted, clinched a playoff spot, too, despite their second consecutive loss.
All told, however, only four of the NFL's 14 playoff spots are accounted for. There's plenty left to be determined. Let's take a closer look at where the NFL playoff picture stands, using ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) to provide context where necessary.
Note: X denotes a team that has clinched a playoff berth, Y shows a team that has clinched its division and Z indicates a team that has secured a first-round bye.
AFC
1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) -- Y
FPI chances to make playoffs: Clinched
FPI chances to win division: Clinched
FPI chances to receive a bye: 92.6%
After holding on for a win over the Dolphins, the Chiefs secured their fifth consecutive AFC West title. Then they watched the Steelers lose on Sunday night to the Bills, pushing them to the top spot in the conference. Although they have a tough matchup in Week 15 against the Saints, FPI considers the Chiefs the heavy favorite to hold on to the No. 1 seed and eventually clinch it. They can do it as early as Week 15 with a win, plus losses by the Steelers and Bills.
Remaining schedule: at Saints, vs. Falcons, vs. Chargers
