The NFL playoff picture got clearer after the early games on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, as the Detroit Lions were eliminated, the Saints and Panthers locked up spots; and the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC West again.
The Chargers stayed alive with a win over the Jets, 29-13. The Patriots remained in position for the top seed in the AFC with a 37-16 win over the Bills. Buffalo remains tied with the Chargers and Titans, who lost 27-23 to the Rams, for a wild-card spot.
Atlanta is out of the NFC South race, but can make it three division teams in the playoffs by beating Carolina next week. The Panthers secured a playoff spot Sunday with a 22-19 win over Tampa Bay.
The Chiefs won their third straight game, a 29-13 division-clinching win over Miami, which was eliminated officially.
The Bengals eliminated the Lions with a 26-17 victory.
The Browns remained on track for a winless season, losing 20-3 to Chicago.
AFC
1. New England Patriots (12-3) xy
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) xy
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) x
4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)
5. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
6. Tennessee Titans (8-7)
In the hunt
Buffalo Bills (8-7)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
Oakland Raiders (6-8)
Miami Dolphins (6-9)
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) xy
2. Minnesota Vikings (12-3) xy
3. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
4. New Orleans Saints (11-4)
5. Carolina Panthers (11-4)
6. Atlanta Falcons (9-6)
In the hunt
Detroit Lions (8-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
Dallas Cowboys (8-6)
x- clinched berth
y - clinched division title
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)