As theNFL playoff picture continues to coalesce, so does the cluster of teams that won't be shoehorning their way into it. In fact, by the timeWeek 17concludes, the postseason qualifiers could be completely set − even if seeding still needs to be determined − while the group of 18 also-rans would also be finalized. A win by the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland on Sunday would lock all seven AFC entries into that side of the Super Bowl 60 tournament. The same would happen on the NFC side if theCarolina Panthersare able to put a bow on the NFC South without having to beat theTampa Bay Buccaneersagain in Week 18.
Heading into Sunday, here's a look at which clubs are already playing out the string − two already staked in Week 17 − and which ones could soon be doing so:
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Which NFL teams have been eliminated from playoff contention?
These are the teams that have already seen their postseason chances for 2025 extinguished:
▶New York Giants(eliminated in Week 12)
▶Arizona Cardinals(eliminated in Week 13)
▶New Orleans Saints(eliminated in Week 13)
▶Tennessee Titans(eliminated in Week 13)
▶Las Vegas Raiders(eliminated in Week 13)
▶Washington Commanders(eliminated in Week 14)
▶Atlanta Falcons(eliminated in Week 14)
▶New York Jets(eliminated in Week 14)
▶Cleveland Browns(eliminated in Week 14)
▶Cincinnati Bengals(eliminated in Week 15)
▶Minnesota Vikings(eliminated in Week 15)
▶Kansas City Chiefs(eliminated in Week 15)
▶Miami Dolphins(eliminated in Week 15)
▶Dallas Cowboys(eliminated in Week 16)
▶Detroit Lions(eliminated in Week 17)
▶Indianapolis Colts(eliminated in Week 17)
NFL teams outside projected playoff bracket but not yet eliminated going into Week 17
▶Baltimore Ravens(8-7, 21% chance to make playoffs, per NFL's Next Gen Stats)
▶Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-8, 55%)
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL teams eliminated from playoffs: Which ones are mathematically out?
