Updated AFC Playoff Picture after Dolphins Christmas meltdown

NFL Playoff Picture: Updated AFC Standings after Dolphins lose in Week 16

The Miami Dolphins loss to the Green Bay Packers opened up the AFC Playoff Picture.

Although the Patriots lost to the Bengals, and their playoff hopes seem to be moving further down the totem pole, the Dolphins loss kept them alive. The Patriots are the No. 8 seed in the AFC, meaning they are not currently in the hunt. However, the Dolphins are the No. 7 seed, and with a New England vs. Miami meeting in Week 17, both teams will be competing for their standing.

The Patriots are in control of their playoff destiny. They will secure their playoff spot if they win against Miami in Week 17 and Buffalo in Week 18. This will be easier said than done, as the Patriots have been struggling to close out games as of late. Miami and Buffalo have wins over the Patriots this season, and they will be tough matchups for New England to end the season.

Here is what the AFC playoff bracket would look like if the playoffs started today:

1. Buffalo Bills (12-3) – Clinched AFC East
2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-3) – Clinched AFC West
3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) – Clinched Playoff Berth
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5) – Clinched Playoff Berth
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
7. Miami Dolphins (8-7)

Based on these standings, here is what the playoff matchups would look like for the first weekend of action:

• (7) Miami Dolphins at (2) Kansas City Chiefs
• (6) Los Angeles Chargers at (3) Cincinnati Bengals
• (5) Baltimore Ravens at (4) Jacksonville Jaguars
• Wild-card round bye: (1) Buffalo Bills

NFL Playoff Picture: AFC Wild Card standings after Week 16

Here is what the Wild Card standings look like after Week 16:

5th Seed: Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

6th Seed: Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

7th Seed: Miami Dolphins (8-7)

On The Bubble

New England Patriots (7-8)

New York Jets (7-8)

Tennessee Titans (7-8)

Still In The Hunt

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)

Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)

Eliminated

Houston Texans (2-12-1)

Denver Broncos (4-10)

Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1)

Cleveland Browns (6-9)