At a Glance
- Bears clinch NFC North after Ravens beat Packers.
- Texans secure third straight playoff berth with win over Chargers.
- 12 of 14 playoff spots locked; three division titles clinched.
- Why it matters: The postseason is now shaped by a few key games.
The Chicago Bears captured the NFC North title when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers 41-24 on Saturday. The win also cemented a 12-8 record for the Texans, who beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 to secure a third consecutive playoff spot.
Playoff Landscape
The postseason now features 12 of the 14 playoff spots locked in, with three teams already claiming division crowns. Key teams still fighting for the remaining berth include the Steelers and Ravens in the AFC and the Panthers and Buccaneers in the NFC.
- AFC: Broncos, Patriots (12-3), Bills (11-4), Jaguars (11-4), Chargers, Texans
- NFC: Eagles (10-5), Bears, Seahawks (12-3), 49ers (11-4), Rams (11-4), Packers (9-6-1)
Division Champions
| Division | Champion | Record |
|---|---|---|
| AFC East | Patriots | 12-3 |
| AFC North | Steelers | 9-6 |
| AFC South | Texans | 8-8 |
| AFC West | Broncos | 13-3 |
| NFC East | Eagles | 10-5 |
| NFC North | Bears | 11-4 |
| NFC South | 49ers | 11-4 |
| NFC West | Seahawks | 12-3 |
The table shows the teams that have secured their divisions and their current records.
Key Takeaways
- Bears win NFC North, locking a playoff spot.
- Texans clinch AFC South with a win over the Chargers.
- Twelve of fourteen playoff berths are now determined.
The playoff race remains tight, but the recent victories have set a clear path for several teams heading into the postseason.
