NFL Playoff Standings: How the Bills’ Win Over the Lions in Week 15 Impacts the AFC and NFC Playoff Races

In a thrilling Week 15 showdown, two of the NFL’s top teams clashed as the Buffalo Bills visited the Detroit Lions. Buffalo showcased why they remain one of the league’s elite squads, securing a dramatic 48-42 victory despite a late rally from the home team.

The Bills, coming off a two-score loss to the Rams last week, bounced back in style with a statement win over the NFC’s top seed. This win not only cemented their spot in the playoffs but also solidified their standing as a top-four seed in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Lions showed resilience, even in defeat, putting up 42 points against Buffalo’s formidable defence.

Here’s how the Bills’ victory and the Lions’ loss shape the playoff picture for the AFC and NFC.

Lions Maintain NFC Top Spot Despite Loss

Despite the loss, the Detroit Lions remain atop the NFC standings. They are tied with the Eagles in overall record but hold the tiebreaker advantage thanks to a better divisional record. While both teams remain unbeaten in divisional games, Detroit has played four division matchups compared to Philadelphia’s three.

Elsewhere in the NFC:

• The Seattle Seahawks fell out of the NFC West lead after their Sunday night loss.
• The Minnesota Vikings are still in contention and play the Bears on Monday night.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently lead the NFC South.

Bills Playoff Picture

The Buffalo Bills have three games remaining in the regular season. They have clinched a playoff spot and are guaranteed a top-four seed in the AFC, which means hosting at least one playoff game.

However, Buffalo still has a shot at securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, provided they get some help from the Kansas City Chiefs faltering down the stretch. With the No. 1 seed, Buffalo would earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. Currently, they are projected as the No. 2 or No. 3 seed, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.

Key games ahead will determine if Buffalo can close the gap with the Chiefs or maintain their positioning against other AFC contenders.

Lions Playoff Picture

The Detroit Lions are in a similar position to Buffalo. While they have clinched a playoff berth, they have yet to secure the NFC North title.

The Minnesota Vikings trail by just one game and will face the Bears on Monday night. If Minnesota wins, Detroit would still hold the tiebreaker advantage. The Lions and Vikings are set to square off in Week 18, a game that could ultimately decide the NFC North champion.

Expect both teams to fight hard down the stretch, especially with the No. 1 seed in the NFC still within reach for Detroit.

Remaining Schedule for the Bills

Buffalo’s final three games are critical to determining their playoff seeding. The team faces several competitive matchups that could influence their standing in the AFC:

• Week 16: vs. Patriots
• Week 17: at Dolphins
• Week 18: vs. Jets

A strong finish could propel the Bills into the top spot, but any slip-ups might cost them their chance at a bye week.

Outlook for Both Teams

The Bills and Lions are both well-positioned for postseason runs, but the stakes remain high as the regular season winds down. For Buffalo, a push for the AFC’s No. 1 seed remains a priority, while Detroit must fend off the Vikings to secure the NFC North title.

With pivotal games remaining and the playoffs fast approaching, fans can expect these two teams to deliver plenty of excitement in the coming weeks. Both the AFC and NFC playoff races are heating up, and the Bills and Lions will play a central role in shaping the postseason picture.