The playoff race is heating up, and things are becoming clearer in the AFC. Right now, seven teams are in the playoff hunt, all boasting at least a 60% chance of making it to the postseason. Meanwhile, teams on the outside are seeing their odds diminish. The Steelers are in a tricky situation—their forecasts based on their remaining games don’t look good, and the Ravens seem ready to overtake them.
On the flip side, the NFC is facing a tougher challenge. Out of the 16 teams in the conference, nine have winning records, and the Lions, sitting at 6-4, are just below the playoff line. A fierce competition for the wild card spots is expected, so it’s time for fans to weigh in on who might come out on top.
Though no team has been officially eliminated yet, do we really want to delve into the playoff scenarios for the Giants or the Cardinals? I mean, it’s a thought, but it feels a bit far-fetched.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Current playoff odds: >99%
Remaining games: Cowboys, Bears, Chargers, Raiders, Commanders, Bills, Commanders.
It would take an epic collapse for the Eagles to miss the playoffs. They have a significant edge in their remaining games; realistically, they could only drop one against the Bills. Regardless, they appear to be the top team in the conference.
Predicted finish: 14-3, NFC East champion, NFC No. 1 seed
Current playoff odds: 99%
Remaining games: Buccaneers, Panthers, Cardinals, Lions, Seahawks, Falcons, Cardinals
Thanks to Matthew Stafford’s performance and remarkable coaching, the Rams are in a strong position. Their recent win over the Seahawks helped them climb back to the top of the NFC West. That said, they may need a major meltdown to avoid the playoffs. If I were to venture a guess, I think they might lose to the determined Lions and split with the adjusting Seahawks.
Predicted finish: 13-4, NFC West champion, NFC 3rd seed.
Current playoff odds: 90%
Remaining games: Titans, Vikings, Falcons, Colts, Rams, Panthers, 49ers.
Seattle’s strong odds can largely be attributed to their favorable schedule. The only tough games on the horizon appear to be against the Colts and Rams, suggesting a solid chance to secure a playoff berth. At 7-3, they might be able to afford a loss or two while still pushing ahead.
Predicted finish: 12-5, NFC 5th seed, first wild card spot
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Current playoff odds: 85%
Remaining games: Rams, Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins, Panthers
Tampa Bay seems to be in a strong position with their upcoming schedule, though the NFC South is still competitive with the Panthers nipping at their heels. Realistically, they may only lose to the Rams and could split against the Panthers, which would still send the Rams to the playoffs.
Predicted finish: 11-6, win in the NFC South, No. 4 seed in the NFC.
San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
Current playoff odds: 85%
Remaining games: Panthers, Browns, Titans, Colts, Bears, Seahawks.
Remarkably, the 49ers have navigated through this season with numerous injuries. It has taken impressive coaching to keep the team competitive. Their easier schedule has helped, allowing them to stay in contention. It’s likely they’ll finish with just one loss to the Colts and face the Seahawks to wrap things up.
Expected finish: 11-6, No. 6 seed in the NFC, securing a wild card spot.
Current playoff odds: 75%
Remaining games: Giants, Packers, Cowboys, Rams, Steelers, Vikings, Bears.
Though currently third in the NFC North, the Lions might actually be in the best position to claim the NFC North title. Their upcoming schedule looks much kinder compared to their previous games. It seems plausible that they can finish strong as they close out the regular season.
Predicted finish: 13-4, win the NFC North, No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
Current playoff odds: 70%
Remaining games: Vikings, Lions, Bears, Broncos, Bears, Ravens, Vikings
The Packers are looking to rebound after a tie with the Cowboys and a loss to the Panthers. Luckily for them, their schedule seems more favorable now, although they’ve been a bit unreliable lately. The upcoming matchups against the Vikings could really make or break their chances of qualifying, but it’s expected they’ll likely drop a few games to the Lions, Broncos, and Ravens.
Projected finish: 9-7-1, 8th in NFC, likely to miss the playoffs.
Current playoff odds: 59%
Remaining games: Steelers, Eagles, Packers, Browns, Packers, 49ers, Lions.
The Bears delivered a solid performance, but it’s worth noting they had one of the easier schedules. Most of their opponents are above .500, which could become challenging later on. Chicago has managed to rack up wins against the Steelers and Packers, which could help them stay in the race.
Predicted finish: 10-7, No. 7 seed in the NFC, and securing the last wild card spot.
Current playoff odds: 21%
Remaining games: 49ers, Rams, Saints, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Buccaneers
The Panthers have played decent football, but their chances to qualify for the playoffs have diminished due to too many avoidable mistakes. Surprisingly strong, early-season wins against the Packers and Cowboys were offset by losses to teams like Arizona and the Saints in Week 10. It seems likely they could split with Tampa Bay and maybe end up tied with New Orleans, but that seems to be their ceiling.
Expected finish: 8 wins, 9 losses, 9th place in the NFC, missing the playoffs.
