Through 16 weeks of the NFL season, 24 teams are still in contention, fighting for 14 playoff spots and a chance of Super Bowl glory.
That’s a whopping 75% of the league, although a handful of those teams’ hopes of sneaking in are about as slim as Australia hosting an NFL game in the next 10 years. Extremely unlikely.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, foxsports.com.au delves deep into all teams left in contention, break down their run home and attempt to predict what the playoff picture and final seedings will look like at the end of Week 18.
Watch an average 6 NFL games each week LIVE on ESPN via Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
AFC
(Seed, Team, Record)
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS 12-3
Run home: Dolphins (H), Steelers (H)
Analysis: Clearly the team to beat in the AFC. If they weren’t prior to their beat-up of the 49ers, they definitely are now. Lamar Jackson has been terrific and limited turnovers despite plenty of key offensive pieces succumbing to injury. He’s the deserved MVP favourite. For the Ravens, it’s simple. Beat the Dolphins next week, and they are guaranteed the #1 seed and a first round bye. If they lose, and the Dolphins beat the Bills in Week 18, the Ravens likely finish with the second seed.
2. MIAMI DOLPHINS 11-4
Run home: Ravens (A), Bills (H)
Analysis: Recorded their biggest win of the season when handing the Dallas Cowboys their second-straight defeat. The offence was typically good, but the most pleasing aspect was the way their spotty defensive unit measured up. If they beat a vaunted Ravens side, they’ll clinch the AFC East and then if they defeat Buffalo in the final week, the #1 seed is theirs.
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 9-6
Run home: Bengals (H), Chargers (A)
Analysis: We’ve rarely seen a Chiefs side as rattled as they are now. They’re a team on the ropes, having lost four of their last six games, including a loss to the Raiders in Week 16 – a game they were heavy favourites. Because of Denver’s shock loss to New England, KC are still two wins clear in the AFC West however the Raiders defeat knocks them out of contention for the no. 1 seed.
4. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 8-7
Run home: Panthers (H), Titans (A)
Analysis: There is real cause for concern Jaguars fans.Your team have lost their last four, including a heavy defeat to the Bucs last week. A month ago, Jacksonville were all but certain postseason starters, now, they find themselves in a three-way arm wrestle for the AFC South with the Texans and Colts. Despite the poor form of late, the Jags have the inside running for the division due to a date with Carolina next week that they really should win.
5. CLEVELAND BROWNS 10-5
Run home: Jets (H), Bengals (A)
Analysis: They haven’t officially clinched a playoff spot yet, but it looks a sure thing as the Browns are considered a 99.9% chance of playing extra football this season (according to Sportsline). 38-year-old Joe Flacco has revitalised this team’s offence (on just $750,000 mind you) while the defence have been very good all season. As they won’t win the division (see: Ravens), they will end up with the fifth seed if the Bills don’t win the AFC East. Now, if you thought this would be the case when Deshaun Watson was ruled out? It’s probably fair to say that Flacco already has a better command of this offense than Watson ever did and for that reason, the Browns have to be considered a real threat.
6. BUFFALO BILLS 9-6
Run home: Patriots (H), Dolphins (A)
Analysis: Sitting at 6-6 three weeks ago with games against the Chiefs and Cowboys ahead of them, many had ruled the Bills out of making a postseason push. They’ve since won three straight and can remarkably, still win the division if the very realistic possibility of Buffalo defeating the Patriots and the Dolphins lose to the red-hot Ravens in Week 17 comes to fruition. That would set up a final round clash with the Dolphins for the AFC East and the likely second seed in the conference.
7. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 8-7
Run home: Raiders (H), Texans (H)
Analysis: The Colts were shock losers to the Falcons last week but thanks to losses from the Jags and Texans, Indy are in a three-way tie for the AFC South. If they win out, and the Jags lose one game, the Colts will win the division. For the wildcard race in case they don’t win the division, the Colts hold the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Steelers and Texans. Simply put though, they win both, they’ll be in.
8. HOUSTON TEXANS 8-7
Run home: Titans (H), Colts (A)
Analysis: Despite the loss to the Browns in Week 16, the Texans stay alive in the race for the AFC South after Jacksonville and Indy also went down. A clash against the Colts in Week 18 could be for the division if the Jaguars lose one of their final two games. The Texans have the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Steelers.
9. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 8-7
Run home: Seahawks (A), Ravens (A)
Analysis: Kept their postseason hopes alive with a win over the Bengals, thanks to starring performance from third-string QB Mason Rudolph. Up against it to progress though, with games against the Seahawks and Ravens on the agenda, although Baltimore could rest their starters in the final round if they clinch the #1 seed in Week 17.
10. CINCINNATI BENGALS 8-7
Run home: Chiefs (A), Browns (H).
Analysis: Their playoff chances took a big hit after a loss to the Steelers. That team now have the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Bengals which in turn means Cincy are behind fellow 8-7 teams Houston and Indy in the AFC pecking order.
11. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 7-8
Run home: Colts (A), Broncos (H)
Analysis: Hold the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Broncos, but is up against it to sneak into the playoffs. They will give themselves every chance with wins in their final two games. One of those wins will give the Raiders a tie-breaker over the Colts.
12. DENVER BRONCOS 7-8
Run home: Chargers (H), Raiders (A)
Analysis: Saw their playoff odds slash from 42% to 5% after an upset loss to the Patriots. Is now even slimmer than that after the Raiders win over Kansas City. Needs a miracle, even if they win their last two games and will have to try and do it with a new QB after Russell Wilson was benched for Jarrett Sitdham.
Eliminated: NY Jets, LA Chargers, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots
NFC
(Seed, Team, Record)
1. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 11-4
Run home: Commanders (A), Rams (H)
Analysis: Don’t think many expected the result against the Ravens, more specifically the four Brock Purdy interceptions. While it’s not ideal, even with the loss, the 49ers will still end up with the NFC’s #1 seed if they win their final two games.
2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 11-4
Run home: Cardinals (H), Giants (A)
Analysis: Halted a three-game slide with a much needed win over the Giants. They haven’t been convincing of late by any means, but with two very winnable games remaining, Philly are the overwhelming favourites to win the division. With the 49ers facing the plucky Rams in Week 18, the Eagles are a somewhat decent chance to finish with the NFC’s #1 seed.
3. DETROIT LIONS 11-4
Run home: Cowboys (A), Vikings (H)
Analysis: Clinched their first division title in 30 years, which would have been very emotional for some of their long-suffering fans. They are in a three-way tie for the #1 seed, but will likely need to win both and hope Philly and San Fran drop at least one game each.
4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 8-7
Run home: Saints (H), Panthers (A)
Analysis: In the box seat to win the NFC South and a victory against the Saints in Week 17 will be enough to clinch the division. The Saints could win the division if they win their final two and Tampa defeats Carolina in the final round as New Orleans will hold the tie-breaker. However, if that happens, the Bucs may be able to sneak in as a wildcard if the Rams and Seahawks end their season poorly.
5. DALLAS COWBOYS 10-5
Run home: Lions (H), Commanders (A)
Analysis: Even with a loss to Miami, the Cowboys clinched a playoff spot in Week 16. A chance remains to win the NFC East if the Eagles lose one of their last two and Dallas wins out. If Philly finishes the season on top of the division, the Cowboys will end up with the fifth seed and a date with the NFC South winner.
Dolphins down Cowboys & book post season | 01:27
6. LA RAMS 8-7
Run home: Giants (A), 49ers (A)
Analysis: Underrated outfit looming large as a threat. Sixth seed at the moment and a win next week against the 5-10 New York Giants would all but guarantee a wildcard spot. Considered a 64 % chance of progressing. One to watch for: Rams QB Matt Stafford could very well travel to Detroit – the team he played 11 seasons with – in Week 1 of the playoffs.
7. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 8-7
Run home: Steelers (H), Cardinals (A)
Analysis: Will be assured of a wildcard spot if they win their last two games, both of which they will be favoured in. With that said, division rivals the Cardinals, will be licking their lips to play spoiler in Week 18 if Seattle lose to Pittsburgh beforehand.
8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS 7-8
Run home: Packers (H), Lions (A)
Analysis: They were sitting nicely two weeks ago but after consecutive losses, Minnesota are on the outside looking in. They’ll need to win their last two games and hope for the likes of the Seahawks and Rams to lose at least one over the final two weeks to be a chance of making the postseason. The Vikings currently own a head-to-head tie-breaker over the Falcons and Packers.
9. ATLANTA FALCONS 7-8
Run home: Bears (A), Saints (A)
Analysis: Recorded a crucial win against the Colts in Week 16, finally showing some life on the offensive side of the ball. They need to win their last two games and hope the Bucs lose at least one of theirs to take out the division. Even if the Bucs win the NFC South, Atlanta can sneak into a wildcard spot if either the Rams and Seahawks lose their last two.
10. GREEN BAY PACKERS 7-8
Run home: Vikings (A), Bears (H)
Analysis: Will need plenty of luck to be a hope as they can’t win their division, even if they manage to beat the Vikings and Bears. Lose the head-to-head tie-breaker to the Vikings and Falcons but own it over the Saints.
11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 7-8
Run home: Buccaneers (A), Falcons (H)
Analysis: Probably won’t progress with a wildcard, so will have to win the NFC South to play playoff football. With games against the Falcons and Buccaneers to come, two wins there may be enough depending on tiebreakers at the end of the regular season.
12. CHICAGO BEARS 6-9
Run home: Falcons (H), Packers (A)
Analysis: If Chicago don’t progress, they will be rueing the loss to Cleveland in Week 15, where they led by as much ten points at the start of the last quarter. Still, there are two winnable games left and if they get a heap of luck with other results, the Bears still have a slim chance.
Eliminated: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, New York Giants
Discussion about this post