As we dive deeper into the NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. With only eight weeks remaining in the regular season, fans are buzzing with excitement about who will make it to Super Bowl 59. Based on the current standings in both the AFC and NFC, let’s break down the teams that would be in, those that are on the cusp, and the ones that might need a miracle to make it.
NFC playoff picture
1. Detroit Lions 8-1 (first place, NFC North): The Lions are sitting pretty with home-field advantage and a crucial bye week. Their recent comeback victory against the Texans solidified their position as the team to beat in the NFC.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 7-2 (first place, NFC East): The Eagles are just a half-game ahead of the Commanders, and their upcoming matchup will be pivotal in determining the division champion. Can they hold off the competition?
3. Atlanta Falcons 6-4 (first place, NFC South): With a stellar 4-1 record in division play, the Falcons are looking strong. Their quarterback upgrade with Kirk Cousins has been a game-changer, helping them maintain a two-game lead over the Buccaneers.
4. Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (first place, NFC West): The Cardinals are keeping their heads above water in a competitive division, staying a half-game ahead of the 49ers. Their recent win against the Jets was crucial for maintaining momentum.
5. Minnesota Vikings 7-2 (second place, NFC North): Although they’ve fallen behind the Lions, the Vikings are solidifying their wild-card position with a tough road win over the Jaguars. They remain a formidable threat in the playoffs.
6. Washington Commanders 7-3 (second place, NFC East): The Commanders are confident contenders in the NFC, despite a recent loss to the Steelers. Their upcoming game against the Eagles will be a test of their playoff readiness.
7. Green Bay Packers 6-3 (third place, NFC North): After a much-needed bye week, the Packers are gearing up for a crucial division game against the Bears. Can they bounce back and make a strong playoff push?
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. San Francisco 49ers 5-4 (second place, NFC West)
- 9. Los Angeles Rams 4-4 (third place, NFC West)
- 10. Chicago Bears 4-5 (fourth place, NFC North)
- 11. Seattle Seahawks 4-5 (fourth place, NFC West)
- 12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-6 (second place, NFC South)
The Bears are struggling to stay relevant in a tough division, but the NFC West could see two teams make a run for the playoffs. The Buccaneers and Seahawks are also fighting for their playoff lives, but they have little room for error moving forward.
Who’s left?
- 13. Dallas Cowboys (3-6, third place, NFC East)
- 14. New Orleans Saints 3-7 (third place, NFC South)
- 15. Carolina Panthers 3-7 (fourth place, NFC South)
- 16. New York Giants 2-8 (fourth place, NFC East)
The Cowboys are in dire straits without Dak Prescott, while the Panthers managed to escape the cellar after a win in Germany. However, their recent struggles have left them last in the South, trailing the Saints.
AFC playoff picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs 9-0 (first place, AFC West): The Chiefs are on track for home-field advantage and a bye week in the playoffs. Their biggest challenge? The Bills, who loom large on their schedule.
2. Buffalo Bills 8-2 (first place, AFC East): The Bills are poised to claim their fifth consecutive AFC East title. With pressure mounting from behind, they aim to keep pace with the Chiefs.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-2 (first place, AFC North): The Steelers are holding onto a narrow lead over the Ravens. Their thrilling win against the Commanders keeps them at the top, but the competition is fierce.
4. Houston Texans 6-4 (first place, AFC South): The Texans are in a strong position, holding a two-game lead over the Colts. However, a recent loss to the Lions has put them behind the top three teams.
5. Baltimore Ravens 7-3 (second place, AFC North): The Ravens are eager to take over first place, but they need to capitalize on their upcoming matchup against the Steelers to make that happen.
6. Los Angeles Chargers 6-3 (second place, AFC West): The Chargers are making strides in their first season under Jim Harbaugh. Their consistent performance against weaker teams has bolstered their playoff chances.
7. Denver Broncos 5-5 (third place, AFC West): The Broncos are clinging to the final playoff spot after a tough loss to the Chiefs. They need to turn things around quickly to secure their postseason hopes.
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. Indianapolis Colts 4-6 (second place, AFC South)
- 9. Cincinnati Bengals 4-6 (third place, AFC North)
Among these two, the Bengals have a slight edge with Joe Burrow, who is capable of leading a late-season surge after a rocky start. Can he rally his team into playoff contention?
Who’s left?
- 10. New York Jets 3-7 (second place, AFC East)
- 11. New England Patriots 3-7 (third place, AFC East)
- 12. Miami Dolphins 2-6 (fourth place, AFC East)
- 13. Cleveland Browns 2-7 (fourth place, AFC North)
- 14. Tennessee Titans 2-7 (third place, AFC South)
- 15. Las Vegas Raiders 2-7 (fourth place, AFC West)
- 16. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-8 (fourth place, AFC South)
As we look ahead, the playoff race is heating up. With so much still to play for, which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spots in the postseason? The excitement is palpable, and every game counts as we inch closer to Super Bowl 59!
