As Week 15 of the NFL season comes to a wrap, the playoff picture begins to become clearer and clearer. We already have some teams clinching and some eliminated. Who are they? Read on to find out!
1. Ravens (0)
Baltimore took advantage of a seemingly clueless Jaguars team to hold onto the #1 Seed and become the first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot. Anyone who watched the game now knows that the Ravens are definitely the team to beat in the AFC. Lamar Jackson’s 171 yards, 1 TD, and a pick aren’t huge numbers, but he played like a man possessed. Watching him evade sacks reminded me of the things I wished I could do on the playground. Seriously, if this man isn’t an MVP candidate by now, something is wrong. That being said, breakout rookie Keaton Mitchell tore his ACL and is out for the season. A bump in the road in the League’s premier Rushing Offense, but Gus Edwards should be able to handle the load. Be sure to excuse yourself from family time on Christmas Night; we have possibly the best matchup of the season and a possible Super Bowl preview.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 96%
First Round Bye: 74%
2. Niners (0)
As expected, San Francisco beat up on the poor Cardinals, 45-29. What wasn’t expected was the clinic Christian McCaffrey put on, finishing the game as the Rushing and Receiving leader. Combining for 187 of the Niners 406 yards of Offense is outstanding. Also unexpected, the Niners were actually outgained by the Cardinals. Crazy to think of anyone gaining that many yards on that Defense. Among clinching the NFC West, the Niners are also the top seed in the NFC and suddenly the matchup against Baltimore is for the best record in the NFL. Christmas is just around the corner and the NFL came prepared. Merry Christmas to us!
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: 94%
3. Browns (+1)
At this point, Joe Flacco IS God in Northeast Ohio. As a Ravens fan, I’m not mad, I’ve told folks that Flacco is Elite for years and no one believed me, yet here we are. In a close 20-17 win, which included the Browns scoring 13 unanswered points, over the Bears, Flacco looked meh. 374 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs is terrifying, but was still enough to beat Chicago. So, is Cleveland that good or is Chicago that bad? I’m giving it to Cleveland. Never in my life would I picture seeing Browns fans idolizing Flacco and Steelers fans wishing they had Flacco. The NFL is weird this year.
Make Playoffs: 88%
Win Division: 4%
First Round Bye: 1%
4. Dolphins (+2)
Even without Tyreek Hill, Miami still finds a way to keep the Offense chugging along. In their 30-0 shutout of the Jets, the Dolphins took advantage of 4 turnovers and made New York’s life hell. While the Offense doesn’t look as explosive, Defense earned their money Sunday. Currently holding firm over the 2nd seed, Miami is in cruise control towards the playoffs. Now, if those pesky Ravens could stop winning.
Make Playoffs: 99%
Win Division: 61%
First Round Bye: 13%
5. Lions (+2)
Jesus, I haven’t seen Detroit kill a horse this bad since Ford made the Mustang electric. Jokes aside, Denver must’ve had sore rears after the whipping the Lions gave them. Jared Goff made the Broncos recovered Defense look like a FCS team, throwing for 278 yards and 5 TDs on what was once a stout Defense. While they’ve sagged a little this month, this was the reawakening Detroit needed right before the playoffs. Color me impressed, but don’t color me with Sharpie. Why yes, I am wasting my comedic talents doing this for free.
Make Playoffs: >99%
Win Division: 96%
First Round Bye: 1%
6. Eagles (-1)
What a fall for Philly. Losing 3 in a row and fighting with the hated Cowboys for the Division has to hurt. What hurts worse is seeing Drew Lock get the best of your Defense and shock all of Eastern Pennsylvania. Even as of writing this, I’m not sure all of Philly’s jaws have returned from the floor. Right now, these next three games decide whether they host a team in Philly in the Wildcard, or travel to Tampa (or New Orleans. Who knows with that Division). While thankfully the Cowboys also lost, every game is must win if the birds want that coveted NFC East crown.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 63%
First Round Bye: 4%
7. Chiefs (+2)
Forgive me for saying so, Chiefs Kingdom, but the Kansas City Chiefs this year are mid. Not only being down to the New England Patriots at one point, but actually having trouble with them? Also, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive ESPN for this little “gem”
I do believe they featured this because there weren’t many positives to discuss with the Chiefs in their 27-17 win. Patrick Mahomes was awful, at least compared to what we usually expect from him. 305 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs from him is certainly worrying, especially considering he was facing the Patriots Defense. Chiefs fans have to be worried at this point.
Make Playoffs: >99%
Win Division: 99%
First Round Bye: 12%
8. Bills (+3)
Don’t look now AFC, but Buffalo has won the last 3 of 4 and are still alive in the playoff race. Surprisingly enough, the Bills Running game lead the way in the 31-10 win over the Cowboys. In possibly his lowest output of his career, Josh Allen finished with only 94 yards and a TD (No interceptions!). The real story was James Cook, carrying the team on his back with an impressive 179 yards on the ground and 2 total TDs. I think Buffalo just gave the NFL the formula to beat the Cowboys: Just run the ball. While Buffalo still has an uphill battle for a playoff spot, it’s becoming more and more possible.
Make Playoffs: 68%
Win Division: 31%
First Round Bye: <1%
9. Cowboys (-6)
Dallas traveled to Buffalo and was manhandled, plain and simple. MVP candidate Dak Prescott could only muster 134 yards and a pick against the middle of the pack Bills Defense. Throughout the day, Dallas could only gain 195 yards of Offense, which is definitely worrying. Remember earlier this season when I said the Cowboys were two different teams on any given week? Well, this was the “loses to the Cardinals” Cowboys. Shame, they could’ve tightened their grip on the NFC East. That being said, Cowboys clinched a playoff spot!
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 37%
First Round Bye: 1%
10. Texans (0)
Houston played ugly without star QB CJ Stroud, who was out after a concussion against the Jets, but still pulled out a win. While the 19-16 win over the Titans wasn’t pretty, it keeps them in competition for a Wild Card spot. Now in control of their own destiny, can the Texans keep it up? It’s going to be close, but I think Houston can possibly sneak in, just all depends on what the Ohio teams do. Is it irony that CJ Stroud’s worst enemy right now is Ohio, or more situational?
Make Playoffs: 57%
Win Division: 22%
First Round Bye: <1%
11. Broncos (-3)
Bronco Country, let’s ride…back home to Denver in silence. Once the hottest team in the NFL with a re-emerging Defense, they looked AWFUL in Motown, leaving the Motor City with a 42-17 reminder that no one is perfect. While Denver didn’t take too bad of a hit in the playoff picture, they’re is suddenly a lot of 8-6 teams above them. The Broncos still have their heads above water, but can Horsey swim?
Make Playoffs: 23%
Win Division: 1%
First Round Bye: <1%
12. Bengals (+1)
Are we seeing a Drew Bledsoe-Tom Brady situation occurring in Cincinnati. While Joe Burrow has looked rough this season, Jake Browning has exceeded Bengals fans expectations and then some. Going into the 4th quarter down 17-3, Cincinnati managed to outscore Minnesota 21-7 to force OT. Mighty impressive. More impressive? Tyler Boyd’s big haul for 44 yards to set up Evan McPherson on the 13 yard line for a gimme for the win. While Browning (324 yards, 2 TDs, and a pick) isn’t a superstar, he’s got Cincinnati in prime position for a playoff push. If he gets the 7th seed for Cincy, folks in Hamilton County better start expecting him in some Skyline ads.
Make Playoffs: 37%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
13. Colts (+1)
Question: Are the Colts A legitimate contender? While they’ve beaten good teams (Baltimore, Houston, and Pittsburgh 30-13 Saturday), is anyone actually scared to face them? With an 8-6 record, they’re undoubtedly a good team, but on paper? Well, they were a popular pick to go winless this past off-season. While they aren’t incredibly talented, Shane Steichen’s team has fought hard for him and has him as a dark horse for Coach of the Year. While I love the story, I don’t see it continuing after the Wild Card. Then again, I thought the Ravens would wipe the floor with them. Keep proving me wrong!
Make Playoffs: 51%
Win Division: 21%
First Round Bye: <1%
14. Seahawks (+3)
Now, THAT’S how you save your playoff lives. Going into the week with a 6-7 record and lovers of the past 4, Seattle woke up and pulled off the upset, beating Philadelphia 20-17 in a comeback victory.
I’ll say this, that TD snag by Jaxson Smith-Njigba was a thing of beauty and has given Seahawks fans hope. Seattle currently has the 8th seed and is just outside of the playoff picture, but can Drew Lock lead them to the promised land?
Make Playoffs: 52%
Win Division: 0%
First Round Bye: <1%
15. Jaguars (-3)
Jacksonville is in trouble. After running into the brick wall that is the AFC North, the Jags have lost 3 straight and are in a three way tie for the AFC South. In their 23-7 loss to the Ravens, Jacksonville just looked lost. Fumbles, underthrown passes, bad penalties, and bad route running aplenty. While I will say that grab by Calvin Ridley was definitely a TD, it wouldn’t have done much for Duval. Trevor Lawrence appeared to have trouble handling the ball, constantly underthrowing targets and immediately shaking his hand. Personally, I think he’s still injured. Now that the Colts and Texans have caught up, every game is must win.
Make Playoffs: 73%
Win Division: 57%
First Round Bye: <1%
16. Buccaneers (+2)
Well, the NFC South is still a mess, but is starting to clear up as of recently. Tampa has been questionable throughout the season, but Sunday’s 34-20 win over the Packers shows that, finally, someone wants to win this division. Considering whoever wins this Division has a date with the Eagles or Cowboys, it’s a double edged sword: Make the playoffs, but get whipped at home. Decisions. Anyways, the Buccaneers look primed to take the Division, at least for now.
Make Playoffs: 78%
Win Division: 68%
First Round Bye: <1%
17. Rams (+4)
Los Angeles is a good example of Night and Day. While the Offense went off to begin the game and lead 20-0 over the Commanders in the 3rd Quarter, the Defense couldn’t stop anything after that and nearly blew the game. Being outscored 21-7 in a Quarter and a half isn’t a good look for anyone, let alone a playoff hopeful. At least for right now, the Rams are 7-7 and currently have a Wildcard spot. Then again, the Rams have nearly no room for error.
Make Playoffs: 48%
Win Division: 0%
First Round Bye: <1%
18. Vikings (-3)
Minnesota has been a mess as of recently. After benching the “Passtronaut”, Nick Mullens has been handed the reigns. While he wasn’t amazing (303 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 Ints), he may be the Vikings best choice at QB right now. Meanwhile, the team itself blew a 17-3 lead into the 4th quarter and on the playoff board. Petition to just let the division leaders (Not you NFC South) and the Eagles play in the disappointing NFC playoffs. At this point, someone has to want a wild card spot, right?
Make Playoffs: 52%
Win Division: 4%
First Round Bye: >1%
19. Steelers (-3)
What was that, Pittsburgh? After opening the game against Indianapolis 13-0, they were outscored 30-0 to end the game. I thought this team was supposed to be playoff worthy? After the loss, The Steelers dropped from the 6th seed to the 10th seed like a bad habit. Speaking of bad, will Pittsburgh be in the market for a QB this off-season? Kenny Pickett is underwhelming, Mitch “Kissing Titties” Trubisky has sucked, and I think Mason Rudolph’s head is still spinning from Myles Garrett. Hate to say it as a Football fan (love to say it as a Ravens fan), but I think Mike Tomlin has his first losing season as a head coach. I don’t see the Steelers winning another game, unless Baltimore rests it’s starters.
Make Playoffs: 3%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
20. Saints (+3)
Huge win for Nawlins to stay in the NFC South race, defeating the Giants 24-6 in the Dome. Just like the Buccaneers (and the rest of the South for that matter), the inconsistency is maddening. Possibly the hardest team to read is the Saints. While they have a playoff roster, they underperform nearly every week. Earlier this season, I couldn’t decide who to give the edge to in the South and I’m glad they’ve shown the world that I’m not just indecisive. Expect this Division to be decided at the last second.
(Author’s note: Is anyone else that reads these Power Rankings into $uicideboy$? I swear everytime I write for the Saints, I get “And to those I love, thanks for sticking around” stuck in my head. Not mad.)
Make Playoffs: 39%
Win Division: 27%
First Round Bye: <1%
21. Raiders (+4)
Why has the NFL been so infuriating, yet confusing this season? We’ve had two teams so far score 60+ points in a game. First was the Miami Dolphins; surprising, yet understandable. Second? The Las Vegas Raiders. That feels like a mistake, yet it isn’t. One week after losing one or the worst games of the 21st century 3-0, they beat the Chargers 63-21. What, how, and why? More impressively, this was a difference of 4 days. Major props to Aiden O’Connell for having his first big boy game in the league; 248 yards and 4 TDs. Should we be worried about the Raiders? No, but I give credit where credit is due.
Make Playoffs: 1%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
22. Titans (-3)
That was absolutely horrendous by the Titans. Facing Case Keenum rather than superstar CJ Stroud, Tennessee lucked out. Even luckier, opening a 13-0 lead after an Elijah Molden 44 yard Pick Six. Yet, the Titans couldn’t close out the Texans, allowing them to get back into the game and taking it into Overtime. After losing in OT on a game ending FG, Titans have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. With the Titans failures, the Predators being awful, and the state of Country Music (Fast Car and upbeat pop isn’t Country Music, you can’t change my mind), Nashville is suddenly singing the Blues. At least the Grizzlies are…oh…oh no.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
23. Falcons (-3)
Why is Atlanta tortured this much? After entering this week leading the NFC South, the Falcons were only able to produce 7 points against the worst team in the NFL. It would’ve been easier to swallow if they won. Allowing a bad team to beat you with just Field Goals while being a Division leader is appalling. Now, they’re looking up at the Buccaneers and Saints with just 3 weeks to go. Man, Falcons blew the Division, Hawks are blowing possibly their best roster since in years, and the Braves choked in the playoffs. Someone pray for Atlanta.
Make Playoffs: 7%
Win Division: 5%
First Round Bye: <1%
24. Jets (-2)
I know I’ve mentioned how teams have dominated teams this season, but if you were to look up “Domination” in the dictionary, you’d see “Also see: Week 15 Dolphins over Jets”. Seriously, it wasn’t even close. A 30-0 shutout is bad, but it gets worse looking at the stats. Zach Wilson, who left the game with a concussion, and Trevor Siemian combined for a total stat line of 18-37, 136 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 ints (all picks belong to Siemian). Leading Rusher, Breece Hall, finished with 6 attempts for 12 yards. Awful, just awful. At this point, I don’t think Rodgers’ return could fix this team. Too little, too late. Jets officially miss the playoffs. Poo.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
25. Packers (-1)
Green Bay seems to be stuck in mediocrity. After winning three big games in a row over the Chargers, Lions, and Chiefs, they’ve suddenly lost two in a row to teams they should beat on paper. For some reason, Jordan Love and crew can’t lose the games they should, and can’t win the ones they should either. Packers fans have to be getting dizzy at this point. While currently holding the 11th seed, Green Bay isn’t out of the race yet, but they’re slowly falling in the pack. Go Pack Go?
Make Playoffs: 22%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
26. Bears (+1)
Man, Chicago was thisclose to pulling off the upset over the Browns in Cleveland. Even after blowing a 17-7 lead in the 3rd quarter, they still had a chance on a Hail Mary after Dustin Hopkins 34 yard FG to take the late lead. On the 45 yard savior to the endzone, the ball landed squarely in Darnell Mooney’s hands, only to bounce back up into Cleveland’s D’Anthony Bell’s hands. Man, if that’s not the perfect representation of the Bears’ season. Good attempt, but all for naught. Somehow, Chicago is still alive in the playoff race, though?
Make Playoffs: 2%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
27. Commanders (+1)
So much promise and potential flushed down the drain. Just a reminder, Washington started the season 3-3. They’re currently 4-10. They lost 7 of 8 after that point. Sam Howell looked promising, but was pulled in Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Rams after an ugly interception. After that? Two straight TD drives by Jacoby Brissett. At this point, Howell could be fighting for his job. Oh well, Washington is officially eliminated from postseason contention.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
28. Giants (+1)
The new King of New York was taken down a peg by New Orleans. 177 yards with no TDs isn’t great by any means, but leading in rushing yards (36 yards) on a team that contains Saquon Barkley is. At this point, Giants fans just need anything to believe in, even if it’s a kid from Jersey. That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team get compared to “The Sopranos” like this. Even Tommy Devito’s agent looks like he’s broken a couple kneecaps or beheaded a couple horses in his time. The Mora’s better be careful if they choose to release Tommy, they may wake up with Phil Simms’ head in their blankets. Helmet included.
Make Playoffs: <1%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
29. Chargers (-3)
The past week is enough to officially put Chargers fans one foot in the grave. In 7 days, the Chargers have; lost Justin Herbert for the season, lost 63-21 to Division rival Las Vegas, and fired Head Coach Brandon Staley. That’s enough for some fans to consider a whole season a mess, yet the Chargers accomplished it in days. Only thing that could make this worse is if Keenan Allen disappeared for a week and reappeared on the Broncos sideline. For Chargers fans sake (all 12 of y’all. Kidding), I better knock on wood. While Brandon Staley needed to go, I hate to see him go. As a fellow Lymphoma survivor, I have a soft spot for him. Sucks to overcome so much adversity to do such a terrible job. Oh well. Chargers gonna Charger.
Make Playoffs: <1%
Win Division: <1%
First Round Bye: <1%
30. Cardinals (0)
Yeah, San Francisco beat up little brother again, but Arizona somehow made it competitive. Outgaining the Niners on Offense 436-406 is impressive. Now it appears Arizona has something positive to build on here, even if it isn’t world beating. At this point, the Cardinals will take something. Hopefully with a good draft and Kyler Murray returning next season, we’ll see a new competitive Cardinals team.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
31. Panthers (+1)
I wanted to make a joke comparing the 9-7 score to a baseball game, just to realize Charlotte doesn’t have a Major League Baseball team. Then, I decided to go Hockey. Atlanta doesn’t have a National Hockey League team. Oh well. Even with the season being a wash, Carolina continues to fight. A 9-7 win isn’t huge, but over the Division leading Falcons IS. Although it appears both Carolinas have given up on the Panthers. With seats selling as low as 45 cents (Seriously, 45 freaking cents), the Panthers have hit rock bottom. Be mad, Panthers fans, you guys should be.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
32. Patriots (-1)
What’s there to say about the Patriots season? While they put together a decent effort against the mighty Chiefs, it’s far too late. The seasons over, they have multiple questions at QB, and the Belichick era is apparently over (I still refuse to believe it until he’s given his walking papers). There just isn’t much to cheer for in Foxborough, possibly the first time since the early 90’s. Just picture that: The only fans that can remember when the Patriots last struggled, are in their 30’s, at minimum. A lot of folks, myself included, prayed on the downfall of the Evil Empire and its here. Sorry Patriots fans, I wanted the downfall, but yall don’t deserve this.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
If you would like to discuss the possibility of joining our team here at Pro Football Debate, please reach out to Jake’s e-mail at J.jollymore8@gmail.com
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