Whew! After an exciting week of Football, we’ve seen a lot of close games and unexpected results, the Power Rankings have gone through quite a change! This week, we’ve added clinching scenarios for every possible team. Want to know what needs to happen for your favorite team to clinch? Read on.
1. Ravens (0)
Admittedly, I was salivating to write about this game. With most of the NFL, the pundits, and Vegas predicting a Niners win, Baltimore went out and shocked everyone, other than Ravens fans, in a huge 33-19 win over the #1 seeded Niners. Between the Defense getting 5 picks, Lamar Jackson having an MVP performance (252 yards and 2 TDs), and the receivers working their tails off, Baltimore is the best team in the NFL. Now becoming the Superbowl favorite, can the Ravens continue to shine in the spotlight? If there’s a season for the Ravens to add another Lombardi to the trophy case, it’s this season.
Clinching Scenarios:
Ravens clinch AFC North Division title with:
BAL win or
CLE loss or tie
Ravens clinch 1st Round Bye with:
BAL win
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 98%
First Round Bye: 77%
2. Dolphins (+2)
In an underrated matchup between two NFL powers, the Dolphins came out on top of the Cowboys, 22-20. While being the NFL’s leader in TDs, Miami could only muster one, letting Kicker Jason Sanders lead the team in points, including the game winner as time expired. The win helped Miami in the playoff chase, clinching a spot, but remain a game behind the Conference leading Ravens. Well, what do you know, the Ravens are up next. A win doesn’t get the Dolphins the #1 seed, but it definitely helps.
Clinching Scenarios:
Dolphins clinch AFC East Division title with:
MIA win or tie or
BUF loss or tie
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 76%
First Round Bye: 22%
3. Browns (0)
Right now, there is 3 teams in the running for the #1 seed; The Ravens, the Dolphins, and somehow, the Browns. While the chances are slim, they’re not completely out of it. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco has been exactly what the Browns needed. He was killing it Saturday (368 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) and tore up a playoff contender in the Texans, 36-22. Amari Cooper was completely in another world, finishing with 265 yards, a franchise record, and 2 TDs. This is probably the first time Cleveland has had serious hope in their team, so hopefully they can get a serious playoff run going. Hopefully they don’t meet Baltimore in the AFC Championship, I think the NFL would break. Only thing worse for NFL minds would be a Cleveland-Detroit Superbowl.
Clinching Scenarios:
Browns clinch playoff berth with:
CLE win or tie or
PIT loss or tie or
BUF loss or
JAX loss or tie or
HOU loss or tie + IND loss or tie
Make Playoffs: >99%
Win Division: 2%
First Round Bye: 1%
4. Niners (-3)
San Francisco was flat out dominated by Baltimore. While Christian McCaffrey put up great numbers (103 yards and 1 TD), he was practically the entire Offense. Brock Purdy looked awful in his 255 yard and 4 interception outing and was eventually benched for Sam Darnold. That stout Defense looked like paper against an underrated Ravens Offense and seemed to be unable to get stops until it was almost too late. While they’re still the #1 seed in the NFC and Super Bowl favorites, they find themselves in a three way dogfight with the Eagles and Lions for a First Round Bye. If Purdy moves on from this disaster of a game, San Francisco should be fine.
Clinching Scenarios:
Niners clinch 1st Round Bye with:
SF win + DET loss + PHI loss
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: 81%
5. Lions (0)
With a huge 30-24 win over the Vikings, the Lions have clinched their first ever NFC North title and 2nd Division title since 1993. Think about that for a second. I wasn’t even thought of in 1993. Back then, the Jaguars and Panthers hadn’t even taken the field yet. Baltimore didn’t have a team yet. The Raiders were still in Los Angeles. Hell, Joe Montana was still playing. This is definitely a reason for Detroit to celebrate! While in a three way tie with San Francisco and Philly for the #1 seed, Detroit may even have more opportunity to celebrate. Wanna know something even crazier? The last time Detroit and Cleveland won 10 games in the same season? 1953. Sometimes, it’s hard not to love Football.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: Clinched
First Round Bye: 5%
6. Eagles (0)
Philadelphia had to be sweating in that matchup. Being up 20-3 going into the half looked like a sure fire win, but the stingy Giants just kept hanging around, scoring two unanswered TDs to keep the game close. Being up by 8 with seconds to go and New York in the red zone isn’t a great feeling, but the clutch pick by Kelee Ringo called the game. That 33-25 win puts the Eagles back in control of the NFC East and the 2nd Seed. Now Philly being in a three way tie with San Francisco and Detroit suddenly makes things interesting.
Clinching Scenarios:
Eagles clinch NFC East Division title with:
PHI win + DAL loss/tie or
PHI tie + DAL loss
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 80%
First Round Bye: 13%
7. Bills (+1)
After the big win against the Charger, 24-22, Buffalo nearly doubled their playoff chances and saved their season, but the season’ not over yet. The consistency issues are still there, including needing a game winning FG to beat the bottom feeder Chargers, but they appear to be getting better. A lot of folks are saying the Bills will be a dangerous team heading into the playoffs, but I have too many questions to fully dedicate to them. If they can prove me wrong, I’ll eat my words.
Clinching Scenarios:
Bills clinch playoff berth with:
BUF win + PIT loss + CIN loss or
BUF win + PIT loss + JAX loss or
BUF win + PIT loss + HOU loss + IND loss or
BUF win + CIN loss + JAX loss or
BUF win+ CIN loss + HOU loss + IND loss or
BUF tie + PIT loss + CIN loss + JAX loss
Make Playoffs: 89%
Win Division: 24%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
8. Seahawks (+6)
Does anyone in Seattle know a good Heart Doctor? In back to back games, the Seahawks have won on last minute TDs, this week beating the Titans, 20-17. While Geno Smith, and Seattle’s playoff hopes, are back to form, will they both hold? Seattle is a very talented team (They have Jamal Adams. Remember, he’s “the best in the Na-tion.), they tend to trip over themselves. Failures to beat Division rival Los Angeles has them stuck at the final Wildcard spot, facing either Philly or Dallas. While they’re 1-1 against those teams and gave Dallas a fight, it isn’t a promising sight. Best chances are to hope Philly gets the #2 seed or hope Los Angeles slips and go to Detroit.
Clinching Scenarios:
Seahawks clinch playoff berth with:
SEA win + GB/MIN tie
Make Playoffs: 69%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
9. Chiefs (-2)
Chiefs Kingdom, everything ok? After starting the season 6-1, they’ve gone 3-5 and have lost all chance of getting a First Round Bye. Don’t give me the excuse of the drops, Lamar Jackson had that issue in his MVP season and beyond up until this year. So, if he can do it, so can Patrick Mahomes. Speaking of Mahomes, his 235 yard, 1 TD, and 1 INT statline against a porous Raiders Defense is worrying. Travis Kelce (44 yards) hasn’t looked the same recently. Whatever Taylor Swift is doing to him, she’s got to cut it out. Kansas City is sliding so badly, the Raiders and Broncos still have a shot at the Division title. Yeesh.
Clinching Scenarios:
Chiefs clinch AFC West Division title with:
KC win or tie or
LV loss or tie + DEN loss or tie
Make Playoffs: 98%
Win Division: 97%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
10. Cowboys (-1)
Dallas appears to be in a bit of a rut. After the loss to Miami (and Philly’s win), the Division suddenly got a little harder to take. A glaring issue for the Cowboys is their away record. While they’re a perfect 7-0 at home, they’re only 3-5 on the road. This makes a home matchup in the playoffs that much more important, and they need that Division title to accomplish that. While a home matchup against Detroit up next is enticing, they need to beat the Lions and hope Philadelphia loses out. Keep those fingers crossed, Dallas.
Make Playoffs: Clinched
Win Division: 20%
First Round Bye: <1%
11. Texans (-1)
While Houston lost, the rest of their Division lost too. The Division title is still in reach and there’s some winnable games on the docket. While Tennessee should be a win, Indianapolis is 50/50. Honestly, it all depends if phenom CJ Stroud is available. While “General Mills” and Case Keenum have kept the team afloat, they aren’t truly competitors unless Stroud is on the field. With the Jaguars sliding, this is the time to strike.
Make Playoffs: 34%
Win Division: 15%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
12. Buccaneers (+4)
Tampa continues their stranglehold on the NFC South with a win against the struggling Jaguars, 30-12. Jesus, this game was ugly. It took until damn near the 4th quarter for the Jaguars to even score a point, down 30-0. It appears the resurgence of the Bucs Defense is nearing its climax. It also appears that the Bucs have a franchise QB in Baker Field, who, quote “Would love to be here.” Appears to be music in Tampa’s ears. That, and the Buccaneers are currently a game and a half in the lead for the Division over the Falcons and Saints with only 2 games left. Those two for Tampa being against the Saints and Panthers. Should be cake, right?
Clinching Scenarios:
Buccaneers clinch NFC South Division title with:
TB win or
TB tie + ATL loss
Make Playoffs: 84%
Win Division: 84%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
13. Bengals (-1)
Cincinnati, please respond. Anything? After that whipping by Pittsburgh, it’s like the Bengals controller died. Jake Browning, once the savior of the Queen City, looked awful against Pittsburgh’s Defense. 355 yards looks good, but 1 TD and 3 INTs is hard to swallow. The Bengals still have a better chance of making the playoffs than Pittsburgh, but not much better. Plus, with Cincinnati being 0-5 in their division definitely doesn’t help things. With games against contenders Kansas City and Cleveland, it doesn’t look promising.
Make Playoffs: 19%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
14. Broncos (-3)
This was a game everyone and their mama thought the Broncos would take. Well, as “Colonel Sanders” in the Waterboy said, “Mama’s wrong again”. Being upset 26-23 by the lowly Patriots is alarming and put a major dent in Denver’s playoff hopes. Things are starting to look bleak in the Mile High city and the future is uncertain. This team is incredibly hard to read for next season; They could finish either 5-12 or 12-5, it all depends on the Defense playing at their expected level and the Offense clicking. This has to be one of the only teams that are in pure uncertainty.
Update: The Broncos have announced they are benching Russell Wilson next week in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
Make Playoffs: 6%
Win Division: 2%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
15. Colts (-2)
What a stinker for Indianapolis. With the Texans and Jaguars losing, this was a good opportunity for the Colts to take advantage of the AFC South, but blew it, losing to the Falcons 29-10. While I know Atlanta’s Defense is severely underrated, I never would’ve thought Gardner Minshew (201 yards and 1 INT) and Jonathan Taylor (43 yards and 1 TD) would’ve struggled with it. Luckily for Indy, they’re still in a tie with Houston and Jacksonville. If they want to win the South, they can’t have games like this. They have Las Vegas and Houston up next, with the latter possibly deciding the Division.
Make Playoffs: 54%
Win Division: 24%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
16. Rams (+1)
Los Angeles just keeps rolling, this time against a mediocre Saints team, 30-22. While the score looks close, the game wasn’t. Two garbage time TDs by the Saints closed the gap, but the game was out of reach. The Rams are cementing themselves as a playoff team and actually look dangerous. Kyren Williams has quietly had a great season, already over 1k yards (1,057), 2nd in the league behind Christian McCaffrey. Matthew Stafford is looking like his old self and has the Rams winning. Now, are they a Superbowl contender? I personally don’t think so, at least not yet, but teams have surprised us before.
Clinching Scenarios:
Rams clinch a playoff berth with:
LAR win + SEA loss or
LAR win + GB loss/tie
Make Playoffs: 66%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
17. Jaguars (-2)
What is going on in Jacksonville? After being in serious consideration for the #1 seed and almost being guaranteed to win the AFC South, they’ve lost 4 in a row and are in a fistfight with the Texans and Colts for the Division. Trevor Lawrence (211 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs) left Sunday’s game early with a right shoulder injury, while CJ Beathard got the Jags only other TD. Trevor has received a lot of flack for his play recently, but the question still rings; Is his Ankle healthy? He seems less mobile and accurate. Please, for god sakes Jacksonville, don’t kill the man. As a man with long hair (not as long and glamorous as Trevors), we deserve love too and have got to stick together.
Clinching Scenarios:
Jaguars clinch AFC South Division title with:
JAX win + HOU loss + IND loss
Make Playoffs: 74%
Win Division: 60%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
18. Steelers (+1)
Pittsburgh helped their playoff chances on their whipping of Division rival Cincinnati, but barely. They looked dangerous in their 34-11 win, but need a lot to go their way to save their season. At this point, I think Pittsburgh is hoping Baltimore clinches the #1 seed and rests their starters in Week 18, as that’s a must win game now. The question is; can they keep playing like this? Definitely debatable, but we shall see.
Make Playoffs: 12%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
19. Raiders (+2)
I was hanging out with my sisters new boyfriend the other day and he’s openly, and unapologetically, a Raiders fan. I asked him about the upcoming Chiefs game and he said, and I quote: “Watch for the upset. Raiders are gonna make Arrowhead home.” Well, the Raiders don’t own Arrowhead, but they did get the upset, 20-14, and in a confusing way. Aiden O’Connell finished with a grand total of 62 yards. 62, in this age of the NFL. That being said, the Raiders gashed the Chiefs on the ground, finishing with 157 yards, Zahir White being the leading rusher with 145. Impressive. The Raiders aren’t fully out of the playoff picture, but definitely need some help.
Make Playoffs: 15%
Win Division: 1%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
20. Vikings (-2)
With the loss to the Lions on Sunday, Minnesota dropped to 7-8 and just out of the NFC Wildcard. Worse? TJ Hockenson is lost on a torn ACL and MCL. The season from hell continues for the Vikings. Considering they are experiencing all these injuries and are still competitive is mighty impressive, but I don’t think it’ll end in a playoff spot. With matchups against the Packers and Lions again, I think Minnesota will finish with a losing record. Tough times in the Twin Cities.
Make Playoffs: 28%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
21. Falcons (+2)
Question; Why didn’t the Falcons start with Taylor Heinicke at the beginning of the season? He looked solid Sunday and was able to save the Falcons season (temporarily) with a great upset of the Indianapolis Colts, 29-10. One pathetic thing I realized, 29 points matches the season high in points for Atlanta. They’re one of 3 teams with this depressing feat, including the Titans and Cardinals, both mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Atlanta has got to play better Offense to truly compete.
Make Playoffs: 12%
Win Division: 7%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
22. Saints (-2)
The Bayou is in danger of missing the playoffs. After the stinker against the Rams, they’re currently in the 11th seed and the Buccaneers are running away with the Division as we speak. If they want any chance of playing meaningful ball, they have got to win out. That being said, the Buccaneers are up next week with the Falcons after that. Nawlins controls their own destiny, but it’ll take quite a bit of Voodoo magic to pull it off.
Make Playoffs: 12%
Win Division: 8%
First Round Bye: Eliminated
23. Bears (+3)
Wow. After starting the season 1-5, the Bears are currently 6-9. While 5-4 over that stretch isn’t incredibly impressive, it’s was better from where Chicago started the season. I’m impressed. While still holding the #1 pick, thanks to Carolina, the Bears could be a serious contender within the next couple of seasons. Now, does Chicago stick with Justin Fields or draft Caleb Williams. Me personally, I stick with Fields, who seems to be improving, and take Marvin Harrison Jr or possibly Olumuyiwa Fashanu (yes, I did have to copy and paste his name) with the 1st pick and build around Fields. In their history, Chicago hasn’t had an elite QB since Hawaii was still its own nation. I truly think Fields can be that, just help the man out.
Make Playoffs: 1%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
24. Titans (-2)
Who knew Tennessee’s best QB was a RB (God, I can hear the Lamar Jackson jokes now)? Jokes aside, Tennessee fought admirably against Seattle, but fell on another Seattle miracle. With Will Levis being questionable with an Ankle injury, Ryan Tannehill took the reins and looked rough. 152 yards isn’t going to get your starting position back. With Tennessee already eliminated from playoff contention, best to let Levis rest. Maybe Derrick Henry can take some reps?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
25. Jets (-1)
Yeesh, that was a nail biter for Gang Green. After taking a 27-7 lead into halftime, they allowed the Commanders to score 21 unanswered to take the lead late, 28-27. Thankfully with a FG from Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein, they were able to hold off Washington, 30-28. While the Jets season is already over, the win definitely save some jobs. I do like what Robert Saleh is doing and needs another season. With Aaron Rodgers coming back next season, they should be competitive.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
26. Packers (-1)
Green Bay survives another collapse, this time against Carolina. Any win, including a 33-30 win, is good, especially in the playoff chase, but needing to hold off the League’s worst team is concerning. Blowing a 30-16 lead to them is even worse. While Jordan Love (219 yards and 2 TDs) and the Offense is improving, the Defense needs work. Now. With games against Minnesota and Chicago, it’s possible to rise from the 10th seed, but can they? Packers control their own destiny, but I can’t trust them.
Make Playoffs: 29%
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
27. Giants (+1)
Valiant effort by Big Blue to try to keep up with Philly, only to fall short at the end. Tyrod Taylor (133 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT) looked solid against a loaded Eagles Defense and nearly stole Christmas. That being said, why isn’t Tyrod with a team long term? He’s bounced around the league like crazy, but put up decent numbers wherever he’s went. Sadly, with that loss, the Giants season is over after Week 18.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
28. Commanders (-1)
So close, yet so far. That was the story of the Commanders game in New York against the Jets. After being down 27-7 at halftime, they stormed back and outscored them 21-3 in the 2nd half. Sadly, that 3 was the difference, as Washington left the Big Apple (or East Rutherford rather) with a loss. While Sam Howell (benched) and Brian Robinson Jr (Questionable) didn’t see any action, the backups were great, especially Chris Rodriguez Jr (Funny that the Commanders have 2 Jr’s at RB). 58 yards on 10 carries and 2 TDs is fantastic. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett wasn’t spectacular, 100 yards and 1 TD, but did enough to help the team. The Commanders have promise, but can they finally unleash it?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
29. Chargers (0)
Is the season over yet? I will admit, Los Angeles gave Buffalo some trouble, even leading for a little while in the 4th quarter, but taking multiple FGs came back to bite them. Cameron Dicker, or Dicker the Kicker, was the teams MVP while Easton Stick (215 yards) proved why he’s more of an emergency option. This team needs Justin Herbert more and more as weeks pass.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
30. Cardinals (0)
Arizona’s loss only helps their draft order, currently holding the 2nd overall pick, but they face the same issue as Chicago; Hold onto Kyler Murray or draft a QB. Depending on what Chicago decides, Caleb Williams should be there. I personally think the Cardinals, as they did with Rosen, will draft Williams if he’s there and send Murray packing for a 1st, 3rd, and future 1st to, let’s say, the Patriots. That’s just an estimate. I personally think Murray is the answer in Glendale, but the Cardinals have been in this seat before.
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
31. Patriots (+1)
Big win for New England, upsetting a borderline playoff team in Denver. Even though they nearly blew a 16 point lead in the 4th quarter, they managed to hang on and get the dub. Question is, who was this win for? Patriots fans have already hung up their jerseys and this win only hurts the team. While I like to see a team still fighting, it’s too little, too late for them. Although he’s not a world beaters, Bailey Zappe (256 yards and 2 TDs) has the Minutemen winning. I think he’s definitely saved his position in Foxborough next year, but what about Mac Jones?
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
32. Panthers (-1)
That was the most fight I’ve seen out of the Panthers possibly all season. That includes their wins too. Facing a 14 point deficit in the 4th quarter, Bryce Young (312 yards and 2 TDs) stormed back and tied the game up with just over 4 minutes to go, but it wasn’t enough. This loss sucks for Carolina, but it shows that the team is still willing and hungry and I can definitely appreciate that. Good on ya, Panthers!
Make Playoffs: Eliminated
Win Division: Eliminated
First Round Bye: Eliminated
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