Buccaneers and Seahawks take control of divisions

Buccaneers and Seahawks take control of divisions

With just four weeks left, the NFL playoff picture is only getting wilder.

In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers solidified their hold on the AFC North with a victory over the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills lost for the first time in two months, but remained the No. 2 seed despite being tied with Pittsburgh.

Over in the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took control of the NFC South with their third straight win, while the Atlanta Falcons lost their fourth straight to the Minnesota Vikings, who are currently the fifth seed. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks took care of the Arizona Cardinals, likely ending their playoff hopes.

But what does everything look like on the way to the 15th week? Here is a complete picture:

Additionally, All playoff probabilities come from The Athletic’s model.

AFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 11-1, first place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 100%

The Chiefs host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. We will update after completing the game.

Record: 10-3, first place, AFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 100%

Josh Allen did his best with six total touchdowns, but the Bills lost to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Buffalo won’t get much rest as a trip to Detroit is next.

Record: 10-3, first place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 99%

The Steelers earned a season break against the Cleveland Browns while extending their lead in the AFC North to two games. Next up are road trips against the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.

Record: 8-5, first place, AFC South

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 97%

Houston was idle in Week 14 and now enters the final round with a two-game lead (along with a tiebreaker) over the Indianapolis Colts for AFC South supremacy. Next up is the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium.

Record: 8-5, second place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 95%

Baltimore has a climb ahead of them to defend their AFC North title. After the bye week, the Ravens visit the New York Giants before hosting the Steelers.

Record: 8-4, second place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 89%

The Chargers lost painfully to the Chiefs on Sunday night. Now the path to the playoffs is strictly a wild card bid. Next up is the Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium.

Record: 7-5, third place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 77%

The Broncos were able to relax with a bye this week. However, Denver faces a huge game next Sunday when the Colts come to town. With a win, the Broncos would almost secure a spot in the playoffs.

ON THE HUNT

Indianapolis Colts (6–7): After being idle this weekend, the Colts travel to Denver for a massive matchup with the Broncos. If Indianapolis wins, it has a chance to finish atop the standings and complete its schedule with games against the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Miami Dolphins (6–7): It wasn’t easy, but the Dolphins kept hope alive by beating the New York Jets in overtime. Now a date with the rested Texans is coming up.

Cincinnati Bengals (4–8): The Bengals are barely alive, but technically remain in the hunt. They play the injury-plagued Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at AT&T Stadium.

NFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 12-1, first place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 100%

The Lions became the first NFC team to clinch a playoff spot on Thursday, defeating the Green Bay Packers on a last-second field goal by Jake Bates. Detroit remains ahead in both the NFC North and the conference race for home-field advantage as the Bills face off at Ford Field next Sunday.

Record: 11-2, first place, NFC East

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 100%

It was much more difficult than expected, but the Eagles defeated the Carolina Panthers and extended their lead to three games in the NFC East. For Philadelphia, the rest of the season is about staying close to Detroit and hoping for help.

Record: 8-5, first place, NFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 60%

By defeating the Arizona Cardinals to complete the season sweep, the Seahawks nearly dispatched their desert rivals and remained one game ahead of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West.

Record: 7-6, first place, NFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 67%

Tampa Bay has overcome injuries and a four-game losing streak in the middle part of the season to clinch first place in the NFC South. Next week comes the Chargers, the last team on the Buccaneers roster with a winning record.

Record: 11-2, second place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 99%

Sam Darnold has now thrown 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, keeping the Vikings within one game of the NFC North lead. Even if Minnesota fails in this endeavor, it has a great chance of becoming the top NFC wild card team.

Record: 9-4, third place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 95%

Green Bay played to the bitter end against the Lions on Thursday night, but given the loss, it’s difficult to see a realistic path to the NFC North title. At this point, the Packers’ best hope is to secure the fifth spot.

Record: 8-5, second place, NFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 77%

After a week-long break, Washington wants to start a winning streak next Sunday in the guest game against the New Orleans Saints.

ON THE HUNT

Los Angeles Rams (7–6): The Rams outlasted the Bills by a long shot in a shootout and won 44-42. Now Los Angeles has to regroup and prepare for the San Francisco 49ers in a short week.

Arizona Cardinals (6–7): The Cardinals lost their second game in three weeks to the Seahawks and now likely need to win and get some help for their playoff push.

Atlanta Falcons (6–7): The Falcons have had a disastrous month, losing their last four games, while quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​​​has thrown zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in that span.

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