Home advantage is up for grabs with NFC

Home advantage is up for grabs with NFC

Things are getting tighter in the NFC.

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers with Jalen Hurts throwing for nearly 300 yards in a 27-13 victory. The duo of DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown each surpassed 100 yards rushing and helped Philadelphia go 12-2, tying the Detroit Lions for the best record in the NFC.

As for Detroit, the Lions lost their first game in 12 contests, falling to the Buffalo Bills 48-42. Dan Campbell’s team is still in a great position, sitting in a tiebreaker against Philadelphia based on conference record.

Meanwhile, the AFC saw the Denver Broncos get a big win over the Indianapolis Colts. With another win, Denver secures its first playoff spot since 2015.

Let’s look at both conferences below, starting with the AFC.

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

AFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 13-1, first place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 100%

Kansas City defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but the Chiefs have two games in the next 10 days, and possibly without Patrick Mahomes after he retired early due to an ankle injury.

Record: 11-3, first place, AFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 0

Playoff probability: 100%

Josh Allen scored another four touchdowns as the Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 48-42. The Bills remain two games behind the Chiefs in the race for home field advantage.

Record: 10-4, first place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 100%

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh is still one game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, but they will meet on Saturday.

Record: 9-5, first place, AFC South

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 100%

Houston came out of its bye week and defeated the Miami Dolphins to clinch the AFC South and its second straight league title.

Record: 9-5, second place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 98%

Baltimore rolled past the New York Giants as Lamar Jackson threw five touchdowns. Next up is a big clash with the Steelers in Charm City.

Record: 9–5, third place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 91%

Denver can secure a playoff spot with a win in one of its final three games. The Broncos will face the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals and Chiefs in order.

Record: 8-6, second place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 82%

After the defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chargers now want to regroup before they host the Broncos on Thursday evening.

ON THE HUNT

Indianapolis Colts (6–8): After a loss to the Broncos that was due in large part to four turnovers, the Colts need to win and essentially pull off a miracle.

Miami Dolphins (6–8): The Dolphins fell to the Texans and now have to win like the Colts and get a lot of help.

Cincinnati Bengals (6–8): Cincinnati beat the Tennessee Titans and now has to win and hope the Broncos lose while the Dolphins also lose at least one game.

NFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 12–2, first place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 100%

Despite an 11-game winning streak, the Lions are in trouble after losing to the Bills. Detroit has the best record in the NFC and is ahead of the Eagles in the tiebreaker, but is only half a game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.

Record: 12–2, first place, NFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 100%

Philadelphia has taken care of the Steelers and, given an easy schedule, has a real chance to overtake the Lions for the NFC’s top seed over the final three weeks.

Record: 8-5, first place, NFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:2

Playoff probability: 50%

The Seahawks play the Packers on Sunday night. This section will be updated to reflect the result after the game.

Record: 8-6, first place, NFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 0

Playoff probability: 87%

Tampa Bay has now won four straight and sits 1.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. Atlanta plays in Las Vegas on Monday night.

Record: 11-2, second place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:3

Playoff probability: 99%

Minnesota plays the Chicago Bears on Monday night. With a win, the Vikings would tie with the Lions for first place at the top of the NFC North.

Record: 9-4, third place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 93%

The Packers visit the Seahawks on Sunday night. This section will be updated to reflect the result after the game.

Record: 9-5, second place, NFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 87%

Washington earned a narrow victory over the New Orleans Saints, putting it in a great position to reach the postseason as a wild card team.

ON THE HUNT

Los Angeles Rams (8–6): The Rams are suddenly in a good position to win the NFC West after defeating the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

Arizona Cardinals (7–7): Arizona needs an inside straight to get to the postseason, but it starts with a win and the hope that either Washington or Seattle fail.

Atlanta Falcons (6–7): The Falcons face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night at Allegiant Stadium.

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