NFL playoff standings: Bears move to the top spot in the NFC; 4 teams, including Raiders, knocked out of playoff race

With the regular season entering its critical phase, every matchup is pivotal as squads vie for playoff positioning and divisional supremacy. Here's a breakdown of the playoff landscape as Week 13 concludes:

NFC

1. Chicago Bears (9-3)
   Next: at Green Bay Packers, Week 14
   Note: The Bears surged to the top of the NFC standings following the Panthers' upset of the Rams. Their victory over Philadelphia improved their NFC North title odds to 30% according to The Athletic's simulator.
2. Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
   Next: at Arizona Cardinals, Week 14
   Note: A loss to Carolina dropped the Rams from first in the conference, reducing their chance at the NFC's top seed to 42%.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
   Next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Week 14
   Note: Despite holding a strong lead in the NFC East, consecutive losses, including to Chicago, have lowered their chance for the No. 1 seed to 10%.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
   Next: at New Orleans Saints, Week 14
   Note: Leading the NFC South comfortably, Tampa Bay holds a 73% probability of reaching the playoffs.
5. Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
   Next: at Atlanta Falcons, Week 14
   Note: Nearly guaranteed a playoff berth at 90%, the Seahawks remain in a tightly contested NFC West.
6. Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
   Next: vs. Chicago Bears, Week 14
   Note: Leading the NFC North with a 66% probability, next weeks clash with Chicago is crucial.
7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
   Next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Week 15
   Note: Strong playoff chances at 94%.
8. Detroit Lions (7-5)
   Next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Week 14
   Note: Playoff probability at 42%, while division win chances remain low at 4%.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)
   Next: at Detroit Lions, Week 14
   Note: Playoff odds range from 16% to 23%.
10. Carolina Panthers (7-6)
    Next: at New Orleans Saints, Week 15
    Note: 30% chance to make the playoffs, 28% for the division title.

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (10-2)
   Next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Week 14
   Note: Following an overtime win over Washington and a Chiefs loss, Denver leads the AFC West at 84% and has momentarily surpassed New England for the No. 1 AFC seed.
2. New England Patriots (10-2)
   Next: vs. New York Giants, Monday Night
   Note: Holding a two-game advantage over Buffalo, the Patriots are at 91% to secure the AFC East and have the highest chance for the No. 1 seed at 55%.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
   Next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Week 14
   Note: Leading the AFC South with an 83% playoff probability.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
   Next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 14
   Note: After a Thursday loss, Baltimore's playoff chances remain 71%, holding the top spot in their division after the Steelers defeat.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
   Next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 14
   Note: 63% chance to reach playoffs, but only 18% to claim the division.
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
   Next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 14
   Note: Trailing Jacksonville, Colts have a 69% playoff probability.
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
   Next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Week 14
   Note: Slim 9% chance to catch New England, but 89% likely to make the playoffs.
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
   Next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 14
   Note: Playoff probability rises to 61% after a win over Indianapolis.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
   Next: at Baltimore Ravens, Week 14
   Note: Odds to make the playoffs fell to 28% following a loss.
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
    Next: vs. Houston Texans, Week 14
    Note: Thanksgiving loss dropped playoff odds from 52% to 39%, with division hopes nearly gone.

Teams Eliminated from Playoff Contention

• Tennessee Titans
• Arizona Cardinals
• New Orleans Saints
• Las Vegas Raiders

Author: Sophia Brooks