Very smart who could predict what the playoff picture will look like in the NFL.
After the 15th week of action, only four teams are guaranteed to be in the postseason. These are the Baltimore Ravens (11-3) in the American Association and the San Francisco 49ers (11-3), the Dallas Cowboys (10-4) and the Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) in the National.
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Additionally, there are only six mathematically eliminated formations. That's very little considering there are only three games left for the Goodell Circuit teams.
Remember that 14 clubs will qualify for the playoffs, seven per association. The best teams in each section (four per association) receive a place. There will then be three “best runners-up”. The first teams in their association receive a bye for the first round.
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AFC East
The Miami Dolphins (10-4) are in first place in the American East. However, the Buffalo Bills (8-6) can give them a lead. They don't have much scope for that and will likely have to beat them in the final week of action. They also have to hope that the Dolphins drop their flag against the Cowboys and/or Ravens by the end of the campaign.
The New York Jets (5-9) and New England Patriots (3-11) have already been eliminated.
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AFC West
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) will experience ups and downs in 2023. Still, things are looking pretty good for the reigning Super Bowl champions. They are pursued by the Denver Broncos (7-7), the Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) and the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9). These three teams still have chances, but those of the last two are quite slim.
Patrick Mahomes and his gang could dash the Raiders' hopes this week. The Broncos have meetings with the Pats, the Chargers and the Raiders. Let's assume that their schedule is quite enviable and that they are in control of their own destiny.
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AFC North
This section is the most exciting as the four clubs that make it up are at the heart of the race. Apparently the Ravens are already guaranteed participation in the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Cleveland Browns (9-5) and Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) would be in the playoffs if they started tomorrow morning. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) wouldn't be there, but they're not that far away. Their game on Saturday against the Bengals will be crucial going forward.
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AFC South
The Tennessee Titans (5-9) are the suckers in this section, while the other three teams have a record of 8-6. It will be a war that comes to an end between the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans. The last two teams on this list also have a date for their final game of the regular season.
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NFC East
There is little to say here as the fate of the four teams is already sealed. The Cowboys and Eagles are on the road, while the New York Giants (5-9) and Washington Commanders (4-10) can already start thinking about next year. It now remains to be seen who will end up at the top of the rankings.
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NFC West
The Niners dominate. The Los Angeles Rams (7-7) and Seattle Seahawks (7-7) are trying to stay afloat. The Arizona Cardinals (3-11) are last.
The Rams end their season with duels against the New Orleans Saints (7-7), the Giants and the 49ers. For their part, the Seahawks will face the Titans, the Steelers and the Cards.
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NFC North
Things are looking very good for the Detroit Lions (10-4), who occupy first place in the ranking of “in the hunt” teams. The Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers (6-8) and Chicago Bears (5-9) are still alive. We bet this won't be the case for much longer. The clashes planned between them until the end of the season will allow them to clean up.
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NFC South
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) and the Saints are in a battle for the finish. The two teams will meet on Sunday, December 31st in what could be the most important game of their respective seasons.
The Falcons (6-8) are still in the picture, but their two recent losses have hurt them greatly. After all, the Carolina Panthers (2-12) are on their way to the first pick of the next draft.