The Vikings' win over the Packers in Week 17 sets up a Week 18 battle between Detroit and Minnesota for the top seed in the conference and the NFC North title. A loss to the Vikings in Week 18 would drop the Lions to the No. 5 seed in the NFC after sitting atop the standings all season.
The Bills have an impressive resume, with quality wins over the Lions and Chiefs among others. It remains to be seen if Buffalo can make a deep postseason run despite their mediocre defense and special teams.
Buffalo has the fourth-best offense in PFN's Offense+ metric, and Josh Allen is capable of single-handedly lifting the Bills to victory at times. That was the case in Week 17 when he totaled three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing).
The Bills have an impressive resume, with quality wins over the Lions and Chiefs among others. It remains to be seen if Buffalo can make a deep postseason run despite their mediocre defense and special teams.
Another week, another Chiefs win. Patrick Mahomes completed 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
While Mahomes' ankle injury initially seemed like it might impact his play and affect Kansas City's pursuit of the AFC's No. 1 seed, it did no such thing. He's since had two of his best games of the season and the Chiefs locked up the top spot in the conference with a convincing win over the Steelers on Christmas Day.
So, why are the 15-1 back-to-back defending champions sitting at No. 6 in these rankings? Well, despite having the NFL's best record, PFN's model isn't particularly high on the Chiefs due to their weak schedule and mediocre peripherals.
Entering the season, sportsbooks had the Vikings' over/under set at 6.5 wins. Now, after their impressive victory over the Packers in Week 17, they have won 14 games and kept their dream of securing the NFC's No. 1 seed alive.
Minnesota is the biggest surprise of the 2024 season, and Sam Darnold looks poised for a lucrative payday this offseason.
The big question is whether it'll be with Minnesota (who just drafted J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft) or another team.
While the Eagles' 10-game winning streak came to an end last week against the division-rival Commanders after Jalen Hurts exited the game with a concussion, Philly got back on track in Week 17. Even with Hurts sidelined, the Eagles destroyed the Cowboys 41-7. DeVonta Smith caught six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, A.J. Brown caught a touchdown, and Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards -- passing 2,000 on the season.
This was on display in Week 17 when they blew out the Texans 31-2 on Christmas Day. PFN's model is very high on Baltimore, giving them the second-best chance to win the Super Bowl (12.7%) and ranking their offense No. 1 in the league.
This was on display in Week 17 when they blew out the Texans 31-2 on Christmas Day. PFN's model is very high on Baltimore, giving them the second-best chance to win the Super Bowl (12.7%) and ranking their offense No. 1 in the league.
The one-two punch of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is going to be terrifying in the postseason, and Jackson may be on the verge of winning his third MVP award.
Los Angeles blew out the Patriots 40-7 in Week 17, clinching a playoff spot. However, it is hard to know what to make of this Chargers team. Los Angeles is a well-coached team with a terrific defense, but they have played one of the easiest schedules in the NFL.
However, it is hard to know what to make of this Chargers team. Los Angeles is a well-coached team with a terrific defense, but they have played one of the easiest schedules in the NFL.
Fun fact: the Chargers are just 2-4 against teams above .500 (with both wins coming against the Broncos in Weeks 6 and 16). It will be interesting to see how Los Angeles fares in the postseason.
Cincinnati has now won four straight games to keep their postseason hopes alive. However, the Bengals dug themselves a pretty deep hole by losing four of their first five games this season, so they still need help to get into the playoffs. The only way Cincinnati gets in is by winning in Week 18, plus Denver and Miami losing next week.
Cincinnati has now won four straight games to keep their postseason hopes alive. However, the Bengals dug themselves a pretty deep hole by losing four of their first five games this season, so they still need help to get into the playoffs. The only way Cincinnati gets in is by winning in Week 18, plus Denver and Miami losing next week.
PFN's Playoff Predictor gives the Bengals an 8.1% chance of making the postseason.
The Dolphins survived in Week 17, defeating the Browns in Cleveland without Tua Tagovailoa. Miami has to win its final game and get to 9-8 to have any shot at playing more football, but it also needs Denver to lose in Week 18. The good news is if the Dolphins and Broncos are both 9-8, Miami will win the conference record tiebreaker. Also, it doesn't have to worry about the Bengals, as it has the tiebreaker advantage. Miami also got a break this week with the Colts' shocking loss to the Giants, eliminating Indianapolis from the playoffs.
The good news is if the Dolphins and Broncos are both 9-8, Miami will win the conference record tiebreaker. Also, it doesn't have to worry about the Bengals, as it has the tiebreaker advantage. Miami also got a break this week with the Colts' shocking loss to the Giants, eliminating Indianapolis from the playoffs.
PFN's Playoff Predictor gives the Dolphins an 11.2% chance of making the postseason.
