As the 2024 NFL season marches on, fans and pundits alike are eagerly eyeing the evolving playoff picture. With Week 7 in the books, ESPN’s latest projections shed light on which teams are poised for a deep postseason run and which squads face an uphill battle to secure a coveted spot in the tournament.
AFC Heavyweights Jockey for Position
In the AFC, four teams boast a 90% or better chance of clinching a playoff berth. Leading the pack are the Kansas City Chiefs, with a staggering 99% probability of extending their season. Close behind are the Buffalo Bills at 98%, followed by the surging Baltimore Ravens at 93% and the surprising Houston Texans at 90%.
The division races in the AFC appear to be fairly straightforward at this juncture. The Chiefs are heavily favored to capture the AFC West crown with a 95% likelihood, while the Bills are sitting pretty at 94% to claim the AFC East title once again.
Jets’ Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
Preseason optimism surrounding the New York Jets has faded following a disappointing 2-5 start. Gang Green’s playoff chances have plummeted to just 27%, a stark contrast to their lofty expectations entering the campaign.
The season is over for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst
Dolphins, Browns, and Jaguars Facing Long Odds
The Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars all began the season with playoff aspirations, boasting preseason odds of 40% or better. However, all three squads have seen their postseason probabilities dip below 10% as they struggle to gain traction.
Patriots, Raiders Among AFC Cellar Dwellers
At the bottom of the AFC playoff picture, the New England Patriots are clinging to the slimmest of hopes with less than a 1% chance of qualifying for the postseason. The Las Vegas Raiders, Browns, and Tennessee Titans are also facing an uphill climb, with each team’s playoff odds languishing below 5%.
NFC North Trio Leads the Pack
In the NFC, three teams from the ultra-competitive NFC North are setting the pace. The resurgent Detroit Lions lead the way with a 92% chance of reaching the playoffs, followed closely by the Minnesota Vikings at 81% after falling to Detroit in Week 7. The Green Bay Packers round out the NFC North’s playoff hopefuls at 76%.
Could we see all four NFC North teams in the playoffs?
ESPN
While the Chicago Bears currently have the lowest playoff odds in the division at 37%, the possibility of the entire NFC North qualifying for the postseason remains intriguing.
Saints’ Playoff Hopes Plummet
The New Orleans Saints have experienced a precipitous fall from grace. After boasting the NFC’s best playoff odds at 81% following Week 2, the Saints have stumbled to a meager 6% chance of extending their season.
Cowboys, Panthers, and Giants Face Uphill Battle
The Dallas Cowboys, preseason favorites in the NFC East, have seen their playoff chances dwindle to a mere 17%. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants are clinging to the faintest of postseason hopes, with each team’s odds sitting below 1%.
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the playoff picture will undoubtedly continue to shift. With marquee matchups and pivotal divisional clashes looming, the road to Super Bowl LIX promises to be filled with twists, turns, and plenty of drama. Can the Chiefs and Bills maintain their stranglehold on the AFC? Will the Lions roar back to postseason prominence? Only time will tell as the NFL’s enduring quest for gridiron glory marches on.
