Sadly for the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t going away. They simply accumulation on successful. Then their tenth symmetrical victory, a 27-13 walloping of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the 12-2 Eagles are secured with the Lions atop the NFC.
The Lions, who misplaced a 48-42 shootout to the Buffalo Expenses on Sunday, nonetheless have a secure at the Negative. 1 seed because of their superb report towards NFC foes (8-1 to the Eagles’ 7-2). On the other hand, there are nonetheless 3 extra video games left to play games this season, and with Detroit defenders getting injured at an alarming charge, it’s fairly conceivable that the Eagles would be the NFC group resting up the primary life of the playoffs future the Lions should fend off a wild-card foe.
In the meantime, within the AFC, it hasn’t been the prettiest of seasons for the Houston Texans, however with their 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Denver Broncos, they clinched the AFC South name for a 2d symmetrical season. Houston is assured a house playoff contest and will spend the remainder of the season combating to toughen its seeding.
As for the remainder of the NFL, right here’s the place issues be on one?s feet within the playoff image with two Monday evening matchups nonetheless on faucet to complete Pace 15.
Indexed odds to assemble the playoffs, keep the Negative. 1 seed and win the Tremendous Bowl are all by means of The Athletic‘s NFL Projection Style, created through Austin Mock.
AFC playoff image
| Seed | Workforce | Document | Pace 15 end result |
|---|---|---|---|
z–1 | 13-1 | W vs. CLE | |
z–2 | 11-3 | W vs. DET | |
x–3 | 10-4 | L vs. PHI | |
z–4 | 9-5 | W vs. MIA | |
5 | 9-5 | W vs. NYG | |
6 | 9-5 | W vs. IND | |
7 | 8-6 | L vs. TB |
x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched category name | * — Clinched Negative. 1 seed
Even their 14-point wins are unsightly. Patrick Mahomes left within the fourth quarter with an ankle trauma, so his condition goes to be a priority ill the stretch. He performed thru a prime ankle sprain a few postseasons in the past, however the Chiefs have added but some other stage of issue to their quest for a 3rd consecutive Tremendous Bowl.
Too much agenda: vs. Texans, at Steelers, vs. Broncos
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 78.3% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 17.8%
Quarterback Josh Allen has been probably the most unstoppable participant within the league for lots of the season, however the latter two video games towards the Rams and Lions have been in particular absurd. He’s thrown for 704 yards and 5 touchdowns and in a bind for 150 yards and 5 ratings. The Expenses have scored 90 issues with 14 scoring drives and 4 punts over that reach. There’s a not-so-subtle disorder, regardless that, as Allen has wanted each and every little bit of that manufacturing simply to proceed 1-1 in the ones two video games with the Expenses surrendering 86 issues.
Too much agenda: vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, at Patriots
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 21% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 12.8%
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The Steelers have been overmatched through the Eagles, which would possibly say extra about Philly than anything else, however the Steelers handiest have a one-game govern over the Ravens with their rematch arising. The Steelers are 4-1 towards groups within the playoff image, in order that they’ve were given a excellent resume. However their last stretch is horrifying, and there isn’t a lot room for error.
Too much agenda: at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 0.7% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 4.2%
The Texans, now AFC South champions, have gained two in a row for the primary month since their three-game successful streak from Weeks 4-6, however it’s committing to be a problem to accumulation the great instances going with next dates towards the Chiefs and Ravens. On the other hand, if the Texans do solution the bell towards two of the AFC’s perfect, they’ll upload to a resume that already features a victory towards the Expenses and could be regarded as an actual postseason blackmail.
Too much agenda: at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 2.8%
In a statistical abnormality, operating again Derrick Henry hasn’t scored a landing in 3 consecutive video games, which is the primary month that’s took place to him in one season since 2018. Henry has 318 yards from scrimmage all through this stretch, so he’s been fertile regardless of a rarity of visits to the tip zone.
Too much agenda: vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 98% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 4.7%
Lamar Jackson’s 5 landing passes led the way in which for the Baltimore Ravens in a 35-14 win over the Pristine York Giants.
The victory inches the Ravens even nearer to securing a playoff spot within the AFC.
Takeaways pic.twitter.com/NviSwiOjLR
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 15, 2024
The Broncos gained the Peyton Manning Bowl thank you in immense section to Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor inexplicably fumbling throughout the finish zone in a time that absolutely modified the trajectory of each groups’ seasons. If the Colts had gained, they might’ve pulled to inside of a contest of the Broncos and claimed the head-to-head tiebreaker with a considerably more uncomplicated agenda over the overall 3 weeks. The Broncos’ ultimate 3 warring parties have a blended report of 27-15, future the Colts’ latter 3 (vs. Titans, at Giants, vs. Jaguars) are 8-34 and all within the combine for the Negative. 1 pick out. The Broncos have been going through a two-touchdown shortage on the month of Taylor’s gaffe, they usually rather closed the sport with 24 consecutive issues and a blowout win.
Too much agenda: at Chargers, at Bengals, vs. Chiefs
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 91.1% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 3.4%
It gave the impression of the Chargers have been onto one thing a occasion in the past as they dispatched the Bengals to toughen to 7-3. However they’ve since misplaced 3 of 4 with losses to the Ravens, Chiefs and Buccaneers. They’ve were given a captivating one arising towards the Broncos as they effort to toughen their 1-5 report towards groups within the playoff grassland. The win, after all, got here in Pace 6 in Denver.
Too much agenda: vs. Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 82.9%| To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 2.8%
• Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
• Miami Dolphins (6-8)
• Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
Eradicated
• Pristine York Jets (4-10)
• Cleveland Browns (3-11)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)
• Tennessee Titans (3-11)
• Pristine England Patriots (3-11)
• Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
NFC playoff image
| Seed | Workforce | Document | Pace 15 end result |
|---|---|---|---|
x–1 | 12-2 | L vs. BUF | |
x–2 | 12-2 | W vs. PIT | |
3 | 8-6 | W vs. LAC | |
4 | 8-6 | W vs. SF | |
x–5 | 11-2 | TBD vs. CHI | |
6 | 10-4 | W vs. SEA | |
7 | 9-5 | W vs. NO |
x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched category name | * — Clinched Negative. 1 seed
The Lions had a evil week towards a stunning Expenses group. It occurs. The worry, regardless that, is whether or not they’re extra at risk of this sort of efficiency on account of their myriad accidents on protection, particularly with the alternative NFC powers hitting their stride. The fresh blows: Mentor Dan Campbell mentioned he’s now not constructive concerning the possibilities of superstar defensive take on Alim McNeill (knee) or cornerback Carlton Davis (concussion) returning this season nearest each sustained accidents Sunday.
Too much agenda: at Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 54% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 17%
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The Eagles would possibly have had the most efficient Sunday within the league, staving off the hated Steelers, pulling right into a attach with the Lions atop the NFC and answering questions on their passing contest. Working again Saquon Barkley used to be restricted for lots of the contest, and quarterback Jalen Hurts went 25-of-32 for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith blended for 19 catches, 219 yards and each ratings.
Too much agenda: at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 39.1% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 13.4%
The Bucs are using a four-game successful streak at the heels of a four-game skid, and this used to be a signature win towards the Chargers nearest prior to now making the most of an more uncomplicated stretch of warring parties. They simply hung 40 issues at the Negative. 1-ranked scoring protection within the NFL. The Bucs don’t get as a lot consideration as a result of they’re within the NFC South, however they’ve wins towards the Commanders, Lions, Eagles and Chargers. They’re committing to be a difficult out in the event that they succeed in the playoffs.
Too much agenda: at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 86.5% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 2.6%
Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay on five-straight scoring drives to alike out a 40-17 win and to accumulation momentum atop the NFC South.
Tampa has gained 4 consecutive video games future LA has dropped 3 of its latter 4 video games pic.twitter.com/IQFYgnlTn3
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 16, 2024
This league can also be as tight as it’s unforgiving. The Rams have gained seven of 9 to enter the the NFC West govern and knock the Seahawks out of the playoff image. That’s a difficult fracture for Seattle, as its four-game successful streak used to be snapped with a loss to the Packers. It’s nonetheless taking a look just like the category will come right down to the regular-season finale between the Rams and Seahawks.
Too much agenda: at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 55.4% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 1.8%
The Vikings, who already clinched a playoff spot and host the Bears on Monday evening, have gained six in their hour seven conferences towards their NFC North rival. However their latter 3 losses within the form have come at house. Then the Bears just about shocked the Vikings in Pace 12, scoring 11 issues within the ultimate 22 seconds to pressure time beyond regulation, the Vikings will have to for sure be ready to keep away from a dreadful loss.
Too much agenda: vs. Bears, at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 100% | To earn bye: 6.9% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 5.8%
The Packers simply made a nice-looking excellent Seahawks group glance utterly overmatched in their very own construction, which is vital as a result of they’re committing to must win at the highway to assemble a playoff run. They’ve additionally overwhelmed the Rams and Seahawks at the highway, so the Packers gained’t aid who wins the NFC West if that finishes up being their wild-card matchup.
Too much agenda: vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 99.9% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 5.5%
The Commanders held on for expensive presen nearest third-string QB Spencer Rattler just about rallied the Saints from a 17-0 shortage, which gained’t alleviate a few of their defensive considerations. The Commanders are 0-4 towards groups within the playoff grassland and feature yet another prospect to turn out themselves then life towards the Eagles. It’ll be a three-week thrill journey because the Commanders effort to hold directly to their wild-card spot.
Too much agenda: vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys
Odds: To assemble playoffs: 86.9% | To earn bye: 0% | To win Tremendous Bowl: 1.6%
• Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
• Arizona Cardinals (7-7)
• Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
• San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
• Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
• Pristine Orleans Saints (5-9)
Eradicated
• Chicago Bears (4-9)
• Carolina Panthers (3-11)
• Pristine York Giants (2-12)
(Picture of Jalen Hurts: Mitchell Leff / Getty Photographs)
