In an eventful Week 15 of the NFL season, the playoff landscape has drastically shifted, particularly for the Kansas City Chiefs. After suffering a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs have officially missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ late-game injury played a pivotal role in the defeat, leaving the team crushed in their final attempt to mount a comeback.
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos are currently at the top of the standings with an impressive 11-2 record. They have a chance to secure a playoff berth when they face the Green Bay Packers, needing either a win or a tie combined with a loss or tie from the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos hold a 99% probability of making the playoffs according to NFL.com, while The Athletic gives them an 87% chance of clinching the AFC West.
The New England Patriots, at 11-3, face the Baltimore Ravens next and remain in contention despite their recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, which hindered their chance to clinch the AFC East. Their odds for winning the division stand at 76%.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 10-4 record, have maintained a lead in the AFC South and will play the Broncos next. They have a 56% chance of capturing the division title. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers, also at 10-4, have a strong 90% chance of reaching the playoffs but face an uphill battle against the Broncos for the division crown. The Buffalo Bills, who are matching their 10-4 record, are looking to improve their slim odds of catching New England for the division title, currently at 25%.
The Houston Texans, sitting at 9-5, have a commanding 97% chance of making the playoffs, with their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Indianapolis Colts, with an 8-5 record, now face an uphill climb with only a 28% chance of making the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens, coming off a crucial victory over the Bengals, have boosted their playoff odds to 42% and will face the Patriots next.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams hold the number one seed with a 10-3 record. They can clinch a playoff berth with their upcoming game against the Detroit Lions. Their playoff likelihood is as high as 97%, although they remain locked in a fierce battle for the NFC West crown, with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers also in contention. The Packers, at 9-3-1, have dramatically increased their chances of winning the NFC North to nearly 70%.
The Philadelphia Eagles, after breaking a three-game losing streak, show strong playoff potential with a 95% chance of reaching the postseason. The Carolina Panthers, at 7-6, have a 42% chance while the Chicago Bears stand at 10-4 with a 78% shot at the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have their sights set on the postseason, albeit with lower odds.
On the other end, the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, both struggling with 3-10 records.
As the season approaches its conclusion, the race for the playoffs intensifies, with teams jockeying for positions that could lead to postseason glory. The final games of the regular season are set to provide plenty of drama and excitement as teams push toward their championship goals.
