As we approach the mid-season mark in the NFL, the competition for playoff positions is intensifying. The outcomes from Week 8 have set crucial implications for several teams.
AFC Playoff Picture
The New York Jets clinched a surprising victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, diminishing the Bengals’ playoff hopes. Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys faced a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos, drastically shaking their playoff chances. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain on course to secure their fifth successive NFC South title.
Currently, the Indianapolis Colts hold the best league record, leading the AFC from the top, while the Green Bay Packers have maintained their dominant position in the NFC following a decisive victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Kansas City Chiefs are also in playoff contention, following a recent win against the Washington Commanders.
Below is the latest breakdown of teams positioned for playoff opportunities as of Week 8:
| Seed | Team | W | L | T | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colts | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 |
| 2 | Patriots | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 3 | Broncos | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 4 | Steelers | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 |
| 5 | Bills | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 6 | Chargers | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 |
| 7 | Chiefs | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 |
1. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
- Remaining schedule: at Steelers, vs. Falcons, Bye, at Chiefs, vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
The Colts appear on track for a playoff spot heading into January and are vying for home-field advantage, having triumphed over several teams with winning records.
2. New England Patriots (6-2)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, at Buccaneers, vs. Jets, at Bengals, vs. Giants, Bye, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins
The Patriots are currently leading the AFC East and benefiting from a lighter schedule.
3. Denver Broncos (6-2)
- Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Raiders, vs. Chiefs, Bye, at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
The Broncos are confirming their contender status in the AFC West as they ramp up for playoffs against challenging opponents.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Chargers, vs. Bengals, at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Ravens
5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, at Dolphins, vs. Buccaneers, at Texans, at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
- Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Steelers, at Jaguars, Bye, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
- Remaining schedule: at Bills, Bye, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, vs. Chargers, at Titans, vs. Broncos, at Raiders
The Chiefs have placed themselves back into the playoff race with consistent wins and are poised for additional playoff opportunities.
NFC Playoff Picture
| Rank | Team | W | L | T | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Packers | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 |
| 2 | Eagles | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 3 | Buccaneers | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 4 | Seahawks | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 5 | Lions | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 6 | Rams | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 7 | 49ers | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 |
Predicting playoff slots as we head through November indicates strong competition, with division leaders in tight contention for the postseason.
The seven teams currently in the playoff positions may remain unchanged into January, but the competition is fierce with additional teams preparing to make their playoff runs.
