Four teams have already clinched spots in the NFL playoffs, and four more can clinch this weekend. With four games left in the regular season, there are still 11 teams on the outside of the playoff picture who haven’t been mathematically eliminated yet.
The Los Angeles Rams are one game back in both the NFC West and the wild-card chase and are capable of keeping the pressure on. Their playoff chances are at 33% and their outlook is “pretty good” with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s arm and coach Sean McVay’s mind.
The Atlanta Falcons have been in a wild freefall, losing their last four games, and quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdown passes during that stretch. Their playoff chances are at 39% and their outlook is “not terrible” if Cousins shakes out of his funk.
The Indianapolis Colts are two games back in both the AFC South and the wild-card race with four games to go, but the Broncos can put them out of their misery by beating them in Denver on Sunday. Their playoff chances are at 25% and their outlook is “not good” unless they beat Denver.
The Miami Dolphins have won four of their last five games and finally are looking like the offensive juggernaut everyone expected them to be with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back and healthy. Their playoff chances are at 14% and their outlook is “not great” but if one of the other contenders falters even a little, watch out.
The Carolina Panthers have blown their shot coming out of the bye week, losing twice in three games to the Seattle Seahawks. Their playoff chances are at 9% and their outlook is “they’re going to kick themselves when they realize it’s over.”
The Cleveland Browns haven’t looked like themselves since opening day, and it was pretty clear by Week 2 that this season was going to be a struggle. Their playoff chances are at 6% and their outlook is “they better win on Sunday.”
The Cincinnati Bengals are good enough offensively to win all of their remaining games, but they’re already three games back in the wild-card race with four to play, so even then they’d need way too much help. Their playoff chances are at 3% and their outlook is “what a waste.”
The Las Vegas Raiders have won three of four since they fired Dennis Allen, but it’s all a bit too little, too late, especially that they’ve now lost quarterback Derek Carr to an injury. Their playoff chances are at <1% and their outlook is “hey, at least they didn’t lose to the Giants.”
The Dallas Cowboys really thought they could make a run with their remaining schedule, but they blew it on Monday night with that Leon Lett play and the crushing loss to the Bengals. Their playoff chances are at <1% and their outlook is “forget it, even if Jerry Jones won’t.”
The Chicago Bears have lost seven straight games and still have to face the Vikings, Lions, Seahawks, and Packers. Their playoff chances are at <1% and their outlook is “they have a slim chance to not end the season on an 11-game losing streak.”
The Detroit Lions are the team with the faintest of hopes. Their playoff chances are at <1% and their outlook is “see you next year.”
