The NFL Playoff Race: A Week 14 Snapshot

Now that we’re in December, we’ll start to see the NFL playoff contenders raise their game while the pretenders wither under the pressure. Before looking at the NFL odds to win the Super Bowl, it’s important to find out what teams still have a chance to get hot and make a run at the postseason.

Last week we saw the New England Patriots‘ stock rise as they ran all over the Buffalo Bills. At the same time, the Minnesota Vikings‘ postseason hopes took a hit after they lost a very winnable game at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions. With the NFL playoff race in full stride, let’s take a look at what teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot in Week 14.

NFC Playoff Contenders

The Arizona Cardinals have an excellent opportunity to all but wrap up the NFC West with a victory over the Los Angeles Rams this Monday night. The Cards are currently the only ten-win team in the NFL and are in a solid position to claim the first-round bye in the playoffs. With the added wild card team this year, only one team per conference will get a bye, so it’s all the more coveted.

The San Francisco 49ers are hanging on to the final playoff spot as we enter Week 14, even after losing to the Seattle Seahawks last week.

But the Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) are knocking on the door after defeating the New York Jets last Sunday. Their four remaining games are all in the division, with two against a hot Washington Football Team, one against the New York Giants, and the season closer against the Dallas Cowboys.

AFC Playoff Contenders

The New England Patriots command the AFC after Bill Belichick’s club beat the Bills on Monday night. The Pats ran the ball on 47 of 50 plays, taking the mystery out of the play calling, yet the Bills still couldn’t seem to stop it.

New England now holds the bye and looks like the team to beat in the AFC. The Bills currently reside in the final playoff spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers right on their heels, thanks to a dramatic victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers, though, have a tough road to the playoffs. They’re already on the outside looking in and must face the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns.

The Indianapolis Colts sit at 7-6, while the Miami Dolphins are playing lights out on defense right now and have won five straight to improve to 6-7. Also, the Las Vegas Raiders, Browns, and Denver Broncos are at 6-6. We’re in for an exciting finish in the AFC.

Who Do You Have in the NFL Playoff Race?

There’s nothing like a good NFL playoff race to get you in the holiday spirit. This year should see even more drama thanks to the extra playoff spot, making the next five weeks of football must-see TV.

Head to BetMGM for all of this week’s online sports betting, and don’t forget to place your bets on this year’s NFC, AFC, and Super Bowl champion.