NFL · 1 hour ago

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 7

Grant White

Host · Writer

15. Cleveland Browns
We thought Kevin Stefanski was holding the Cleveland Browns together with duct tape and willpower. Six weeks into the season, the Browns look like a legitimate playoff contender. They have three straight road games on the immediate horizon, meaning this was their token inclusion before they fall into old habits.
1. San Francisco 49ers
There is no disputing the San Francisco 49ers' sheer dominance this season. Standing 6-0 with road wins against their top two intra-divisional foes, the Niners are well on their way to a playoff spot. Dare we say, an undefeated regular season is very much on the table.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
An early-season bye strengthens the Kansas City Chiefs' outlook in the short term. Still, three of their next four come on the road against playoff-caliber opponents. We're about to see what the Chiefs are made of.
3. Buffalo Bills
A 5-1 record stands in stark contrast to the Buffalo Bills' actual on-field outcomes. Their last two wins have come by a combined six points, and they have just one double-digit win on the season. Time to toughen up on defense, Buffalo.
4. Minnesota Vikings
There was no assuming the Minnesota Vikings would start the season with a perfect 5-0 record. Yet here we are, with the Vikings ruling atop the NFC North. Their November schedule will reveal what this team is actually about.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Even after an overseas loss to a division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars are still the class of the AFC South. They have a week to rest up and a winnable home game before embarking on a three-game road trip. Their playoff position could weaken after that stretch.
6. Chicago Bears
Arguably, no team has been as hot and as cold as the Chicago Bears. Caleb Williams is back in the saddle. He will be the difference-maker as this team looks to secure its grip on a playoff spot and challenge the Vikings for divisional supremacy.
7. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots' tumultuous start is a thing of the past. Winners of three straight, the gap between the Pats and other wild card contenders continues to grow.
8. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have looked like division contenders in recent weeks. Their defense has been one of the best in October, and their passing game has come to life. With Josh Jacobs back in the fold, this team could rocket up the standings and our rankings in a hurry.
9. Denver Broncos
We are apprehensive about having the Denver Broncos this high on our list. Bo Nix has been completely underwhelming, meaning the Broncos will have to lean into their defense if they hope to go on a run. Another few lackluster performances from Nix could relegate Denver from the playoff conversation.
10. New York Giants
Every year, the NFC East finds new ways to disappoint. The Eagles are dealing with injury woes. Somehow, the Cowboys have sunk further into their sorrows. And the Commanders continue to suck. That means this is the New York Giants' division to lose, but anything could happen in the NFC East.
11. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are the highest-ranked "non-playoff" team on our list. Tied for a 4-2 record with two other teams, Baltimore has looked like the most competent of the bunch. We're willing to bet they validate our confidence with strong showings over the coming weeks.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
Where would the Pittsburgh Steelers be without Aaron Rodgers? The future Hall of Famer looks like the most competent passer in the division. Moreover, the Steelers possess one of the sturdiest defenses. It will once again come down to Pittsburgh versus Baltimore, and we're not discounting the Steelers' chances.
13. Carolina Panthers
Everyone should be rooting for Bryce Young. Early in his career, he looked like the latest bust. But things have come together for the Alabama product. The Atlanta Falcons will continue to breathe down the Carolina Panthers' necks, but Young can keep his teammates in front.
14. Seattle Seahawks
It could come down to a coin flip between the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions for the final wild card spot in the NFC. We trust the defending champs to figure out their schemes and go on a mid-season run.
15. Cleveland Browns
We thought Kevin Stefanski was holding the Cleveland Browns together with duct tape and willpower. Six weeks into the season, the Browns look like a legitimate playoff contender. They have three straight road games on the immediate horizon, meaning this was their token inclusion before they fall into old habits.
1. San Francisco 49ers
There is no disputing the San Francisco 49ers' sheer dominance this season. Standing 6-0 with road wins against their top two intra-divisional foes, the Niners are well on their way to a playoff spot. Dare we say, an undefeated regular season is very much on the table.

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 7

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