NFL · 2 hours ago

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 8

Grant White

Host · Writer

15. Seattle Seahawks
Heading into this week's action, the Seattle Seahawks sit behind the Green Bay Packers for the final wild card spot. Nevertheless, we give the long-term advantage to the defending Super Bowl champs.

For starters, it's incredibly unlikely that all four NFC North teams make the playoffs. Of that bunch, the Packers have the weakest position. More notably, the Seahawks have better offensive and defensive metrics, which should translate to more wins in the short term.

The gap between playoff and non-playoff teams is widening. As that divide continues to form, we trust the Seahawks to be on the right side.
1. Minnesota Vikings
No one had the Minnesota Vikings as the last remaining undefeated team on their bingo cards. Yet, here they are, reigning atop the NFL.

Through six games, the Vikings have conceded just 74 points on defense. At the same time, Kyler Murray has this offense churning.

Standing 6-0, the Vikings are already a virtual lock for the playoffs.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have assumed their usual spot atop the AFC standings.

The Patrick Mahomes-led offense has sparkled with the addition of Kenneth Walker. Likewise, the Chiefs have reasserted themselves as a formidable defensive foe. Surely, that's not a combination to be trifled with come playoff time.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Cross-country treks rarely fare well for West Coast teams. The San Francisco 49ers validated that unflattering trend following their Week 7 loss to the Falcons.

Despite the setback, the Niners contend as one of the premier teams in the league. Kyle Shanahan has the offense motoring, and their defense has kept some dynamic offenses at bay.

San Francisco will compete for the first-round playoff bye.
4. Buffalo Bills
It hasn't always looked easy, but the Buffalo Bills consistently find ways to win.

Buffalo has built itself a comfortable lead in the AFC East, but the Bills will be tested. They face a gauntlet of tough opponents, with a challenging road schedule.

If some of those close results don't go their way, the Bills could slip down our rankings.
5. Chicago Bears
We can excuse the Chicago Bears for their two flat efforts against division foes. This is still a team that looks ready to go on an extended playoff run.

Chicago has leveled up its play in 2026. Thanks to Ben Johnson, the Bears rank in the top ten in most offensive and defensive categories.

We fully expect this team to close the gap on Minnesota before the end of the season.
6. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos will push the Chiefs to the limit in the AFC West. In doing so, they will tighten their grip on a playoff spot.

An early-season loss to the Chiefs put the Broncos behind the eight-ball. Nevertheless, they've rattled off wins in five of their last six, including wins against some top-tier opponents.

The AFC playoff race is tightening up. The Broncos still find themselves near the front of the pack.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have claimed dominion over the AFC South, bolstering their playoff chances.

The Jags dropped their latest battle versus the Texans. Still, they have two more wins and three fewer losses than the next closest division competitors.

Jacksonville needs to press its advantage as it wanders further into its divisional schedule.
8. New York Giants
John Harbaugh has transformed the New York Giants into a contender. With the rest of the NFC East struggling, the Giants appear set for their triumphant return to the playoffs.

The connotation of "ties" is that they are one fewer win, thereby negatively impacting a team's chances of a playoff spot. In the Giants' case, they have one fewer loss than their NFC East foes, which could be the difference at the end of the season.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers continues to defy time with his on-field performances. With that, he's carrying the Pittsburgh Steelers back into the playoffs.

As it stands, the Steelers occupy a wild-card berth. However, we like their chances of contending for the AFC North crown. Pittsburgh's defense has rekindled its former glory, which should be enough to carry the Steelers into the playoffs.
10. Detroit Lions
We are believers in Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions.

The Lions are always ready to compete, which was evident in last week's win over the Packers. Their resolve is consistently tested, and Campbell's group always finds a way to pass.

Detroit needs to maintain that pedigree if it hopes to return to the playoffs.
11. Cleveland Browns
There are five AFC teams with five wins already. Not surprisingly, we have the Cleveland Browns ranked as the lowest.

Cleveland's resurgence is noteworthy, but not without its red flags. The Browns have a negative point differential, with three of their five wins coming against teams with losing records.

We're less confident in the Browns' chances of maintaining their current form throughout the regular season.
12. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but have plenty of runway left to make up that ground.

Statistically, the Pats are better than their record implies. They rank in the top 12 in total offense and defense, delivering on both sides of the football. When they aren't playing from behind, we still get the championship-caliber version of this team.

New England can't cede any more ground in the standings. It's time to deliver more consistent efforts.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
We're not convinced this Cincinnati Bengals team has what it takes to make the playoffs. For now, they have a tenuous grip on a wild-card spot.

Cincinnati has made significant strides on defense, but it still lacks a winning pedigree. The Bengals rank 25th in total defense and 23rd in pass defense, a steep departure from their eighth-ranked scoring defense.

As those metrics balance out, we should see the Bengals fall in the standings.
14. Carolina Panthers
Every year, it seems the NFC South champion is crowned by default. That's the case again this season, with the Carolina Panthers reluctantly sitting atop the standings.

The Panthers and Falcons both head into Week 8 with a negative point differential. In fact, the only team with a positive margin in the division is the 2-5 Buccaneers.

As was the case in 2025, this year's NFC South winner will be decided in the final week of the season. Until then, the team in this spot should continue to oscillate.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Heading into this week's action, the Seattle Seahawks sit behind the Green Bay Packers for the final wild card spot. Nevertheless, we give the long-term advantage to the defending Super Bowl champs.

For starters, it's incredibly unlikely that all four NFC North teams make the playoffs. Of that bunch, the Packers have the weakest position. More notably, the Seahawks have better offensive and defensive metrics, which should translate to more wins in the short term.

The gap between playoff and non-playoff teams is widening. As that divide continues to form, we trust the Seahawks to be on the right side.
1. Minnesota Vikings
No one had the Minnesota Vikings as the last remaining undefeated team on their bingo cards. Yet, here they are, reigning atop the NFL.

Through six games, the Vikings have conceded just 74 points on defense. At the same time, Kyler Murray has this offense churning.

Standing 6-0, the Vikings are already a virtual lock for the playoffs.

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 8

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES