Pittsburgh will host the Giants on Monday Night Football, while Arizona wins its second straight. Plus, the Chiefs and Lions maintain control of the top seeds in the AFC and NFC.
On Sunday, we saw a slew of wild finishes. The Cleveland Browns pulled the ultimate upset behind Jameis Winston, beating the Baltimore Ravens, 29–24. In Jacksonville, the Green Bay Packers survived a furious rally from the Jaguars, winning 30–27 on a game-winning, last-second kick for the second consecutive week.
The top teams also handled their business, including the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, with the latter winning on the road with ease. But how do the playoff races look? We break it all down below. Everything will be updated after the Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football games. Additionally, all playoff probabilities are courtesy of The Athletic’s model.
AFC: Who’s In
Mahomes had one of his best games of the season with a pair of touchdown passes in the Chiefs’ win over the Raiders on Sunday. Sylvanie Images the Steelers moved into first place in the AFC North due to the Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh plays on Monday night at home against the New York Giants.
Denver might be the surprise of the season. Bo Nix has played better in recent weeks, and the Broncos’s defense has been elite. If Denver can go to Baltimore and win in Week 9, it’s a statement and then some.
The Ravens looked like arguably the best team in football, and then watched Jameis Winston shred their defense for 333 passing yards in a 29–24 loss. Baltimore will host the Denver Broncos on Sunday in a key AFC game.
In the Hunt
Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis has a huge problem at quarterback. Joe Flacco is better than Anthony Richardson, but he’s also an aging veteran. Richardson is theoretically the future, but he’s completing less than half of his attempts. Shane Steichen needs to make a tough call, and soon.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati can’t stop anybody, giving up another 37 points Sunday to the Philadelphia Eagles. Next week, it’s the Raiders coming to the Queen City in a must-win game.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins controlled their game Sunday but somehow lost at the gun to Arizona. Now Miami heads to Buffalo, a place that has been a horror show for the Dolphins in recent years.
The Lions hung 52 points on the Tennessee Titans in an easy victory, despite Jared Goff throwing for fewer than 100 yards. Detroit has a tough schedule ahead, but also a real case as the NFC’s favorite by a wide margin.