NFL Playoff Picture: Playoff Matchups Updated For Week 15

Written By

Christopher Feery

Updated on

The NFL playoff picture continues to take shape as we get set for Week 15. The San Francisco 49ers became the first team to clinch a spot following the results of last week, and clinching scenarios are in play for a handful of clubs this week. 

There are several clear favorites to reach the postseason in both conferences, while the battle for the final spots is shaping up to be competitive. Each week, we review the current NFL playoff odds and examine what the seeds and matchups would look like if the playoffs started today. 

AFC playoff odds in Week 15

Based on the current standings, here’s how the seeds and matchups would shake out on the AFC side of the postseason bracket: 

The Ravens have taken over the top spot in the conference and are the only AFC club to reach 10 wins thus far. The team could wrap up a spot this week with a victory over the Jaguars on Sunday Night Football, plus losses or ties by the Steelers and Bills in their respective games. 

While Baltimore holds the lead for the top seed in the AFC for now, the race is far from over. The same is true for spots two through seven. Here are the current odds for the realistic AFC contenders that remain alive in the hunt, in order by their current place in the conference standings. 

The Dolphins, Chiefs, and Jaguars are all favored to win in the latest division odds. However, all three teams are looking to rebound from losses last time out. In fact, Kansas City and Jacksonville will each be aiming to snap two-game skids. Meanwhile, the Browns are 8-5 and hold a one-game lead in the chase for the top wild card spot.  

Behind Cleveland, the next six teams on the list share matching records of 7-6. The Steelers and Colts are in position for the final two seeds for now based on tiebreakers, but the picture will continue to shift based on this week’s results. There are two conference games in particular to pay attention to:  

The winner of Pittsburgh vs. Indianapolis has a great chance of holding onto one of the wild card slots in next week’s standings, while the loser could take a tumble down the odds board. The Ravens can further bolster their conference lead with a win, while a loss could open the door for another team to pounce. 

Meanwhile, Jacksonville’s lead in the AFC South is just a single game over both the Colts and Texans. Victories for either — plus a Jaguars loss — would make the AFC South even more wide open heading into the final three weeks of regular season action, while a Jacksonville victory would keep the Jaguars on pace for a top-four seed.    

NFC playoff odds in Week 15

Here are the NFC seeds and matchups based on the latest standings. 

The 49ers have already clinched a postseason berth and could lock up the NFC West title with a victory over the Cardinals this week. The Cowboys and Eagles have “win and in” scenarios in play. Dallas travels to take on the Bills on Sunday, while Philadelphia is on the road for Monday Night Football against the Seahawks. 

The Lions could also secure a spot with a win over the Broncos, plus losses or ties by the Seahawks and Packers. Outside of these four clubs, the NFC race is open, with a group of 7-6 and 6-7 teams jockeying for position. Below are the remaining NFC playoff contenders, in order by standings along with their odds of reaching the postseason. 

The Buccaneers hold the lead in the NFC South for now with a record of 6-7 due to tiebreakers, with the Falcons and Saints sharing the same mark. Regardless of the final record of the eventual winner, a division title grants them a top-four seed in the playoffs. The two clubs that come up short could still be in the wild card mix. 

The chase for those three spots appears to be a toss-up. The Vikings have the best record of the group in the hunt at 7-6, while the Packers, Rams, and Seahawks are all 6-7, along with the trio of NFC South teams. This week, we have two NFC games with a chance to have a large impact on the race:

Tampa Bay took over the top spot in the NFC South with a win over the Falcons last week. A victory over the Packers keeps the Buccaneers there. A loss would open the door for the Saints and Falcons to make a move with wins in their respective games over the Giants and Panthers. Green Bay holds the seventh seed due to tiebreakers and needs a victory to maintain pace.   

The Eagles can lock up a spot with a win over the Seahawks. The club is looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the 49ers and Cowboys. The Seahawks are looking to snap a four-game skid of their own that has seen the team fall to 6-7. Prior to its recent struggles, Seattle appeared to be in line for the fifth seed. 

Projected Super Bowl 58 matchups for Week 15

Just four weeks remain in the NFL regular season, and betting odds on the winner of Super Bowl 58 continue to move. At most legal online sportsbooks, just six teams have odds of +1000 or less to win the big game.  

Based on the latest odds, potential matchups for Super Bowl 58 include the following: 

The 49ers are the overall favorite in Super Bowl betting odds. The 10-3 club has a chance to wrap up the NFC West this week. The Ravens, Eagles, and Cowboys all have clinching scenarios in play. While Kansas City remains among the favorites, the club’s odds have taken a tumble in the wake of a two-game losing streak.   

Behind the Dolphins in the latest odds, just two other clubs are at +3000 or less at most books: the Bills and Lions . Buffalo plays the Cowboys on Sunday and could climb even further with a victory, while Detroit hosts the Broncos on Saturday night.

Christopher Feery Avatar

Christopher Feery

Christopher has been writing professionally for several years, covering sports for multiple outlets along the way. Following the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey in 2018, the industry quickly became his sole content focus. He contributes analysis, guides, and reviews to Legal Sports Report and other sites within the Catena Media network.

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