Week 16 has begun and the 2023 NFL Playoffs are upon us. 6 different teams possible Win a playoff berth or division title this weekend. But which exactly are the most important matchups for the postseason race in the coming weeks?
Here, we’ve identified the 10 most important contests that will impact the playoffs.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, playoff percentages are from SportsLine simulations.
week: 16 | date: Saturday, December 23rd | time: 4:30pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Dreaming of running like Jake Browning’s Cinderella? Basically it comes down to this. A win against the upset Steelers would jump Cincy’s participation rate from 43% to nearly 66%, but a loss would drop the Bengals’ chances to 18%.
week: 16 | date: Sunday, December 24th | time: 1:00 PM ET
Even after upsetting the Eagles in Week 15, Seattle isn’t good enough to qualify for a wild card spot. However, a win against Tennessee, who recently upset the Dolphins, would jump their chances of making it to the postseason to 70%, but a loss would drop it to 35%.
week: 16 | date: Sunday, December 24th | time: 1:00 PM ET
Joe Flacco’s Browns are on track for an unlikely playoff berth. However, Houston could be on his last legs due to an injury to quarterback CJ Stroud. If Cleveland pulls off an upset, the chance of winning is 80%, but if they lose, the probability drops to 30%.
week: 16 | date: Sunday, December 24th | time: 1:00 PM ET
Atlanta is once again in the doldrums due to changing quarterbacks, but Indianapolis has a chance to move up even further with a win in the crowded AFC wild-card race, increasing their chances of making the playoffs from 58.7% to 77%. become. If you lose, it drops to 38%.
week: 16 | date: Sunday, December 24th | time: 1:00 PM ET
With a win, Detroit can clinch the NFC North (and therefore a playoff berth). The Vikings, on the other hand, need more of this. If he wins, his chances jump to 77% (up 25%), but if he loses, he is certain to miss the tournament altogether (37%).
week: 16 | date: Sunday, December 24th | time: 4:05pm ET
The Jaguars, who once had a 98% chance of making the playoffs, have lost three straight games and now have a 71.9% chance of making the playoffs. If he doesn’t beat Baker Mayfield, that chance drops to 55%, but if he wins, it jumps to 89%.
saints at buccaneers
week: 17 | date: Sunday, December 31st | time: 1:00 PM ET
Even if New Orleans loses to the Rams in Week 16, a win at Tampa Bay would give them a 52% chance of winning, according to The Upshot simulator, and the Falcons would be looming into Week 18. If they win just those two games, the Saints will be at 78%. A chance to get in.
week: 17 | date: Sunday, December 31st | time: 8:20pm ET
According to The Upshot, even if the Packers beat the Panthers in Week 16, a win against Minnesota here could increase their chances of making the playoffs to 61%, and they will face the Bears in Week 18. is approaching. On the other hand, if they lose, they will almost disappear. Lower them to 3%.
week: 18 | date: TBA | time: to be decided
Even if the Rams lose to the Saints in Week 16, they have a 73% chance of defeating the Giants in Week 17 and clinching a postseason berth by upsetting San Francisco, which rests or does not rest its starting pitchers to close out the year. be.
All Eagles vs. Cowboys games through Week 18
OK, this is cheating the rules a bit, but seriously, the NFC East title is on the line. Dallas currently holds the lead in the division standings, with both teams tied at 10-4. However, if Philadelphia wins against the Giants (twice) and Cardinals, the Eagles will secure a tiebreaker tied to the strength of their wins. Both clubs have already clinched their playoff berths, but where they are seeded and who is likely to get home-field advantage could go a long way in defining the NFC race.