NFL Playoff Picture 2023: The NFL playoff race is heating up, and teams are jockeying for position as we approach the business end of the season. Let’s dive into the current NFL Playoff Picture 2023, breaking down the contenders and their remaining schedules.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2), AFC West leaders: Coming off a bye week, the Chiefs are gearing up for a Super Bowl 57 rematch against Philadelphia. With a win, they aim to solidify their standing for a sixth consecutive AFC title game at Arrowhead Stadium. The road ahead includes challenging matchups against the Raiders, Packers, Bills, and Patriots.
2. Baltimore Ravens (7-3), AFC North leaders: Despite a tough loss to the Browns, the Ravens remain atop the AFC North. Key games against LA’s teams loom large in their quest for the division crown. The schedule includes matchups against the Bengals, Chargers, Rams, and Steelers.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3), AFC South leaders: A setback against the Niners hasn’t derailed the Jaguars, who lead the AFC South. While the schedule looks challenging with three AFC North opponents remaining, the strength-of-victory tiebreaker keeps them ahead of Miami. Critical matchups against the Titans, Bengals, Ravens, and Panthers await.
4. Miami Dolphins (6-3), AFC East leaders: The Dolphins look to maintain their lead in the AFC East with upcoming games against the Raiders, Jets, Titans, and Bills. The schedule appears favorable, providing them with an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3), wild card No. 1: Despite an ugly win against the Packers, the Steelers are in prime wild card position. A challenging stretch includes matchups against the Browns, Bengals, Cardinals, and Patriots.
6. Cleveland Browns (6-3), wild card No. 2: The Browns aim to prove they’re better than the Steelers, with critical matchups against the Steelers, Broncos, Rams, and Bengals on the horizon.
7. Houston Texans (5-4), wild card No. 3: The Texans knocked the Bengals out of their wild card spot and look to secure their position with upcoming games against the Cardinals, Jaguars, and Browns.
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1), NFC East leaders: The Eagles boast the best record in the league but face a challenging five-week gauntlet. Key matchups against the Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, and Cowboys will test their mettle.
2. Detroit Lions (7-2), NFC North leaders: Looking to host playoff games at Ford Field, the Lions have a favorable schedule ahead, featuring matchups against the Bears, Packers, Saints, and Cowboys.
3. San Francisco 49ers (6-3), NFC West leaders: The Niners lead the NFC West, with crucial games against the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Eagles, and Ravens on the horizon.
4. New Orleans Saints (5-5), NFC South leaders: Battered QB Derek Carr gets a much-needed bye week as the Saints look to maintain their lead in the NFC South with matchups against the Falcons, Lions, Panthers, and Giants.
5. Seattle Seahawks (6-3), wild card No. 1: The Seahawks aim to wrestle divisional control from the Niners, facing critical matchups against the Rams, 49ers, Cowboys, and Steelers.
6. Dallas Cowboys (6-3), wild card No. 2: The Cowboys, on a winning streak, eye the opportunity to catch the Eagles in the NFC East with matchups against the Panthers, Commanders, Seahawks, and Eagles.
7. Minnesota Vikings (6-4), wild card No. 3: Overcoming a 1-4 start, the Vikings are now clear in the wild card race, facing key matchups against the Broncos, Bears, Raiders, Bengals, and Packers.
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The NFL playoff picture is dynamic, and every game counts as teams vie for postseason glory. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds.