As the NFL regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is getting clearer, but there are still important spots up for grabs in both the AFC and NFC. With several playoff berths already secured, the battle for the remaining spots is intense. The ESPN Analytics' live NFL playoff chances give fans an updated look at each team's postseason likelihood as the Week 17 and Week 18 games unfold.
In the AFC, teams like the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots have clinched playoff berths, but the No. 1 seed is still up for grabs. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans are also in the mix for postseason positions. The AFC North title race between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is coming down to the wire, adding to the excitement of the final weeks of the regular season.
Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers are among the teams that have secured playoff spots. The race for the NFC South crown between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one to watch closely, as both teams aim to secure a postseason berth with strong performances in the remaining games.
As some teams gear up for a playoff run, others are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. With 28 teams vying for the top prospects, including standout players like Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, and Jeremiyah Love, the draft order for the bottom 18 teams is crucial. The draft will play a significant role in shaping the future of these franchises, making it a key focus for teams preparing for the offseason.
The live playoff probabilities provided by ESPN Analytics offer fans a real-time look at each team's chances as the games progress. Utilizing a combination of win probabilities and the Football Power Index cFPIc projections, these live updates provide valuable insights into the evolving playoff scenarios, division races, and seeding possibilities. The projections also extend to the 2026 draft order, giving fans a glimpse into the future of the league.
As teams continue to battle on the field, the playoff picture will become clearer with each passing game. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the regular season reaches its thrilling conclusion, setting the stage for an exciting postseason in the NFL.
