Smarter game analysis, predictive playoff brackets, insightful power rankings, and more - all updated daily and always free.
Inside the Lines' model has all four home teams advancing, including Oklahoma despite being a 1.5-point underdog. The simulations also project 12-seed JMU to cover as a +21.5 underdog, while Texas A&M (-3.5) and Ole Miss (-16.5) are both expected to cover as home favorites.
Path: Division title only
The Ravens need to finish at least tied with Pittsburgh.
Must beat Steelers head to head for the tiebreak.
What it means:
If Baltimore wins one game and beats Pittsburgh (or wins the tiebreak), they're very alive. If not, they're likely out.
Path: Division or Wild Card
As long as Buffalo wins one game, they make the playoffs almost every time.
What it means:
The Bills are essentially locked in. A total collapse is the only way they miss.
Path: Division title only
Carolina must outpace Tampa Bay.
The head-to-head matchups versus the Bucs are critical.
What it means:
There's no safety net. The Panthers need to win at least two of last three.
Path: Division or Wild Card
Winning one game puts Chicago in great shape.
Games against Green Bay and Detroit matter a lot for tiebreaks.
What it means:
The Bears control most of their destiny. Beat a division rival and things clear up quickly.
Path: Division title only
Dallas must win out, and Philadelphia lose out.
Also needs help from Commanders and Giants.
What it means:
Still alive, but barely. Almost everything has to go right.
Path: Clinched
What it means:
Broncos are locked. Anything else is just about seeding.
Path: Division or Wild Card
Detroit needs at least one win to stay alive.
Beating Minnesota is a major boost.
What it means:
The Lions are alive, but they need help. A division win goes a long way.
Path: Division or Wild Card
One win puts Green Bay in excellent shape.
Wins over Minnesota or Chicago clean up tiebreaks.
What it means:
The Packers are very close. Handle business once and they're in.
Path: Division or Wild Card
Houston makes it almost every time they win one game.
What it means:
The Texans are in great shape and don't need chaos.
Path: Division or Wild Card
Indianapolis likely needs to win two of three.
Beating Houston and Jacksonville is especially important.
What it means:
The Colts need a strong finish and can't afford many mistakes.
Path: Division or Wild Card
One win gets Jacksonville in nearly every scenario.
What it means:
The Jaguars are basically in. Avoid disaster and they're good.
Path: Division or Wild Card
Winning one game is usually enough.
A win over Denver helps with tiebreaks.
What it means:
The Chargers are in strong position and control their fate.
Path: Clinched
What it means:
Rams are locked in. Everything from here is about playoff positioning.
Path: Division or Wild Card
One win all but guarantees a playoff spot.
What it means:
The Patriots are essentially in.
Path: Division title only
Philadelphia just needs to avoid a total collapse.
What it means:
The Eagles are all but locked into the postseason.
Path: Division title only
Pittsburgh needs to win two games.
Beating Baltimore is the biggest swing.
What it means:
Win the division, you're in. Lose it, you're out.
Path: Division or Wild Card
One win clinches in nearly every scenario.
What it means:
Seattle is basically locked.
Path: Division or Wild Card
One win seals it almost every time.
Beating Seattle simplifies things.
What it means:
The 49ers are in great shape.
Path: Division title only
Tampa Bay must stay ahead of Carolina.
Head-to-head vs. CAR is huge.
What it means:
Win the division and you're in. Simple as that.
With the CFP bracket officially set, Inside the Lines has run full simulations across every game and every round to project this year's National Champion. Our model gives Georgia, the No. 3 seed, the most favorable path to the title. In the final, we project the Bulldogs as 5-point favorites over Indiana.
