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While the NFL Power Rankings are a weekly thing, its never too early to leap ahead and look towards the playoffs. With approximately a quarter of the season in the books, thats what were doing.
This week, we identified each teams postseason chances, according to the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI), then we had each NFL Nation author speak about those percentages and how they relate to the teams they cover.
How we rank in our Power Rankings: Our power panel– a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV characters– examines how teams accumulate throughout the season.
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Week 4 ranking: 27.
Adam Schefter information how the NFL will deal with the Titans coronavirus outbreak and scheduling versatility for the remainder of the season.
Week 4 ranking: 7.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 25.4%.
OK, theyre not extremely good, however thats basically a requirement to play in the NFC East, which has a combined record of 3-12-1 through four weeks. Dallas doesnt should have to be heavy favorites in anything right now, unless were voting for many overhyped group of the past years.
Week 4 ranking: 3.
Week 4 ranking: 17.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 68.7%.
They have actually struggled in protection in permitting too numerous huge plays. Their saving grace is that they play in the NFC East. They will be in it till the end, but that portion seems too high, particularly with what should be a more difficult close to the season than beginning.
Week 4 ranking: 25.
FPI playoff portion: 5.0%.
This may be a tad low offered there are seven playoff spots this season– and Miami still gets to play the Jets two times– however this is in the ballpark. Its unlikely the Dolphins will be a playoff group this season, as they are a bit too young with holes in essential areas.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 70.3%.
After winning the AFC East for 11 straight years, its significant that the Patriots dont have the greatest FPI in the division; that rightfully goes to the Bills at this time. They may be able to get by for a couple of video games without him, however Newton puts the Patriots closer to contender status.
Week 4 ranking: 12.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 4.5%.
That figure is perfect for how the Falcons had been playing through the very first 4 weeks. You do not should have much of a pass when you blow two fourth-quarter leads of 15-plus points in successive weeks. It might take a miracle for them to return into playoff contention. Again, the Falcons fully comprehend from Super Bowl LI that miracles do occur for some groups.– Vaughn McClure.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 17.9%.
Two wins in a row offer the Panthers optimism toward moving into the last playoff spot. And thats possible in what appears to be a down year for the NFC. They have been in every video game and revealed improvement every week, which likewise is a great indication. The next 4 video games versus Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans and the Falcons again will be essential because it gets harder after that; Carolina requires to go 2-2, at worst, and more likely 3-1 to have a possibility to be relevant down the stretch. This is a young team with talent that need to be playing its finest during the second half of the season.– David Newton.
Week 4 ranking: 6.
Week 4 ranking: 1
FPI chance to make playoffs: 40.0%.
The Bears are the softest 3-1 team in the NFL. It took a pair of improbable comebacks for Chicago to beat doormats Detroit and Atlanta, and the Bears nearly blew a 17-point lead versus the Giants, so this is too high. Sundays awful 19-11 loss to the Colts verified that the Bears are not ready for prime-time television. Perhaps– by virtue of getting off to such a good start– the Bears manage to slip into the playoffs, however those chances are no higher than 25%.– Jeff Dickerson.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 75.6%.
With a heavy gantlet turning up, this seems simply right for the 3-0 Steelers. Between a 13-game stretch to end the season and all of their divisional video games staying, the Steelers have a hard roadway to reaching the playoffs for the very first time since 2017. Through three games, nevertheless, theyve shown they have the best mix of a well balanced offense and a championship-level defense to navigate that tough schedule.– Brooke Pryor.
Week 4 ranking: 9.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 69.5%.
It is affordable that the Titans lose the bulk of those video games, though Tennessee is a group that has a practice of playing up to the competitors. Possibly the most significant challenge is the current coronavirus outbreak that decimated the Titans roster and caused last weeks video game to be held off. The week off did offer players such as Taylor Lewan, Adoree Jackson and A.J. Brown extra time to get healthy.
Week 4 ranking: 23.
Week 4 ranking: 22.
Week 4 ranking: 26.
Week 4 ranking: 29.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 94.1%.
This seems about right unless the injury bug– which the Packers mainly prevented last season– keeps getting worse. Last week, they played without Davante Adams, and then his replacement, Allen Lazard, suffered a core muscle injury at some point during his big game (six catches for 146 lawns and a touchdown) and had surgical treatment.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 10.2%.
The factor its this high, of course, is since of their division. Still, Dallas is a messed up onside kick away from being 0-4, so there should not be such a big space between the Cowboys and the rest of the department. However Washingtons total youth and inexperience at quarterback makes it a long shot even in a bad department. If Washington gets more constant quarterback play, it has a possibility. : In the past 20 years, Washington has actually begun 1-3 3 times and hasnt yet completed much better than 6-10. Naturally, that may win the department by a game this year.– John Keim.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 27.3%.
Sure, the past 2 losses have actually been dispiriting, and another thumping at Kansas City might be in the offing. Getting in the season, a 2-3 record at the bye would have been just great, thank you very much, and a nice springboard into a schedule that lightens up a bit after stated bye. Long as the Raiders defense can figure out some things.
Week 4 ranking: 18.
Week 4 ranking: 13.
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FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 17.4%.
There may not be enough time for Arizona to rebound for a playoff area– even with wins in the next 2 contests against the Jets and Cowboys– due to a fairly difficult schedule after Week 6. The first six video games was the stretch of the season when Arizona might have favorably identified its playoff fate.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 5.6%.
This figure might be right, but as novice quarterback Justin Herbert continues to grow and impress within the system, the Chargers really well could go on a late winning streak and squeak in. Having RB Austin Ekeler likely out with a hamstring/knee injury implies that novice Joshua Kelley requires to hang on to the ball after key fumbles in the past 2 video games. The defense needs to improve at requiring turnovers. The Chargers have actually been so close– all three losses were within one rating– and they require to find out how to bust through.– Shelley Smith.
FPI chance to make playoffs: 4.9%.
Just one team in NFL history has actually ever started a season 0-4 and made the playoffs (the 1992 Chargers), and the Texans do not look like the second, specifically after shooting head coach/general manager Bill OBrien on Monday. Houston had a tough start to the season with video games against the Chiefs, Ravens and Steelers, but their revealing against the now 1-3 Vikings indicates theyre not a playoff group in 2020.
Week 4 ranking: 28.
– From Lambeau Leap to D.C. catastrophe – SoFis huge videoboard targets GenZ – Raiders ready the Death Star.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 4.6%.
History suggests this is almost ideal: Since 1980, just 6 teams have actually made the playoffs after starting the season 0-3, the record the Broncos were sitting on till they beat the equally struggling Jets on Thursday night. The schedule doesnt do them any favors, with a contest at New England on Sunday, two tilts versus the Chiefs and a video game each versus the Bills and Saints. There are 6 beginners currently on injured reserve, consisting of Von Miller and Courtland Sutton, and thats in addition to quarterback Drew Lock having actually currently missed 2 video games and running back Phillip Lindsay having actually sat out three. Even with a broadened playoff field, the Broncos have the most uphill of climbs,– Jeff Legwold.
Week 4 ranking: 2.
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FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 96.1%.
The Ravens have the second-easiest staying schedule, according to FPI. Baltimore is preferred by more than a touchdown in eight of its last 12 regular-season video games. November presents the most challenging month, with games against the Steelers (twice), Colts, Patriots and Titans.
Previous Lions QB Dan Orlovsky thinks Matt Patricia was set up for success when he took the head training job in Detroit, however has actually stopped working to take accountability throughout his dull tenure.
Already at 3-1, with numerous other anticipated AFC wild-card competitors such as Denver and Houston faltering, the Browns seem to have a much better than 50% possibility of lastly snapping the leagues longest playoff dry spell (18 years). There may not be enough time for Arizona to rebound for a playoff spot– even with wins in the next two contests against the Jets and Cowboys– due to a fairly difficult schedule after Week 6. That is part of the Vikings plan for winning games, however till this offense can routinely win shootouts versus other high-octane offenses, the Vikings playoff possibilities look dim. Just one group in NFL history has ever started a season 0-4 and made the playoffs (the 1992 Chargers), and the Texans do not look like the second, particularly after shooting head coach/general manager Bill OBrien on Monday. History suggests this is simply about best: Since 1980, just 6 groups have actually made the playoffs after starting the season 0-3, the record the Broncos were sitting on till they beat the similarly struggling Jets on Thursday night.
Week 4 ranking: 19.
Week 4 ranking: 10.
2 RelatedFPI chance to make playoffs: 70.8%.
Seventy percent feels a tad optimistic, thinking about the Saints lackluster start to the season. They would in fact be the last wild-card team in the NFC if the season ended today, and they have an important head-to-head win over the division-rival Buccaneers under their belt. And the Saints are bound to get better after WR Michael Thomas and other essential gamers return from injuries?
play1:43.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 99.5%.
A lot has to go wrong for the Chiefs to miss out on the playoffs, however 99.5% sounds a little too high in a season where so much is unknown. The Chiefs are in the midst of a stretch in which theyre playing 3 video games in 11 days. Last year, the Chiefs struck a midseason stretch where they lost 4 of 6 video games and didnt look like legitimate Super Bowl competitors.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 7.6%.
The Bengals are 3-1 versus the spread, which indicates theyve been much better than their record shows and are capable of an amazing playoff push. This team is still simply too far away from being genuinely competitive for a playoff berth in 2020. The Bengals require to find a method to win close games, continue QB Joe Burrows development and determine how to be more constant on defense before a postseason push becomes a real possibility.– Ben Baby.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 94.4%.
In spite of shaky play from their defense and a host of injuries, the unbeaten Seahawks are sitting pretty, and this figure seems simply. Theyre atop of the NFC West and 2 video games up on the 49ers. They must be greatly favored Sunday in your home in prime time versus the 1-3 Vikings. The Seahawks bye after that must assist them get closer to full strength when they play Arizona in Week 7. With their strong start and quarterback Russell Wilson once again playing at an MVP level, it would take something catastrophic for Seattle to miss out on the playoffs, specifically now that 7 groups make it instead of six.– Brady Henderson.
Rex Ryan blasts the Cowboys defensive efforts versus the Browns after permitting 49 points to Cleveland and 108 over the last three video games.
Week 4 ranking: 16.
Week 4 ranking: 4.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 79.0%.
The Rams are possibly a doubtful call away from being 4-0 after staging an excellent 25-point, come-from-behind effort in Buffalo that fell simply brief of a win. They are in second location behind the Seahawks in the NFC West and a game up on the 49ers and Cardinals. The rest of their schedule, outside of the division and contests versus the Buccaneers and Patriots, does not appear daunting enough to keep them from securing among 7 NFC playoff areas. The offense and defense have appeared dominant sometimes, however finding consistency will be key in keeping their position. Therefore far, injuries have actually not been a significant issue.– Lindsey Thiry.
Week 4 ranking: 30.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 1.3%.
FPI chance to make playoffs: 67.8%.
The Browns offense looks legitimate, even if it will have to weather losing RB Nick Chubb for the next couple of weeks to a knee injury. Cleveland also has the second-easiest remaining schedule. So currently at 3-1, with numerous other anticipated AFC wild-card contenders such as Denver and Houston faltering, the Browns appear to have a much better than 50% possibility of lastly snapping the leagues longest playoff dry spell (18 years).– Jake Trotter.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 87.3%.
Wow, thats high. However as Scotty Miller stated of Tom Brady, “How can you not think in him? Hes the biggest to ever do it.” Brady engineered a 17-point return to beat the Chargers on Sunday– the second-biggest rally in franchise history– throwing 5 goals to 5 various receivers. A big part of this will be overcoming the lack of playoff experience for lots of on the team and injuries to crucial skill-position players. Brady has actually lacked Pro Bowl pass receiver Chris Godwin for 2 games, tight end O.J. Howard is likely done for the season and the QBs game-winning goal on Sunday was thrown to his fourth-string running back, KeShawn Vaughn. Theyre going to need all their young guys to step up every week.– Jenna Laine.
play1:12.
Week 4 ranking: 32.
FPI chance to make playoffs: 0.2%.
This might be too high, and thats not a joke. They cant score, cant secure the quarterback, cant cover, cant deal with and cant assist themselves when it comes to dumb charges. Consider: They have scored just 5 touchdowns, three of which came on damaged plays when QB Sam Darnold made something out of absolutely nothing.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 72.9%.
This is too expensive, however not by much. The Colts have taken advantage of the very first part of their schedule by winning 3 video games against groups that are a combined 4-8 this season. The Colts have actually proved they do not require Philip Rivers to control every week. Thats because their defense has actually been the stingiest in the NFL up until now. The Colts will need to continue to be a total group the rest of the method since they still have Green Bay, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Tennessee (twice) turning up.– Mike Wells.
Week 4 ranking: 20.
Week 4 ranking: 24.
Week 4 ranking: 8.
play1:23.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 5.1%.
The Lions are in a bad location at the minute at 1-3 heading into their bye. Theyre unable to stop the run, and they have a mostly invisible pass rush and an offense with major inconsistencies. Detroits greatest hope is its October and November schedule, which features only one team (Indianapolis) with a winning record through 4 weeks. If Detroit can capitalize, it has a chance of having the ability to play video games that matter in December. The Lions have to enhance a lot– a lot– in between now and then for that to take place.– Michael Rothstein.
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FPI chance to make playoffs: 22.7%.
The Vikings grabbed their first win of the season by beating an inefficient Houston squad. And still, Minnesota couldnt close out a team it had a 31-16 lead on with 10:50 to play without a late-game scare. That is part of the Vikings plan for winning games, however until this offense can consistently win shootouts versus other high-octane offenses, the Vikings playoff chances look dim.
Week 4 ranking: 21.
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Week 4 ranking: 11.
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FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 61.4%.
In previous years, this would probably be too high, however with seven playoff spots offered for the very first time, the Niners still have a good shot to get back to the postseason despite their disappointing start. This team has actually been ravaged by injuries but ought to get many of the essential gamers back in the next couple of weeks.
Week 4 ranking: 31.
The Giants may be getting– incrementally– much better, but theyre still a long way from being able to make the postseason. They still have not shown capable of winning a video game, and they have to play the rest of the season without their finest player, Saquon Barkley. Without consistent offense, you cant produce constant wins and make a run at the postseason.
Week 4 ranking: 5.
Week 4 ranking: 15.
FPI possibility to make playoffs: 1.6%.
The Jaguars are giving up 29.3 points and 399.5 lawns per video game– and theyve got key players injured from a system that was unable to stop anyone. When you take a look at the QBs the Jaguars need to face from here on out– Ben Roethlisberger, Matthew Stafford, Deshaun Watson, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson and Kirk Cousins– its tough to see them stopping any of them. The offense is going to need to outscore opponents weekly, and while it is much better than it was the past two seasons, theres still not adequate playmakers to do that.– Mike DiRocco.
Dan Orlovsky competes that the Texans shooting coach and general manager Bill OBrien is the very best thing that might happen to quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Week 4 ranking: 14.
FPI opportunity to make playoffs: 91.7%.
The only thing keeping this number from being even greater is Buffalos defensive battles through 4 video games, but that system showed serious indications of life during a Week 4 win over the Raiders. The Bills have the seventh-hardest staying schedule according to FPI, however if this defense can return to the top-three form weve seen from it each of the past two seasons, Buffalo will be contending for an AFC title– and perhaps a Super Bowl.
