If there’s one thing we can say with some certainty about the 2020 NFL playoff picture, it’s that the AFC is historically top-heavy. After Sunday’s games, all seven AFC playoff teams are 8-4 or better. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, it’s the first time since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger that one conference had that many teams with a winning percentage of .667 or better through Week 13. (The AFC also has four teams with three or fewer wins.)
Let’s take a closer look at where the NFL playoff picture sits with three games remaining in Week 13. (Remember, COVID-19 schedule shuffling means there are two games on Monday and one on Tuesday.) We’ll use ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) to provide context where necessary.
Note: X denotes a team that has clinched a playoff berth, Y shows a team that has clinched its division and Z indicates a team that has secured a first-round bye.
AFC
FPI chances to make playoffs: 99%
FPI chances to win division: 99%
The Steelers missed a chance to clinch a playoff spot on Sunday because the Raiders, Dolphins and Colts all won. But they can secure a spot as early as Monday if they defeat Washington. However, the Browns’ win Sunday means the Steelers can’t clinch the AFC North this week.
Up next: vs. Washington (Monday)
