NFL Playoffs Betting Update: Division Winners and Wild Card Teams Analysis

There is just one game left to play in Week 16, with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins set to lock horns on Monday night, after which there are just 2 weeks left in the NFL regular season. By this stage of the year, we usually have a pretty clear picture if what the postseason is going to look like, but things are tight in both conferences. The battle for playoff spots and division wins is one that looks set to go all the way down to the wire. That said, there are a few teams who have clinched, although with the seedings still up for grabs, we don’t yet know what the opening round of the playoffs will look like. Let’s see how it looks now as we break down both conferences with 2 weeks remaining so you can get ready to bet against the NFL Playoffs odds.

Updated AFC and NFC Division Winners, and Wild Card Teams Heading Into Playoffs

AFC Playoff Picture

Of the 4 division races, only 1 has been clinched to this point. The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the AFC West with a comfortable win over the Steelers in Week 16, but the remaining divisions are still up for grabs. The Buffalo Bills took control of the East with a huge win over the Patriots this past weekend. After a serious stumble, the Bills look to be getting back in form at just the right time. The Cincinnati Bengals destroyed the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 and now look like a good bet to be the surprise winners of the North. The South is down to a 2-horse race, and while the Tennessee Titans have the edge, the Indianapolis Colts are hot on their heels after a 3-game win streak.

It is the Colts, Patriots, and Ravens who are in the Wild Card spots in the AFC right now, but there are a handful of teams who could leapfrog them and get in. The Ravens look to be the most fragile of the group after losing 4 in a row, so you would certainly like them to be the team that misses out. Of the chasing pack, it is the Dolphins, who have won 6 in a row who might be the team to watch out for.

NFC Playoff Picture

While there are still some races to be decided, things in the NFC are a good deal clearer than they are in the AFC. The Dallas Cowboys are winners of 4 in a row and champions of the East, but they also still have a shot at #1 overall. The Green Bay Packers are going to be tough to knock off, though, as they have looked very good in winning the North. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already clinched the South and are also in the hunt for #1. The West will be won by the Rams or the Cardinals, with LA having the inside track after winning 4 in a row to also have themselves in position for the top seed.

The Cardinals will be in the postseason, but things get tight after that, with a handful of teams jockeying for the final 2 playoff spots. The 49ers and Eagles are in those spots right now, but things could change if the Saints are able to pull off the win over the Dolphins on Monday night.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?