Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
This week’s NFL power rankings have some big jumpers. With the middle of the pack so tightly grouped together, several teams can jump four or five other teams with a win or drop behind just as many with a loss. There are currently seven teams better than 6-5 with another seven at exactly 6-5. With six more at 5-6 and seven at 4-7, there are really only five teams without at least a decent shot at the playoffs. Of the thirteen teams that are 5-6 or 4-7, a playoff spot will likely require winning every game left on their schedule. Each team’s chances are a little bit different, but let’s take a look at the Lions’ chances to see just what kind of challenge lies ahead for each of these teams.
To determine the Lions’ playoff odds, the NY Times made a handy little playoff simulator. For Detroit to make the playoffs, they don’t have to win out. They can technically make the playoffs at 8-8, but the odds for the Lions to get in at 8-8 are about 5 – 10%. That’s not very good. If the Lions win out, however, their odds increase to about a 60% chance of making the playoffs, a significant difference.
So the Lions have to win out, what next? The easiest way to plot your rooting interests is that you should be pulling for NFC Division leaders (including the Vikings) and AFC teams. After that, it wouldn’t hurt to root against Green Bay, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New York.
As things currently stand, the Lions’ playoff chances are grim. But if the Lions can beat the Packers at home, they have a legitimate shot at running the table. The remaining schedule is St. Louis, New Orleans, San Francisco and Chicago. And if the Lions can win out, they should have a legitimate chance to grab one of the NFC wildcard spots.
Since the Lions have a good chance at a playoff spot at 4-7, that means twelve other teams have just as good a shot at the playoffs if they can win out too. That includes six NFC teams.
This week’s biggest risers are Washington and Houston, who each moved up ten spots, from 25 to 15 and from 21 to 11, respectively. The main reason each team jumped so many spots is because they’re both currently in the playoffs. With Washington’s win over the Giants, they now hold the top spot in the NFC East. The Texans beat New Orleans to win their fourth straight and take over the six seed in the AFC.
Our biggest drop this week was those same New Orleans Saints. The Saints spoiled a great opportunity to get into the playoff mix by dropping three straight to Tennessee, Washington and Houston. The Saints fall five spots this week from 19 to 24.
That about does it for the big movers and shakers in this week’s NFL power rankings, so without further ado: