We’re close enough to the finish line of the 2018 NFL season that predicting the playoff teams won’t be that difficult. Data crunchers FiveThirtyEight currently has seven teams (L.A. Rams, Saints, Chiefs, Patriots, Bears, Texans, Steelers) with more than a 93% chance of reaching the postseason. It’s safe to assume we’ll see Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Sean McVay and Tom Brady play past New Year’s.
Then again, we love the NFL because it’s strange and sometimes unpredictable. Especially in 2018, where some teams are getting hot at a bizarre time.
That’s why we’ve computed three postseason pictures from the remaining games to reflect the pragmatist or wild dreamer in everyone.