It has truly been a strange year. From a global pandemic to a highly-contested presidential election, many important events have disrupted our daily lives and seemingly divided the people of this nation. However, despite all the nonsense that has so far occurred during this calendar year, one thing remains as alive and as strong as ever: NFL football.
As of this writing, we are almost three-quarters of the way through the regular season, and despite the coronavirus’ several attempts to derail the action there has yet to be a significant stoppage of play. If things continue to trend in this positive direction, we can be hopeful that a full season of action is in store for the league.
As Thanksgiving soon approaches, we can begin to get a glimpse of what the playoff bracket might look like. Here would be the field if the season ended today.
AFC
1. Steelers (10-0)
2. Chiefs (9-1)
3. Bills (7-3)
4. Colts (7-3)
5. Titans (7-3)
6. Browns (7-3)
7. Raiders (7-3)
In the hunt: Ravens (6-4), Dolphins (6-4)
NFC
1. Saints (8-2)
2. Packers (7-3)
3. Seahawks (7-3)
4. Eagles (3-6-1)
5. Buccaneers (7-3)
6. Rams (6-3)
7. Cardinals (6-4)
In the hunt: Bears (5-5), Giants (3-7), Cowboys (3-7), Washington (3-7)
Overall, I think the final playoff picture won’t stray too far from the field we see today, as both conferences lack a significant number of middling teams.
In the AFC, I expect the Steelers, Chiefs, and Bills to stay atop their respective divisions while the Titans and Colts will battle it out for their own division crown. The Browns and the Raiders, however, I believe will face some competition from the Ravens and Dolphins, and I ultimately think the Ravens will take the Browns’ spot.
In the NFC, I think the bracket will shake out to be nearly the same as it is now, with the lone exception being whoever ends up winning the NFC East. Currently, each team in the division has only three wins, while the Eagles stay ahead due to a single tie to their name. Personally, I think the Giants or Washington will end up taking the division, but considering how bad the division is altogether, anyone’s guess is as good as mine.