With just two weeks left of the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is coming more and more into focus. We are all looking forward to the post-season and the Super Bowl, but we cannot lose sight of the weeks that are still remaining before all that begins.
These last few weeks always seem to have some surprises in store for us. And these surprises are even more consequential, as they can determine who goes to the playoffs, or who gets a bye week, all of which will have repercussions down the road.
Let’s look at some of the big stories from Week 15 of the 2020 National Football League season.
The Cleveland Browns pulled off an impressive win against the New York Giants. The 20-6 win means the Browns could clinch a playoff spot next week. Given that they are going against the New York Jets, whose record is 1-13, things are looking much rosier after their stunning win. The Browns are virtually guaranteed a playoff spot. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them a 90% chance of making the playoffs.
Shockingly the Giants with a losing record, (5-9) are still in the running for a spot, as they are number 2 in the AFC East. Anything could happen as we finish off the last two weeks.
As of now, a total of six teams have officially clinched playoff spots. Expect a few teams like the Cleveland Browns and Tenessee Titans to join them soon, even if as of now, it is unofficial. There are three teams from the AFC and three from the NFC. There are still 8 spots available.
The six teams to have thus far clinched a playoff spot are:
Four other times are at least as likely to make the playoffs as the Cleveland Browns. Here they are, starting with the likeliest to make it to the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Power Index.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Carolina Panthers 24-16, however, the win was disappointing for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They are worried about what should have been a blowout, and so close to the playoffs.
While a win is a win, close calls can be scary. This is especially true in the single-elimination postseason. One mediocre game against a great opponent means goodbye until next year.
Throughout the playoffs, the higher seed teams have advantages. It means you can get a first-round bye, home-field advantage, and go up against lower seeds. It’s a sweet deal. It also means that once you clinch the playoffs, there is still a lot riding on each game.
Green Bay has some tough games ahead, playing the Tenessee Titans, for example. This could be a match that will determine so much of the postseason, and therefore, who makes it to the Super Bowl.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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