NFL playoff picture: Cleveland Browns chances rise with win over Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday’s defensive slugfest and subsequent win over the Pittsburgh Steelers boosted the Cleveland Browns' playoff chances, according to the New York Times Upshot Playoff Simulator.
The Browns (7-3) after beating the Steelers 13-10 Sunday now have an 89% chance of making the playoffs, where they just might meet their nemesis again based on current odds. Right now, Pittsburgh (6-4) would have the second AFC wild card slot behind the Browns.
Browns defense: Cleveland rises in big moments to win 'boxing match' with Steelers
That third wild card spot? Surprise, surprise. Hello, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans (6-4). They currently have a 63% shot of claiming it.
The simulator sees a couple of divisions more definitively. In the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins (7-3) have a 90% shot to win the division title. It sees the Kansas City Chiefs (7-2) with a 98% chance of winning the AFC West.
In the AFC North, the playoff chances of Ravens (8-3) are at a rock solid 96%, but their division title hopes are a shade over better than even at 56% because the Browns are breathing down their beaks. The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) have a great shot at making the playoffs (87%), but just a 65% chance of winning the division as the surprise Texans rise.
Based on odds, the only division that is competitive in the NFC is the South. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) have an 87% chance of winning the division and better than 99% chance of making the playoffs. The odds of the Detroit Lions (8-2) in the NFC North are better as they have a 93% chance of winning that title and they also have a better than 99% chance of making the postseason.
The San Francisco 49ers (7-3) join that list at better than 99% to make the playoffs, but they also, right now, are a near lock to win the NFC West.
The NFC’s wild card slots are currently led by the Dallas Cowboys (7-3) at 98%, the 6-4 Minnesota Vikings at 78% and the Seattle Seahawks (6-4) at 53%.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NFL playoff picture: Browns odds rise dramatically after Steelers win
