The San Francisco 49ers are shaking up the NFL playoff picture after securing their second straight NFC West crown with a dominant 45-29 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers have been on fire lately, winning their sixth straight game and solidifying their spot as the hottest team in the league.
With their latest conquest, the 49ers became the first team to clinch a division championship this season. Their impressive performance has also raised their odds to make the playoffs, secure the No. 1 seed, and win the Super Bowl, according to The Athletic’s NFL betting model.
In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens continue to soar, winning three consecutive games with a double-digit lead. The team’s odds to secure a bye and win the Super Bowl have also increased, according to the model.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have made significant progress, securing their spot in the playoffs and improving their chances to earn a bye and win the Super Bowl.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts are also fighting for playoff spots with the Texans, Bills, Steelers, Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers still in the hunt.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers are leading the pack, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Rams all vying for playoff berths.
The New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears are still in the race to secure playoff spots, with the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers already eliminated from contention.
The NFL playoff race is heating up as teams jockey for position in the waning weeks of the regular season. As the stakes get higher, every game becomes crucial for teams looking to secure their spot in the postseason.