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Four NFC North teams are headed to the postseason


Four NFC North teams are headed to the postseason

It was all about the big games Sunday.

In Green Bay, the Packers beat the Houston Texans 24:22 with a last-second field goal. Meanwhile in the NFC North, a near perfect performance from Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions handed the Minnesota Vikings their first loss of the season with a 44-yard field goal by Jake Bates in the final minute for the 31-29 victory. In Santa Clara, the Kansas City Chiefs remained undefeated with a 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, but Patrick Mahomes now had more interceptions (eight) than passing touchdowns (six).

More from MMQB: WWho's up, who's down | What we learned | Goff for MVP | Rodgers, Wilson Paths

Overall, these results have helped shape the NFL playoff picture that will be viewed each week moving forward.

After that everything will be updated Football on Sunday evenings And Monday Night Football games. Additionally, All playoff probabilities are courtesy of The Athletic's model.

No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 6-0, first place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500:7

Playoff probability: 99% (courtesy of The Athletic)

The Chiefs look anything but offensive, but they keep winning. On a day when Mahomes threw two interceptions and no touchdowns, Kansas City beat the 49ers. Now the Chiefs take on the Las Vegas Raiders before heading home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos.

#2: Houston Texans

Record: 5–2, first place, AFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 94%

Despite a loss in their last game in Green Bay, the Texans remain the second-seeded team based on conference record regardless of whether the Baltimore Ravens win in Tampa on Monday night.

No. 3: Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 5–2, first place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 5

Playoff probability: 74%

Pittsburgh entered Sunday night with a share of first place in the AFC North alongside the Ravens before defeating the Jets on Sunday night with Russell Wilson under center.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen

Allen had another big day for the Bills on Sunday, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns. / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

No. 4: Buffalo Bills

Record: 5–2, first place, AFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 95%

Buffalo extended its lead in the AFC East with a win over the Tennessee Titans. Amari Cooper fit in perfectly and his first catch in a Buffalo jersey was a touchdown. For the Bills, the question is more about seeding than anything else.

No. 5: Baltimore Ravens

Record: 4-2, second place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:7

Playoff probability: 88%

The Ravens play in Tampa on Monday night and stay in first place in the AFC North with a win.

No. 6: Los Angeles Chargers

Record: 3–2, second place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 5

Playoff probability: 79%

Los Angeles plays the Cardinals on Monday night, looking to win a second straight game after the bye. Unfortunately, they will likely be without Quentin Johnston and Joey Bosa, both of whom are doubtful.

No. 7: Indianapolis Colts

Record: 4–3, second place, AFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 5

Playoff probability: 28%

Indianapolis' 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins was far from impressive, but improved to over .500 with the Texans on deck. If the Colts beat Houston next Sunday, the teams will have tied the season series.

On the hunt

Denver Broncos (4–3): After defeating the Saints Thursday Night Footballthe Broncos are in a playoff spot. However, they still have a tough schedule ahead of them, including two games with the Chiefs as well as visits to the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore.

Cincinnati Bengals (3–4): After a 1-4 start, the Bengals have won two straight against the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati is back in the race, with home games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Raiders scheduled before the trip to Baltimore.

Miami Dolphins (2–4): After the loss to the Colts, Miami has minimal margin for error. However, with Tua Tagovailoa potentially returning in Week 8, the Dolphins have a chance to get back on track after his long absence

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell

O'Connell and Campbell have the Vikings and Lions atop the NFC with identical 5-1 records. / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

No. 1: Detroit Lions

Record: 5–1, first place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:8

Playoff probability: 91%

Detroit went on the road and handed Minnesota its first loss of the season. The Lions now hold the lead in the NFC North tiebreaker, with the Titans coming away with a win.

#2: Washington commanders

Record: 5-2, first place, NFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 5

Playoff probability: 67%

Washington seems real. After losing a close matchup in Baltimore, the Commanders defeated the Carolina Panthers to maintain their lead in the NFC East. Next up for the Bears is a late window affair in Week 8.

No. 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 4–2, first place, NFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 70%

Tampa Bay plays at home against the Ravens on Monday night and looks to slow down the tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

No. 4: Seattle Seahawks

Record: 4-3, first place, NFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 21%

After three straight losses, Seattle looked like it was slipping into the abyss. Instead, an impressive win over the Atlanta Falcons puts the Seahawks in a good position heading into Week 8.

No. 5: Minnesota Vikings

Record: 5-1, second place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:7

Playoff probability: 90%

Minnesota finally lost, and it hurts. The Vikings were unable to maintain a late one-point lead over the Lions at home, giving up first place in the division. Minnesota now travels to Los Angeles to take on the Rams on Thursday.

No. 6: Green Bay Packers

Record: 5–2, third place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:6

Playoff probability: 68%

Green Bay didn't have its best performance against the Texans on Sunday and won despite losing three turnovers. Brandon McManus saved the Packers with a game-winning 45-yard field goal as time expired.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams

Williams has led the Bears to three straight wins. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

No. 7: Chicago Bears

Record: 4–2, fourth place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500:8

Playoff probability: 40%

Chicago started 1-2 but has won its last three games against the Rams, Panthers and Jaguars. After the bye, the Bears will face Commanders, which should be a good test for both teams.

On the hunt

Philadelphia Eagles (4–2): After beating the Giants, Philadelphia still has a lot of questions, but is also two games over .500 in a bad division. The Eagles defense allowed just 119 yards on Sunday.

Atlanta Falcons (4–3): Atlanta had a chance to put pressure on the Buccaneers with a win. However, a tough loss to Seattle gives Tampa Bay a chance to win a game and take sole possession of first place in the NFC South on Monday night.

Dallas Cowboys (3–3): Dallas is in its bye week after being humiliated at home by the Lions. After their break, the Cowboys head west to take on the San Francisco 49ers in prime time.

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