Only three more games left. Man, we’re already towards the playoffs and this season’s been wild. We’re seeing some obvious playoff contenders in the Top 3 for each conference. As for the rest, it’s too wide open to tell. I’ve mentioned this time and time again that the 17-game/7-team playoff format created opportunities for even the worst record teams to still be in it, hence a few 6-8 and 5-9 teams. If we had the old 16-game/6-team playoff format, it would’ve been less than half by now. For now, I will explain the current seven teams’ situation. Others may have their thoughts, but you might find this interesting how the current one seeds to seven seeds of the AFC and NFC compare and contrast each other like two worlds from different universes.

One more thing. I had a conversation with an avid fan/friend who mentioned a potential scenario involving a seventh seed from the NFC West potentially complicating things against either the Niners, Cowboys, or Eagles in the playoffs. For anyone reading this, keep that in your back pocket when the time comes if the scenarios play out.

#1 BALTIMORE RAVENS AND SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Both sit at 11-3 with a playoff berth and probably the best of their conferences that could likely meet again in the Super Bowl. We’re treated with a preview on Christmas Day between Lamar Jackson and Christian McCaffrey. Both have great defenses and electric offenses. Whoever wins this matchup has a leg up on the other in the standings. However, the Ravens must win to be one step closer to a division title. The 49ers have little to no issues as long as they win at least one to two more to stay in the Top 2.

#2 MIAMI DOLPHINS AND DALLAS COWBOYS

Both face each other this weekend and plenty are on the line for the division title and the race for the overall seed. It’s funny because both teams have very similar style of play. Both have electric offenses with decent but suspecting defenses. Both are in a similar situation against their counterpart division rivals Eagles and Bills that are battling for the division title too. The Fins and ‘Boys have plenty at stake, which is why the winner will have more control over their division while the loser is at risk of theirs.

#3 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AND DETROIT LIONS

Oh, how the story for both teams were written after their week one matchup. One team is struggling to represent their current championship team while the other is struggling to uphold their title as “Brand New”. While some think both teams are fine, they are not in reality. The Lions have issues on defense. When they face a well-balanced team (especially on defense), a slight offensive struggle means their team’s screwed. The CJ GJ injury was enough to make that side struggle, but his eventual return will be huge. As for the Chiefs, their receivers (maybe even Kadarius Toney) are the problem, but at least Rashee Rice is one answer as long as he doesn’t fumble. However, the celebrity curse is as bad as the Madden Curse. Does anyone remember the Reggie Bush/Kim Kardashian relationship and the Tony Romo/Jessica Simpson relationship? Is the Kelce/Swift relationship good for the NFL? I guess (but I vomit at that thought). Is it good for the team? You tell me what their current state is? Right now, the Chiefs’ defense and Lions’ offense are the bright spots, but the Chiefs’ offense and Lions’ defense could ultimately cost them in the postseason.

#4 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AND TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The South for both divisions is funny, yet interesting. The Jaguars were supposed to be the runaway freight train, yet their train went off the rails a bit and opening opportunities for the surging Texans and resurging Colts. What’s worse is that Trevor Lawrence’s concussion could be an issue with only three weeks remaining. The Buccaneers were in a weird place this season. They started 3-1, then went 4-7, and now won three straight to stand at 7-7 with the only positive conference record with a well-balanced roster. They’re winning games that are gettable, and a win over New Orleans in two weeks puts them in control. Both Florida teams face each other this weekend, but Jacksonville must win to stay out of trouble against the Colts and Texans sitting alongside with the same record.

#5 CLEVELAND BROWNS AND PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

One team looks like a major threat to the AFC if they make the postseason while the other looks anything but intimidating unlike last season’s team. The Browns continue finding ways to win to stay in the wild card race. Their roster’s built for the run, and it probably doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback…or maybe it does with Joe Flacco in these crucial moments. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, there’s nothing lovely in the city of Brotherly Love. The Eagles now lost three straight and things are looking worse on offense. Jalen Hurts is now responsible for 16 turnovers lost and it’s becoming a reality check for the NFC champs. Like Georgia, complacency lingers, and something must be resolved. Matt Patricia may be the answer, but it’s not enough to say this team can repeat. They must win out with their easiest schedule while hoping Dallas falters. Can Cleveland avoid any more slip ups to make a serious run through the playoffs and break decades and decades of their self-inflicting curse?

#6 CINCINNATI BENGALS AND MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Both teams came off their matchup and boy what a treat it was with a defensive battle, two backup quarterbacks, and playmaking skills coming from LSU receiver teammates on opposite ends. While Cincinnati won the battle, Ja’Marr Chase’s AC joint injury was another casualty. Cincy’s still alive for a playoff berth, but they’re 0-4 in their division and must turn it around quickly in their last two divisional matchups in three weeks. The Vikings are in a similar situation, but the quarterback position could be glaringly worse. Apparently, Nick Mullens’ performance was “mulled on” due to a number of throws that were cringy and uncomfortable. The team’s still in playoff position, but the lack of trust at the quarterback position could ultimately cost them.

#7 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AND LOS ANGELES RAMS

After some speculation at the quarterback and running back positions, both teams may have figured it out and performed well at the right time. During that early struggle, the Colts started 3-5 and are now 8-6, while the Rams started 3-6 and are now 7-7. Both hold the last spot in the playoffs trying to stave off their divisional rivals at 8 (Texans; Seahawks) and the Bills and Saints at 9 that are respectively tough outs. The Colts play the Texans in Week 18 while the Rams face the Saints this Thursday with high hopes of knocking them off the edge of the playoff cliff and holding their positioning.

TEAMS ON THE OUTSIDE YOU JUST CAN’T COUNT OUT

AFC

TEXANS

BILLS

STEELERS, Maybe. It’s just too loud and too quiet at the same time to believe with how their current situation is…

NFC

SEAHAWKS

SAINTS