With just three game weeks to go of the regular NFL season, things are heating up across the board. No divisions yet have a nailed on winner, although all eight divisions have at least one time that is mathematically out of the running. The two standout teams of the season have been the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos in the AFC, although the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks have both impressed in their NFC West division. With all playoff spots still on the line, which teams with more middling records still have a path to a playoff berth?
This article will look at the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Houston Texans, the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers records and prospects going into Game Week 16. All have significant chances of making a playoff run this year, but for various reasons have been discounted by many fans.
Pittsburgh Steelers May Have Swung Momentum Their Way in the AFC North
The Steelers sit 7-6 and at the top of the AFC North, after a dramatic away victory over division rivals Baltimore Ravens in game week 15. The Pittsburgh team were fresh off the back of a heavy defeat to the Buffalo Bills and fans were starting to question head coach Mike Tomlin’s position. But the 27-22 victory for the Steelers at their rivals’ M&T Bank Stadium changed the game in a big way. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 24 passes, despite being in a cast for a fractured wrist.
With just three games remaining, the Steelers and the Ravens meet again on the final game day of the regular season in what will most likely be a division deciding clash. NFL sportsbook lines still have the Ravens and the Steelers at similar odds to make the playoffs. However, the Steelers have won 9 of their past 11 games against the Ravens and the Baltimore team are now on back to back losses after a five game streak. Suggesting some upset value in saying yes to the Steelers and no to the Ravens in this division.
Houston Texans Could Make a Late Playoff Push with a Strong Defense
After a slow start, the Texans have hit a five game winning stride to put themselves in outside playoff contention as the regular season heads to a close. Their Game Week 14 dominating away victory over the recently dynastic Kansas City Chiefs was outstanding, even if the Chiefs are far from top form this year.
Since game week 4, when they absolutely crushed the Tennessee Titans in a shutout 26-0 win, the Texans have only lost to the Jaguars, the Seahawks and the Broncos – arguably three of the top teams in the league this year.
Currently second in the AFC South they have to play the hotly-rated Rams still, while the Jaguars (just above them) have an arguably easier run in. But the Texans do have to play the Colts once more, against whom they have a good record. They also have one of the best defenses in the league, with only 208 points scored against them all season, which can count for a lot towards the back end of the season when things get scrappy.
Don’t Count Out the Detroit Lions Just Yet Either
The Lions are another potential sleeper pick for a late run. Sitting at 8-5 in the NFC North, a lot of attention has been put on the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers in their division. But the Lions have been plugging away and are still within touching distance of a division win. They’re a strong-willed team, who haven’t registered back to back losses once this season, however they’re run in looks quite tough.
Their Christmas weekend game against the Minnesota Vikings is the only remaining game against a team not also in playoff contention. However, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a crazy touchdown streak, as well as multiple offensive threats who have experience in big games – they could pull out an unexpected streak. With a vital game against the Bears on the final game week, if the Lions defense can tighten up a little to match the high scoring then anything is possible.
Division rivals the Packers are on a four game win streak, but they left it tight to beat the Bears at home in Game week 14, and the two also have to play each other again before the regular season finishes.
Don’t Count out the 49ers for a Wild Card Spot
The 49ers have the best record of any currently third placed team, and are in contention for the best second place record too. In fact 9-4 would be good for first place in some other divisions. However, unfortunately for the San Francisco team, the Rams and the Seahawks have been on top form this year and take the top two spots.
Despite a rough season in 2024/25, the 49ers made playoffs three years in a row before that (as well as Super Bowl appearance). This team has players who know how to win, and (apart from the Seahawks) their run in isn’t particularly tough. They have one of the better offences in the league, and they’re playing the Titans and the Bears in the next three games – both of whom have bottom half of the league defenses season.
The sportsbooks might have them at quite long odds for the playoffs, considering, but many analysts and pundits aren’t writing them off just yet and neither should you.
