Historical Odds to Make the NFL Playoffs from Past Seasons

• Look back at the odds to make the NFL playoffs from past seasons
• Many of the early-season favorites went on to miss the playoffs last season, opening the door for teams like the Broncos and Patriots
• Check out the odds to make the NFL playoffs this year

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I have been tracking NFL playoff futures since the 2019 season and have archived all of the data from every year since. You can find the historical odds for all 32 teams to make and miss the playoffs at opening of each season, and then see how the odds changed throughout each season with the graphs below.

Use the anchors to jump to a specific season or just take a scroll through.

2025-26 | 2024-25 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | 2021-22 | 2020-21 | 2019-20

2025-26 Odds to Make NFL Playoffs

The 2025-26 NFL season was very different than the prior few seasons. Many of the perennial contenders, and near-locks to make the playoffs early in the season, according to the odds, went on to miss the postseason. This opened the door for some teams who were not given great odds to make the playoffs when the season started to sneak their way in – or really plow through in some cases.

Look back to the opening odds to make the playoffs for the 2025-26 season, and see how the odds changed throughout the year. It’s particularly interesting to see how long sportsbooks continued to favor teams like the Chiefs and Lions, among others, to make the playoffs.

The graph above features the odds to make the playoffs for all AFC teams. You will find the NFC teams in a graph a little bit further down.

When the odds to make the 2025-26 NFL Playoffs opened, these were the seven teams sportsbooks favored to make the postseason:

1. Buffalo Bills (-725 odds)
2. Baltimore Ravens (-500)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (-370)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (-168)
5. Houston Texans (-138)
6. LA Chargers (-130)
7. Denver Broncos (-120)

However, only four of those teams went on to make the playoffs: the Bills, Texans, Chargers, and Broncos, which I bolded in the list above. This meant three of the top four teams in odds to make the 2025-26 NFL Playoffs missed the postseason. The Bengals hopes ended early with Joe Burrow suffering an injury early in the season; the Chiefs held on for most of the year, but were ultimately eliminated in early December; and the Ravens hopes were crushed with a missed game-winning field goal attempt in Week 18.

Taking the place of the Ravens, Chiefs, and Bengals in the playoffs were the New England Patriots (+153 odds at opening), Jacksonville Jaguars (+158), and Pittsburgh Steelers (+138).

The graph above features all 16 NFC teams. When the odds opened for the 2025-26 NFL Playoffs, these were the seven teams sportsbooks favored:

1. Philadelphia Eagles (-425 odds)
2. Detroit Lions (-230)
3. San Francisco 49ers (-195)
4. LA Rams (-168)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-163)
6. Washington Commanders (-148)
7. Green Bay Packers (-123)

Same as the AFC, only four of the seven teams favored to get into the postseason actually made it – the Eagles, 49ers, Rams, and Packers. The Lions were the heaviest favorite to miss, as they were given the second-best odds to get in at the beginning of the year. The Buccaneers and Commanders were certainly surprises to miss as well, though.

Taking the place of those three teams who missed was the Seattle Seahawks (+165 odds at opening), Chicago Bears (+160), and Carolina Panthers (+245).

Here are some notes on the 2025-26 NFL playoff odds movement:

• [December 9] The Colts were given -3500 odds to make the playoffs after Week 8, but saw their odds slowly fade without a healthy Daniel Jones under center, and then reached +345 after being crushed by the Jaguars in Week 14, where Jones’ season ended due to an Achilles injury.
• [December 2] For the first time this season, the Chiefs were not favored to make the playoffs after a Week 13 loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving
• [October 21] The Commanders were pummeled by the Cowboys, which sent Washington’s playoff odds from +120 to +310.
• [September 23] The Texans’ 0-3 start to the season has resulted in their playoff odds fading from -140 ahead of kickoff to +300.
• [September 16] After Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 that landed him on the IR, the Bengals’ playoff odds faded from -150 to +145.
• [September 9] The Lions were crushed by the Packers in Week 1, which resulted in a quick reaction from the sportsbooks to give Detroit better odds to miss the playoffs than make them.
• [March 27] The seven teams in the AFC given the best odds to make the playoffs at opening were the Bills, Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals, Texans, Chargers, and Broncos. Cincinnati is the only one of those teams who did not make the playoffs last season – they are replacing the Steelers among the top seven. The opening NFL playoff odds favored the Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Rams, Buccaneers, Commanders, and Packers to make the playoffs. This leaves out the Vikings, who made the playoffs last season, as they are being replaced among the top seven in the odds by the 49ers, who missed last year.

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2024-25 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2024-25 NFL regular season concluded January 5, 2025 with the top seven teams from each conference moving onto the 2024-25 NFL Playoffs, which began January 11, 2025. I tracked the odds for all 32 NFL teams to make and miss the playoffs from the time the odds opened, right through to Week 18.

Odds to Make 2024-25 NFL Playoffs for AFC Teams

The Bengals, Jets, and Dolphins were the three teams with the best opening odds to make the 2024-25 NFL playoffs who ended up missing out on the postseason. New York was eliminated pretty early, as Aaron Rodgers return to the field was very forgettable, but Miami and Cincinnati had a chance right up to the final week of the regular season – though, it was a longshot for both. The Bengals were the most surprising of the bunch, as they had -225 odds to make the 2024-25 playoffs at opening. They just dug themselves such a big hole to start the season.

The Broncos were by far the most surprising team to make the 2024-25 NFL playoffs, as their opening odds were listed at +500.

Here are some notes on the 2024-25 NFL playoff odds movement:

• [December 31] The Broncos are still heavily favored to get the final AFC playoff spot. Denver lost to the Bengals in Week 17, keeping Cincinnati’s season alive, but get Kansas City’s backups in Week 18.
• [December 17] AFC playoff odds were heavily favoring both the Broncos and Chargers to get into the playoffs after Week 15. Denver beat Indianapolis in Week 15, while the Dolphins also lost.
• [November 19] After a Week 12 win over the Falcons, the Broncos saw their playoff odds improve dramatically, moving from +192 to -114. This marked the first time the Broncos had better odds to make the playoffs than miss them this season.
• [October 22] Following Week 7, the Bengals moved back to having better odds to make the playoffs than to miss them. This is the first time Cincinnati has been favored to get in since prior to Week 3.
• [October 15] The Jets’ acquisition of Davante Adams was not enough to overcome the loss to the Bills in Week 6 from the lens of sportsbooks. New York’s odds to make the playoffs went from +112 to +150, though could have likely fallen off even further if not for the Adams trade. The Chargers saw a massive boost to their playoff odds after beating the Broncos in Week 6, moving from +119 to -175.
• [September 24] After an 0-3 start, the Bengals have better odds to miss the playoffs than to make the playoffs for the first time this season. Though, their odds only went from -138 to +115.
• [September 17] Even after an 0-2 start, sportsbooks still give the Ravens -145 odds to make the playoffs. Though, those odds are a fair bit worse than the -243 odds they had prior to Week 2. Miami’s playoff odds plummeted from -213 to +115 following their blowout loss to the Bills, but the bigger factor is Tua Tagovailoa’s uncertain future after another concussion.
• [September 9] The Bengals were arguably the biggest disappointment of Week 1, losing outright to the Patriots. Their playoff odds have faded from -235 to -125 in the wake of the loss. New England’s odds to make the playoffs only improved slightly, going from +980 to +700. Sportsbooks obviously believe this was more of a bad game by the Bengals than the Pats showing us anything promising.
• [September 3] After plenty of training camp hype around how Deshaun Watson has looked throwing the ball, we have seen Cleveland’s odds to make the playoffs improve significantly from +143 to -142.
• [June 21] Bettors felt like the Chargers were being a little overhyped and became a very popular bet to miss the playoffs, according to BetMGM. The result in LA’s odds to make the playoffs was fading a little from -110 to +110.
• [April 29] After trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and then drafting Keon Coleman, who is believed to be pretty raw, the Bills saw their playoff odds move from -300 to -203.
• [March 27] The following seven teams have opened with the best odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. The Jets and Bengals are the only two teams in that list who did not make the playoffs last year. The two teams who did make last year’s playoffs and are not among the top seven in odds to make it back this year are the Browns and Steelers. This is largely a result of Joe Burrow returning for the Bengals.

Odds to Make 2024-25 Playoffs for NFC Teams

Two NFC teams who made the playoffs in 2023-24, and were heavy favorites to make the playoffs again in 2024-25, were eliminated from playoff contention somewhat early: the 49ers and Cowboys. They were replaced by the Vikings and Commanders, who were the two teams to make the playoffs with the longest odds to do so at opening.

Here are some notes on the 2024-25 NFL playoff odds movement:

• [December 31] The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Week 18 heavily favored to get the final NFC playoff spot. Atlanta is the only other team still alive, but need the Bucs to lose to the Saints.
• [December 17] The Rams went from +150 odds to make the playoffs to -165 after Week 15, when they beat the 49ers and Seahawks lost.
• [November 19] After another divisional loss in Week 11, the 49ers were no longer favored to make the playoffs for the first time this season. San Francisco’s playoff odds plummeted from -198 to +200, giving them the ninth-best odds at this time.
• [November 5] Dallas’ average odds to make the playoffs plummeted from +268 ahead of Week 9 to as long as +1100 after their game, in which Dak Prescott injured his hamstring, and will require a stint on the IR.
• [October 8] After a narrow victory over the Steelers in Week 5, Dallas’ NFL playoff odds favored them missing the postseason for the first time this season. The Cowboys are -115 to miss versus -105 to make the playoffs. Washington moved from +128 odds to make the playoffs to -150 after blowing out the Browns in Week 5.
• [October 1] The Vikings’ NFL playoff odds improved from -188 to -500, which were the best in the NFC at this time, after beating the Packers in Green Bay in Week 4.
• [September 24] After the 49ers dropped another game, moving their record to 1-2, the Eagles overtook them for the best odds to make the playoffs among NFC teams. Surprisingly, the Cowboys still have better odds to make the playoffs than to miss them, in spite of their horrible first three weeks of the season.
• [September 17] The Buccaneers’ playoff odds improved from +120 to -200 after they upset the Lions in Week 2. The Vikings, who upset the 49ers, surprisingly still have better odds to miss the playoffs than to make them.
• [September 10] Not only did the Packers lose in Week 1, but they have reportedly lost Jordan Love to a knee injury for anywhere between 3-6 weeks. Green Bay’s playoff odds have gone from -170 to +180 as a result. The Falcons didn’t suffer any major injuries in Week 1, but their offense, specifically Kirk Cousins, did not look good. Their odds to make the playoffs went from -215 to -125 after losing to the Steelers.
• [July 24] All major sportsbooks have disclosed how much the public likes the Carolina Panthers this season with new head coach Dave Canales. Carolina’s playoff odds opened at +900 but have reached +550 as more bets continue to come in on the Panthers.
• [March 27] 2024-25 NFL playoff odds have opened and the seven NFC teams favored to get in are: the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears(!). The LA Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of whom made the playoffs last year, are notably given better odds to miss the playoffs this coming season.

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2023-24 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2023 NFL regular season concluded January 7, 2024 with the top seven teams from each conference moving onto the 2023-24 NFL Playoffs, which began January 13, 2024. We tracked the odds for all 32 NFL teams to make and miss the playoffs from the time the odds opened, right through to Week 18.

2023-24 Odds to Make NFL Playoffs for AFC Teams

The 2023-24 NFL playoff odds suggest five of the seven teams who made the postseason last year will return again this season. The teams out from last year are the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns were a new face, as they clinched a playoff berth, and one of Indianapolis or Houston will be the other newcomer – it was Houston after they won in Week 18. It was also possible either Jacksonville and/or Buffalo miss, potentially allowing two of the Colts, Texans, and Steelers to get in. The Bills won their game, though, and clinched a playoff berth.

Though it looked bad for the Bills a few weeks ago, they were heavily favored to get into the playoffs entering Week 18. The Jaguars were favored to win the AFC South, leaving the Colts as slight favorites over the Texans to get the last wild card spot. However, Jacksonville lost their Week 18 matchup with the Titans and missed the playoffs. The Steelers needed some help, but did manage to get in.

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 17, 2024] Jacksonville’s loss to the lowly Titans set off a crazy set of events, allowing the Texans to win the AFC South and Steelers to clinch the final wild card spot in the AFC. Those two will join the Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, Browns, and Dolphins in the postseason.
• [November 28] After a crushing loss to the Eagles in Week 12, the Bills’ playoff odds have hit a season-worst +400, fading from +160 last week.
• [November 21] The Bengals’ playoff odds plummeted from -135 to +550 after Joe Burrow was announced out for the season.
• [November 15] The Browns playoff odds went from -320 to -190 after it was announced Deshaun Watson would be having season-ending surgery on his shoulder.
• [October 31] For the first time since late September, the Bengals are favored to make the playoffs. This comes after their Week 8 win over the 49ers. Cincinnati’s odds to make the playoffs had gotten as long as +200 in early October and were +145 prior to Week 8. Joe Burrow and company saw their playoff odds improve to -150 following Week 8.
• [September 12] The Cleveland Browns went from +115 odds to make the playoffs prior to Week 1, which means they were projected to miss, to -215 odds to make the playoffs after beating the Bengals in Week 1. These are the fourth-best odds among AFC teams. The Dolphins also saw significant movement, going from -110 to -225 after beating the Chargers in a thriller. The Jets, on the other hand, went from -130 odds to make the playoffs to +215 after they lost Aaron Rodgers for the season.
• [May 1] After Lamar Jackson signed a new contract with the Ravens, the Bengals’ odds to make the playoffs slightly faded, making room for the Chiefs to take over as the team with the best playoff odds in the AFC.
• [March 28] The Cincinnati Bengals opened with the best odds to make the playoffs in the AFC. They opened at -370 to get in, just slightly better than the Chiefs at -360. The opening NFL playoff odds say the Bengals and Chiefs will be joined by the Bills, Jaguars, Ravens, Jets, and Dolphins in the AFC side of the playoffs.

2023-24 Odds to Make Playoffs for NFC Teams

The 2023-24 NFL playoff odds said four of the seven teams who made the NFL playoffs last year in the NFC would be back again this coming postseason. The New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and Minnesota Vikings are the three teams left out from last year’s playoffs. The Detroit Lions and LA Rams missed the playoffs last year, but have locked up a spot this year. The odds favor Green Bay as the third newcomer.

The NFC playoff picture only had two spots remaining entering Week 18: the winner of the NFC South and the final wild card spot. The Buccaneers were favored to take the NFC South, but New Orleans and Atlanta both still had a shot. Green Bay was given the best odds to get the final wild card spot, but Seattle, New Orleans, and Minnesota all still had a chance.

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 9, 2024] The Buccaneers clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Panthers, and the Packers took the final wild card spot in the NFC with a win over the Bears in Week 18. The following teams will join the Bucs and Packers in the playoffs: San Francisco, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
• [December 5] The Panthers have become the first team to be mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs, meaning they will no longer have odds.
• [October 31] Just as the Vikings were starting to make their playoff push, it has been confirmed Kirk Cousins has torn his Achilles. Minnesota’s odds to make the playoffs had gotten as long as +450 in early October but had gotten as short as +148 prior to Week 8. Their playoff odds sit at +230 after the Cousins news.
• [September 12] The Lions went from -165 odds to make the playoffs to extremely heavy -350 favorites to make the playoffs after beating the Chiefs in the season-opener. The Bears saw their odds plummet from +155 to +380 after an awful showing at home against the Packers.
• [March 28] We saw NFL playoff odds open a good month before the 2023 NFL Draft. The opening odds said the following teams would get into the 2024 NFL playoffs: the 49ers, Eagles, Saints, Cowboys, Lions, Seahawks, and Vikings.

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2022-23 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2022 NFL regular season concluded January 8, 2023 with the top seven teams from each conference moving onto the 2022-23 NFL Playoffs, which began January 14, 2023. I tracked the odds for all 32 NFL teams to make and miss the playoffs from the time the odds open, right through to Week 18.

2022-23 Odds to Make NFL Playoffs for AFC Teams

The final odds to make and miss the 2022-23 NFL playoffs for all AFC teams are below.

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 7] The following teams made the NFL playoffs from the AFC: the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins.
• [October 12] The Dolphins’ odds to make the playoffs were listed at -400 two weeks ago, but back-to-back losses and an injury to Tua Tagovailoa has seen them fade a bit. Surprisingly, even as the Dolphins prepare to start Skylar Thompson under center in Week 6, Miami still has -175 odds to make the playoffs.
• [September 27] The Jaguars’ odds to make the playoffs are still listed at +130 in spite of their great start to the season. Those are just the tenth-best odds in the conference, and behind the likes of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Miami now has the third-best odds to make the AFC playoffs after beating the Bills in Week 3.
• [September 20] The Broncos, Titans, Bengals, and Colts were seen as heavy favorites to make the playoffs before the season started, but are all now given better odds to miss the playoffs after very disappointing starts to the season. The Dolphins are heading in the right direction, though, and are now -175 to get in.
• [September 7] The Browns, who were once -150 favorites to make the NFL playoffs, are now listed at +178 odds. This puts them behind the Raiders, Dolphins, and Patriots on the odds board.
• [July 27] With Deshaun Watson potentially being served a suspension, the Cleveland Browns’ playoff odds have been taken off the board.
• [April 11] The Browns have opened with -150 odds to make the 2022-23 NFL playoffs. They have better odds than Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Tennessee.
• [March 28] Odds to make the NFL playoffs have opened, as well as odds to miss the NFL playoffs. The following teams from the AFC opened as the favorites to make the playoffs: Buffalo, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Denver, Los Angeles (Chargers), Cincinnati, and Baltimore. The Browns did not have odds at opening.

2022-23 Odds to Make Playoffs for NFC Teams

The NFC team who opened with the best odds to make the 2022-23 NFL playoffs was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with -625 odds. That was in large part thanks to three-time NFL MVP quarterback Tom Brady announcing his return to the Bucs during the offseason.

Though the Bucs did end up making the playoffs, their ticket was not as certain as the opening odds suggested.

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 7] The following teams made the playoffs from the NFC: the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks.
• [October 12] The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff odds had plummeted to +240 after losing to the Bucs in Week 1 and seeing Dak Prescott suffer a hand injury. Dallas is now -460 to make the playoffs after Cooper Rush has won four straight games.
• [September 27] Philadelphia now has the best odds among NFC teams to make the playoffs. Thanks to a seemingly easier division, the Buccaneers still have the second-best odds to make the playoffs, despite losing to Green Bay in Week 3.
• [September 20] The Cowboys’ odds to make the playoffs have recovered after Cooper Rush led them to a surprise win over the Bengals. Dallas is back to +130 after fading to +240 following their Week 1 loss to the Bucs and Dak Prescott’s hand injury. The Giants, despite being 2-0, are still given better odds to miss the playoffs.
• [July 27] The Eagles’ odds to make the playoffs have been steadily improving since they acquired AJ Brown from the Titans on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Philadelphia now has the sixth-best odds to make the playoffs in the NFC.
• [March 28] Odds to make the NFL playoffs in the NFC have opened. The following teams from the NFC are favored to make the playoffs: Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Dallas, Los Angeles (Rams), San Francisco, and Arizona. The team with the seventh-best odds is Minnesota.

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2021-22 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2021 NFL regular season concluded January 9, 2022 with the top seven teams from each conference moving onto the 2021-22 NFL Playoffs, which began January 15, 2022. I tracked the odds for all 32 teams to make and miss the playoffs from the time the odds open, right through to Week 18, which was added in the 2021-22 season.

2021-22 Odds to Make NFL Playoffs for AFC Teams

The following teams made the AFC playoffs:

1. Tennessee Titans
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Las Vegas Raiders
6. New England Patriots
7. Pittsburgh Steelers

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 4] With a win over the Broncos in Week 17, the Chargers’ odds to make the NFL playoffs have improved from +130 to -150. In spite of losing to the Raiders on Sunday, the Colts are still given -1200 odds to make the playoffs, as they need a win over the Jags in Week 18.
• [December 29] The Chiefs have officially clinched a playoff berth after Week 16. The Bengals win over the Ravens saw their odds to make the playoffs improve from an average of -133 to -400. The Bills also recorded a big win on Sunday, beating the Patriots to take back the top spot in the AFC East, and saw their odds to make the playoffs go from -525 to now off the board.
• [December 22] With a win over the Broncos in Week 15, along with Ravens and Browns losses, the Bengals’ odds to make the playoffs improved to -136. Cleveland’s odds fell from +104 to +410.
• [December 14] The Ravens saw their playoff hopes fade significantly, from -500 to -205, after losing to the Browns in Week 14. With the win, Cleveland’s playoff odds improved from +245 to +104, the eighth-best odds in the conference.
• [December 7] The Bills saw their odds to make the playoffs go from -1100 to an average of -475 after losing to the Patriots in Week 13, and falling 1.5-games back of New England in the AFC East. Cincinnati also saw their odds fade after losing to the Chargers. The Bengals now have better odds to miss the playoffs.
• [November 30] Thanks to their sixth straight win and a half-game lead on the Bills in the AFC East, the Patriots now have the second-best odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams. The Bengals saw their playoff odds improve from an average of -118 to as short as -172 after embarrassing the Steelers in Week 12. The Colts went from being favored to make the playoffs ahead of Week 12 to now favored to miss them after losing to the Buccaneers.
• [November 23] The Bills, who had the best odds to make the AFC playoffs entering Week 11, saw their playoff odds fade from -4000 to -650 after they were humiliated by the Colts at home. The loss allowed the Patriots to takeover the top seed in the AFC East. The Colts also went from being favored to miss the playoffs to now favored to make them after the win.
• [November 17] After an impressive win over the Browns in Week 10, the Patriots are heavily favored to make the playoffs, possessing the fifth-best odds among AFC teams.
• [November 2] Even after losing to the Jets in Week 8, the Bengals are still favored to make the NFL playoffs. The Browns’ playoff odds faded significantly, however, thanks to being upset by the Steelers.
• [October 26] There was major odds movement in the AFC playoff odds after Week 7. Cincinnati’s huge upset of the Ravens resulted in their odds to make the playoffs going from an average of +185 to -182. The Raiders also saw big movement, going from average odds of +124 to make the playoffs to -121. Meanwhile, Kansas City is still favored to make the playoffs despite dropping to 3-4 for the season.
• [October 19] The Titans now have the third-best odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams after upsetting the Bills in Week 6. The Browns are still heavily favored to make the playoffs after losing to the Browns, and also losing Kareem Hunt to injury.
• [October 12] The Chiefs are still heavily favored to make the playoffs after losing their third game of the season, but have seen their odds fade to -360. Their NFL playoff odds were as short as -1100 earlier in the year. The Broncos are now favored to miss the playoffs after losing their second straight.
• [October 5] Despite losing to the Jets in Week 4, the Titans’ odds to make the playoffs only faded from an average of -465 to -275. The Broncos also saw their playoff odds take a hit, going from -189 to -110 after losing to the Ravens. The Chargers saw the biggest improvement, as their odds went from +105 to -205 with a win over the Raiders.
• [September 28] Though they’re still heavily favored to make the NFL playoffs, the Chiefs saw their odds fade from an average of -800 to -420 after falling to 1-2 on the season. The Bills now have the best odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams.
• [September 21] In a matter of two weeks, the Colts’ odds to make the playoffs have gone from an average of -110 to +172 thanks to their 0-2 start. The Dolphins’ odds also plummeted from -167 to +135 after they were shutout by the Bills in Week 2. The Raiders’ odds to make the playoffs went from +300 to +105 after improving to 2-0 with a win over the Steelers in Week 2.
• [September 16] The Colts saw their odds to make the playoffs plummet after a very discouraging performance in Week 1. Indianapolis was -110 to get in prior to Sunday, but are now +112. The Bills and Ravens also saw their odds worsen after both were upset in Week 1, but they are still favored to get in. The chase for the final few spots really tightened as Denver, Tennessee (thanks to Indianapolis’ loss), and Miami now have better odds to make the playoffs than miss.
• [September 3] The Colts’ odds to make the playoffs have taken a big hit, dropping from an average of -188 to -110, largely due to the health concerns of Carson Wentz and their offensive line.
• [June 7] After the Titans acquired Julio Jones from the Falcons, their odds to make the NFL playoffs went from an average of -132 to -152. As a result, Indianapolis saw their NFL playoff odds worsen from -196 to -188.
• [May 3] With rumors of Denver being Aaron Rodgers’ preferred destination, the Broncos’ odds to make the playoffs have jumped from +285 to an average of +157. Houston’s playoff odds continue to fade as Deshaun Watson’s situation remains undecided. The Texans’ odds have gone from +550 to +635.
• [March 30] Based off the opening odds to make the 2021-22 NFL playoffs, the following teams will make it from the AFC: Kansas City, Baltimore, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Tennessee, and then one of Miami, New England, or Pittsburgh.

2021-22 Odds to Make Playoffs for NFC Teams

The following teams made the NFC playoffs:

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Arizona Cardinals
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. Philadelphia Eagles

Here are some notes on the NFL playoff odds movement:

• [January 4] The race for the last wildcard spot in the NFC is down to the 49ers and Saints. San Francisco’s odds to make the playoffs faded from -300 to -145 in spite of them beating the Texans in Week 17. The move is a result of the Rams, their Week 18 opponent, not clinching their division title this past week. This means LA has plenty of reason to play this coming Sunday. The Saints’ NFL playoff odds improved from +150 to +110 with their victory over the Panthers.
• [December 29] An Eagles victory over the Giants, paired with the Saints losing to the Dolphins, in Week 16 has resulted in Philadelphia’s odds to make the playoffs improving from +125 to -250. New Orleans’ playoff odds only faded from +128 to +150 with the loss. All of the Buccaneers, Packers, Cowboys, Rams, and Cardinals have officially clinched playoff spots.
• [December 22] The Saints’ odds to make the playoffs went from +300 to +128 after beating the Buccaneers in Week 15. The Eagles also saw their playoff odds improve, going from +198 to +125 with a win over Washington.
• [December 14] The 49ers saw their odds to make the playoffs improve from -230 to -370 with a win over the Bengals in Week 14. Washington’s odds went the other way thanks to their loss to the Cowboys, fading from +114 to +230.
• [December 7] With a win over the Raiders in Week 13, the Washington Football Team saw their odds to make the playoffs improve from +380 to as short as +114. Washington is only two games back of Dallas in the NFC East and currently sit in the final wild card spot in the NFC.
• [November 30] Though none of them have actually clinched a playoff spot yet, all of Arizona, Green Bay, and Tampa Bay have seen their odds to make the playoffs removed from the board at FanDuel and DraftKings. The 49ers saw their playoff odds improve significantly after beating the Vikings in Week 12. San Francisco’s odds improved from -103 to as short as -300.
• [November 23] The Saints went from being favored to make the playoffs to now favored to miss them after a bad Week 11 loss to the Eagles. Even after beating Green Bay, Minnesota is still given identical -110 odds to make and miss the playoffs.
• [November 17] The Panthers saw their odds to make the playoffs improve from +1030 to +330 after a big win over the Cardinals in Cam Newton’s return to the team. Minnesota also saw their odds improve after beating the Chargers. The Vikings’ playoff odds went from +260 to +149.
• [November 2] The Saints became heavy favorites to make the NFL playoffs after upsetting the Bucs in Week 8. The Vikings’ odds to make the playoffs didn’t fade much after losing to the Dak Prescott-less Cowboys.
• [October 26] After an ugly loss to the Colts in Week 7, the 49ers’ odds to make the playoffs have plummeted from an average of +114 to +245. Minnesota now has the seventh-best odds to make the playoffs among NFC teams.
• [October 19] The Panthers’ odds to make the playoffs have plummeted over the last three weeks, and are now listed as long as +380.
• [October 12] The Seahawks’ odds to make the NFL playoffs have plummeted from an average of -152 to +278 after Russell Wilson badly sprained his finger against the Rams in Week 5. Sportsbooks obviously do not have any faith in Geno Smith keeping the team together while Wilson is sidelined for a handful of weeks.
• [October 5] The Cardinals saw the most dramatic shift after Week 4, with their playoff odds improving from an average of -138 to -405 thanks to a convincing win over the Rams. The Saints are no longer favored to make the playoffs after losing to the Giants, and the 49ers saw their odds worsen from -228 to -130 after losing to the Seahawks.
• [September 28] The Saints are favored to make the playoffs again after beating the Patriots in Week 3. The Seahawks’ average odds still favor them to make the playoffs as well, in spite of being upset by the Vikings. San Francisco also saw their odds fade, dropping from -370 to -228 thanks to their heartbreaking loss to the Packers.
• [September 21] The Saints are favored to miss the playoffs again after losing to the Panthers in Week 2. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are now favored to make the playoffs after starting the season 2-0.
• [September 16] The Packers’ odds to make the playoffs took a small hit after being upset by the Saints in Week 1. Green Bay’s odds were -315 prior to the season but have since moved to -228. The Saints odds improved significantly, though, going from +110 to -162.
• [September 3] With the Bears standing firm on starting Andy Dalton, mixed with Aaron Rodgers returning to the Packers, Chicago’s odds to make the playoffs have worsened from an average of +171 to +213. The San Francisco 49ers, on the other hand, have seen their playoff odds improve from -180 to -215.
• [June 7] The Falcons’ odds to make the NFL playoffs fell from an average of +211 to +225 after trading away star wide receiver Julio Jones.
• [May 3] Uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ future has resulted in the Green Bay Packers’ odds to make the playoffs being pulled off the board for now. The Chicago Bears’ odds improved from an average of +220 to +157 after moving up in the draft for Justin Fields.
• [March 30] Based off the opening NFL playoff odds, the following teams are expected to make the 2022 NFL playoffs from the NFC: Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles (Rams), Dallas, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Seattle.

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2020-21 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2020 NFL regular season concluded January 3, 2021 with, for the first time in NFL history, the top seven teams from each conference moving onto the 2020-21 NFL Playoffs, which began January 9, 2021. I tracked the odds for all 32 teams to make the playoffs from the time the odds opened and right through to Week 17. The graphs below were generated by averaging the odds from our most trusted online sports betting sites.

Odds to Make Playoffs for AFC Teams in 2020-21

Week 17 Playoff Clinching Scenarios

• [January 4] The Titans, Ravens, Browns, and Colts all clinched playoff spots with wins in Week 17. The Dolphins lost to the Bills and miss the playoffs in spite of their 10-6 record.
• [December 29] There are only three teams in the AFC who have already clinched playoff spots (Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo) ahead of Week 17. All of Baltimore, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Miami, and Tennessee are still in the hunt. The odds say Indianapolis will be the team left out after they lost to Pittsburgh in Week 16, and Miami managed to upset the Raiders. The Colts’ odds to make the playoffs went from -1317 to -205.
• [December 22] The Raiders’ Week 15 loss to the Chargers has all but sunk their playoff hopes. Although they are not mathematically eliminated yet, no sportsbooks are listing odds on them making/missing. New England, on the other hand, has been officially eliminated from the playoffs. The Dolphins’ odds still favor them missing the playoffs.
• [December 15] After beating the Browns on Monday Night Football of Week 14, the Ravens odds to make the playoffs went from -161 to -925. The Dolphins and Raiders both lost in Week 14, and they’re now both heavily favored to miss the playoffs
• [December 9] The Dolphins beat the Bengals in Week 13, but their odds to make the playoffs got worse. Ahead of a date with the Chiefs in Week 14, Miami’s odds faded from -114 to +125, falling behind the Raiders and sitting with the ninth-best odds
• [December 3] Despite falling a full game back of the final wild card spot in the AFC, odds still favor the Ravens getting in. Their odds only fell from -355 to -263 after losing to Pittsburgh in Week 12, which are still the sixth-best odds in the conference, ahead of Indianapolis, Miami, and Las Vegas
• [November 24] Being upset by the Titans in Week 11 has resulte din Baltimore’s odds to make the playoffs fading from -1272 to -355; they still have the sixth-best odds to make it in the AFC
• [November 17] The Cleveland Browns are given slightly better odds than the surging Miami Dolphins, who are now 3-0 with Tua Tagovailoa under center, to get the final playoff spot in the AFC
• [November 10] Another win has the Raiders odds to make the playoffs improving from eighth-best to sixth-best
• [October 27] Although they lost Odell Beckham Jr for the rest of the season, Cleveland’s odds to make the playoffs improved from -185 to -305 thanks to another win paired with Raiders and Patriots losses
• [October 20] A bad loss to Denver has resulted in New England’s AFC playoff odds plummeting from -177 to +101, the eighth-best odds in the conference
• [October 14] Even after upsetting the Chiefs in Week 5, the Raiders still only have the ninth-best odds to make the playoffs in the AFC
• [October 7] The Titans’ playoff odds have been pulled at all sportsbooks due to the COVID outbreak they’re experiencing, which is resulting in some uncertainty around if/when they’ll play games; the Browns have also moved into the seventh-best odds, overtaking the Patriots
• [September 29] The seven teams favored to make the AFC playoffs have yet to change, but the Patriots saw their odds to make the playoffs improve from -164 to -235 after beating the Raiders in Week 3
• [September 22] The Raiders odds to make the playoffs improved from +205 to +101 after upsetting the Saints in Week 2, but they still only have the tenth-best odds in the AFC
• [September 15] The same seven teams are still expected to make the playoffs in the AFC after Week 1, but the Colts dropped to the seventh-best odds, while the Steelers improved to third-best
• [September 8] These are the seven teams who are expected to make the AFC playoffs based on the odds ahead of kickoff: Kansas City, Baltimore, Indianapolis, New England, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee
• [August 12] After dealing away Jamal Adams, the Jets now have the third-worst odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams; the Pats’ playoff odds also took a hit after numerous players opted out of the season, which also resulted in the Bills’ odds moving from -140 to -183
• [June 29] After signing Cam Newton, the Patriots’ odds to make the playoffs improved from -182 to -220, the third-best odds in the AFC; the Bills saw their playoff odds worsen from -186 to -140 as a result of the Pats getting stronger under center
• [June 4] The Bills have surpassed the Patriots for the third-best odds to make the playoffs in the AFC; the Colts’ odds also continue improving, going from -157 to -178
• [April 29] After the NFL Draft, the Patriots (now third-best) and Colts (now fifth-best) saw their odds to make the playoffs improve, while the Steelers went from -172 to -138
• [March 25] Based on the opening odds, the Chiefs, Ravens, Patriots, Bills, Titans, Steelers, and Texans will make the AFC playoffs, leaving the Colts as the first team out

Odds to Make Playoffs for NFC Teams in 2020-21

Week 17 Playoff Clinching Scenarios

• [January 4] The Rams, Bears, and Washington Football Team all clinched playoff spots in Week 17, while the Cardinals’ loss to the Rams cost them a playoff berth.
• [December 29] The Cardinals were upset by the 49ers in Week 16, resulting in their odds to make the playoffs fading from -240 to -122, falling behind the Bears. They need to beat the Rams in Week 17 and have the Bears lose to the Packers to get in.
• [December 22] After another win, Chicago’s odds to male the playoffs have improved from +478 to +185. Arizona is still favored to take the final wild card spot in the NFC, as their odds improved to -240 after beating the Eagles in Week 15.
• [December 15] Beating the Giants in Week 14 has resulted in Arizona’s NFL playoff odds improving from +137 to -173. Minnesota’s odds went from +132 to +293 after losing to the Bucs.
• [December 9] The Cardinals lost their third straight game and now have better odds to miss the playoffs than make. Arizona has also fallen behind Minnesota in the odds, putting them in eighth.
• [December 3] No sportsbooks are currently offering odds on any NFC East teams to make or miss the playoffs. The 49ers saw their odds improve from +890 to +223 after beating the Rams in Week 12
• [November 24] The Eagles still hold the seventh-best odds to make the playoffs in the NFC, but their odds now favor them missing the playoffs; the rest of the NFC East saw major boosts to their playoff odds
• [November 17] Wins in Week 10 saw the Vikings and Giants’ playoff odds improve significantly; Minnesota went from +475 to +155, the eighth-best, while New York went from +1080 to +280
• [November 10] With the Cardinals getting upset in Week 9, the Rams overtook them for the seventh-best odds to make the NFC playoffs
• [October 27] The Eagles have the sixth-best odds to make the NFC playoffs after beating the Giants in Week 7 to take the top spot in the NFC East; the Bears are still favored to make the playoffs, but Arizona is close on their trail
• [October 20] Dallas still holds the seventh-best odds to make the NFC playoffs, despite Andy Dalton’s first game as their starter went terribly
• [October 14] The Cowboys still have the seventh-best odds to make the NFC playoffs after losing star QB Dak Prescott for the season
• [October 7] A Week 4 loss to the Eagles has resulted in the 49ers odds to make the playoffs fading from -210 to +110, which is a drop from fifth to eighth-best in the NFC
• [September 29] With the Bears starting 3-0 and the Rams losing to the Bills in Week 3, the two teams are tied for the seventh-best odds to make the NFC playoffs; the Packers and Seahawks broke away from the pack, as their odds improved to -700 and -813, respectively
• [September 22] With Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas likely done for the season, along with injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo, Raheem Mostert, and Tevin Coleman in Week 2, the 49ers saw their playoff odds fade from -218 to -142, the seventh-best odds in the NFC
• [September 15] After beating the Cowboys in Week 1, the LA Rams have kicked the Eagles out of the top seven in odds to make the NFC playoffs
• [September 8] Based on the odds ahead of kickoff, these seven teams will make the playoffs from the NFC: San Francisco, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Minnesota. The noticeable exception from that list is the Green Bay Packers
• [August 12] Despite acquiring Jamal Adams from the Jets, Seattle’s odds to make the playoffs have actually gotten slightly worse
• [June 4] Despite comments from Drew Brees that may have divided the locker room, the Saints have overtaken the Niners for the best odds to make the playoffs among NFC teams; The Bucs have seen their playoff odds go from -312 to -235, allowing the Cowboys to surpass them for third-best in the conference
• [April 29] After opting to find Aaron Rodgers’ replacement in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, instead of adding to a roster that made it to the NFC Championship game last season, the Packers’ odds to make the playoffs continued to fade, going from -220 to -153, which is just sixth-best in the NFC
• [April 22] The Bucs now have the third-best odds to make the playoffs in the NFC after acquiring Rob Gronkowski
• [March 25] According to the opening odds, the Saints, 49ers, Packers, Eagles, Cowboys, and Seahawks will make the playoffs, while the Rams, Vikings, and Bucs will battle it out for the new third and final wild card spot

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2019-20 NFL Playoff Odds

The 2019 NFL regular season concluded December 29 and the 2019-20 NFL Playoffs began January 4, 2020. I tracked the odds for all 32 teams to make the 2019-20 NFL playoffs from the time the odds opened right through to Week 17. The graphs below were generated by averaging the odds from our most trusted online sports betting sites.

Odds to Make Playoffs for AFC Teams in 2019-20

• [Dec 30] The Titans clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Texans in Week 17
• [Dec 25] The Titans’ odds to make the playoffs improved to -325 after the Steelers lost to the Jets in Week 16
• [Dec 18] With a win over the Titans in Week 15, the Texans are now heavily favored to make the playoffs, leaving the Steelers and Titans to battle for the final spot
• [Dec 11] The Titans continue to surge and are now better than even-money (-230) after a fourth straight win
• [Dec 4] After beating the Browns in Week 13, the Steelers are given the sixth-best odds to make the playoffs among AFC teams; the Titans follow closely behind after taking down the Colts
• [Nov 27] The Colts remain among the top six contenders to make the AFC playoffs even after losing to the Texans on Thursday Night Football of Week 12
• [Nov 20] The Steelers dropped out of the top six after a bad loss to the Browns, being replaced by the Colts and also surpassed by the Raiders
• [Nov 13] The Colts are no longer among the top six in odds to make the AFC playoffs after losing to the Dolphins, as the Steelers have replaced them
• [Nov 6] After beating New England on SNF, Baltimore saw their playoff odds improve significantly; Pittsburgh’s odds to make the playoffs are also nearing even money
• [Oct 30] Despite a disappointing loss to the Eagles at home, the Bills still have the fourth-best odds among AFC teams to make the playoffs
• [Oct 23] With not much competition in the AFC, the Texans remain favored to make the playoffs after losing to the Colts in Week 7
• [Oct 16] Even after another disappointing loss, the Browns’ playoff odds only dipped from +135 to +175
• [Oct 9] Upsetting the Chiefs on SNF of Week 5 sees the Colts back in the top six for odds to make the playoffs in the AFC
• [Oct 2] After beating the Ravens in Week 4, the Browns are again favored to make the NFL playoffs
• [Sep 25] The Bills and Colts have pushed out the Browns and Chargers in the AFC; a 3-0 start has led to Buffalo having the fourth-best odds among AFC teams to make the playoffs
• [Sep 18] The Browns see themselves back among the top six in odds to make the AFC playoffs after a Week 2 thrashing of the Jets
• [Sep 11] With inspiring Week 1 wins, the Ravens and Titans are now projected to make the playoffs, while the Browns and Steelers have moved out of the top six
• [Sep 5] There are some Jacoby Brissett believers out there! Indy’s playoff odds rebounded somewhat, improving from +363 to +270
• [Aug 27] Obviously, the big losers are the Colts, who plummet from -203 to +363; the biggest benefactor of Andrew Luck’s retirement is the Texans (+147 to +100)
• [May 1] The following teams have opened as odds-on favorites to make the 2019-20 NFL Playoffs in the AFC: CLE, IND, KC, LAC, NE.

Odds to Make Playoffs for NFC Teams in 2019-20

• [Dec 30] The Eagles claimed the final playoff spot in the NFC with a win over the Giants in Week 17
• [Dec 25] After the Rams lost in Week 16, the Vikings clinched the playoffs, leaving just one playoff spot available for the winner of the NFC East; the Eagles are given -288 odds to win the division
• [Dec 18] With the Vikings all but clinched entering Week 16, the final playoff spot will go to the winner of the NFC East (Philadelphia or Dallas); currently, Dallas is given a big edge
• [Dec 11] As short as -2000 two weeks ago, the Vikings are only -350 now as the Rams (+125) surge in the Wild Card race
• [Dec 4] Despite losing to the Bills at home on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys’ odds to make the playoffs improved from -200 to -230, thanks to the Eagles losing to the Dolphins
• [Nov 27] After being blown out by the Ravens on Monday Night Football, the Rams saw their odds to make the playoffs fade from +240 to +650
• [Nov 20] A win paired with an Eagles loss in Week 11 sees the Cowboys back among the top six contenders to make the playoffs
• [Nov 13] Another Cowboys loss in Week 10 results in them on the outside looking in with the seventh-best odds to make the playoffs
• [Nov 6] Seattle holds the sixth-best odds to make the playoffs among NFC teams, followed closely behind by Philadelphia and Los Angeles (Rams)
• [Oct 30] The Eagles and Seahawks are tied for the sixth-best odds among NFC teams to make the payoffs after the two recorded very different wins in Week 8
• [Oct 23] It’s an extremely tight race for the final spot in the NFC Playoffs, as the Seahawks, Rams, Eagles, and Panthers are all given near-even odds
• [Oct 16] After three straight losses, the Rams – who once had the best odds to make the playoffs among NFC teams – are now favored to miss the playoffs
• [Oct 9] Back-to-back losses has resulted in the Cowboys no longer being among the top six teams in odds to make the playoffs in the NFC
• [Oct 2] There are now eight teams in the NFC who have better odds to make the playoffs than miss them
• [Sep 25] A 3-0 start has resulted in the Niners edging out the Eagles for a playoff spot in the NFC
• [Sep 18] The Bears are tied with the Falcons for sixth-best odds to make the NFC playoffs, while the Saints saw their odds fade from -500 to -170 with Drew Brees sidelined for around six weeks
• [Sep 11] The Vikings have taken Chicago’s place in the NFC playoffs after Week 1, thanks to a dominant win over the Falcons
• [Sep 5] The two NFC favorites dropped significantly. The Saints went from -313 to -280. The Rams fell from -320 to -270.
• [Aug 27] The Cardinals’ odds have steadily improved since May, going from +900 to make the playoffs on May 1 all the way to +608 in late August.
• [May 1] The following teams have opened as odds-on favorites to make the 2019-20 NFL Playoffs in the NFC: CHI, LAR, NO, PHI.