Tag: playoffs

Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) tackles Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during their playoff game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale.

Lions pull proposal to modify playoff seeding

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions withdrew their proposal to alter playoff seeding before a vote was taken by owners in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

The proposal called for seeding the playoff field based on record, thus eliminating the automatic home game for division winners regardless of regular-season record.

NFL owners were scheduled to vote on the proposal Wednesday. Instead, the team pulled the pitch from the table due to a lack of support, NFL Network reported, speculating the idea could be revisited should the league expand to an 18-game schedule.

Under the current format, four division winners in each conference are guaranteed a home playoff game. Wild-card entrants travel to play the division champions, which can yield a matchup between a home team with a record worse than the wild-card team.

Last season, for example, the 14-3 Vikings were forced to travel west to meet the 10-7 Rams in the wild-card round. Minnesota finished behind the Detroit Lions (15-2) in the NFC North, making the Vikings a wild card. Los Angeles won the NFC West. The Rams prevailed to advance.

In the postseason followed the 2023 season, the Eagles (11-6) finished second on the NFC East and as a wild card went on the road to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) in the opening round.

The Lions had proposed only the division winner with the best record in each conference would play at home. The remaining playoff teams would be seeded by record with no regard to division standing.

–Field Level Media

Apr 1, 2025; Palm Beach, FL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Roger Goodell discusses playoff re-seeding, Olympic flag football

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While the tabling of a vote to ban the “tush push” hogged the headlines Tuesday at the NFL annual meeting, commissioner Roger Goodell addressed other topics ranging from a proposal to change playoff seeding to flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Goodell said discussions with franchises and the NFL Players Association about NFL participation in the Olympics are on the horizon.

He said he’s heard from several players enthusiastic about playing in the 2028 Games, when flag football will make its debut as an event.

“I think that’s something that we’ll continue discussions with not just the union, but also the clubs,” Goodell said. “I think both of those are things that will probably resolve sometime in the next 60 days.”

Goodell had also floated the idea of the NFL establishing a professional flag football league when speaking at the Super Bowl in February. There were no concrete updates Tuesday on the development of such a league, but the topic was tied back into the Olympics.

“I do think that the Olympics is a critical moment for us in the flag development on a global basis,” Goodell said. “Listen, the Olympics are the pinnacle of international sport, and for us to be able to participate in that, to have both men’s and women’s flag teams participating from around the world, is a significant moment for us.

“So there is a lot of lead-up to that in the qualifications and how that happens, so that is clearly inspiring some of the work.”

In the near term, one league rule change that didn’t pass but could gain traction was the Detroit Lions’ proposal to change playoff seeding. The Lions wanted wild-card teams to be seeded above division winners with inferior records.

Goodell called it a “very healthy proposal” and said he could see a world where division winners with sub-.500 records do not receive home-field advantage for the first round.

“There’s great data to show that we should really look at some form of this,” Goodell said.

Goodell also declined to discuss the league’s investigation into Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who stands accused by 16 massage therapists of inappropriate sexual conduct.

“I haven’t gotten an update but I know the review is ongoing,” Goodell said. “We won’t be giving updates but when we have something, we’ll certainly share it with everyone.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) drops a pass on a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Ravens’ Mark Andrews on dropped pass: ‘I’m absolutely gutted’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been the subject of fan ire since he dropped a pass with 1:33 remaining that would have tied the AFC divisional round game against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter last Sunday.

He remained quiet until Thursday, when Andrews finally addressed the 27-25 loss in an emotional message posted to Instagram that acknowledged both his regret and his resolve to move on.

“It’s impossible to adequately express how I feel. I’m absolutely gutted by what happened on Sunday. I’m devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans,” Andrews said. “I pour every ounce of my being into playing at the highest level possible, because I love my team and the game of football like nothing else. That is why it’s taken me until now to collect my thoughts and address this publicly.

“Even though the shock and disappointment are unlike anything I’ve felt before, I refuse to let the situation define me. I promise that this adversity will only make me stronger and fuel us as we move forward.”

Andrews, an All-Pro who has spent seven seasons with the Ravens, finished the game with five receptions on seven targets for 61 yards. He also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter that the Bills recovered and turned into three points. That was just his second career lost fumble.

Andrews, 29, has had the backing of his team.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson told a distraught Andrews on Sunday as he sat on the bench that the loss couldn’t be pinned on him.

“We’re a team. It’s all of us, bro. It ain’t just you,” Jackson said.

And on Wednesday, coach John Harbaugh gave Andrews his support.

“Mark is a huge part of our future and we love him,” Harbaugh said. “We’re there for him. If anybody can take a tough circumstance like that and handle it with class and grace and dignity and mental toughness, it’s most definitely Mark Andrews.”

A Bills fan, seeking to help Andrews through tough times, started a GoFundMe campaign to support Breakthrough T1D, which supports diabetes research. Andrews is a Type-1 diabetic.

The campaign has raised more than $100,000.

“I thank everyone who has shown me and our team genuine support these past several days,” Harbaugh said. “Despite the negativity, I’ve seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization. Even when the moment seems darkest, perspective can reveal that there’s still a lot of light in this world. I’m now going to do my part to bounce back and contribute to it.”

In seven NFL seasons, all with the Ravens, Andrews has 436 receptions for 5,530 yards and 51 touchdown catches.

–Field Level Media

Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Josh Allen pushes Bills past Ravens, into AFC Championship Game

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The Buffalo Bills feel disrespected, and what occurred Sunday night will only add to the chips on their collective shoulders.

As Buffalo celebrated a 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens to reach next weekend’s AFC Championship Game, the overwhelming sentiment was that the Bills advanced primarily because Baltimore’s Mark Andrews dropped a two-point conversion pass with 1:33 left to prevent the Ravens from tying the score.

Those three forced turnovers and huge defensive plays by Buffalo’s Terrel Bernard and Von Miller were suddenly minimized.

“All year, this team has heard, ‘We’ve got no talent. We’re too small. We can’t stop the run. We’re not good enough to compete,’” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said. “We just put our heads down and work hard. I’m so proud of our defense, our offense and special teams. What a complete win.”

Allen rushed for two touchdowns and Ray Davis rushed for one as the second-seeded Bills defeated the third-seeded Ravens in cold and icy conditions at Orchard Park, N.Y. The temperature was 19 degrees, but it felt like 12 at kickoff.

Buffalo will visit the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game next Sunday. It is a rematch of the 2021 AFC title game, where the Chiefs posted a 38-24 victory over Buffalo.

Lamar Jackson completed 18 of 25 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns for the Ravens but also was responsible for two turnovers (one interception, one lost fumble). Baltimore’s Derrick Henry rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown and Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely had scoring receptions.

Allen completed 16 of 22 passes for 127 yards while getting the victory over Jackson. The two are the leading NFL MVP candidates.

“It wasn’t pretty,” Allen said of the victory. “These playoff games, you got to win by one. That’s all that matters.”

Jackson finished strong by driving the Ravens 88 yards on eight plays and hitting Likely on a 24-yard touchdown catch to bring Baltimore within two with 1:33 left. On the two-point play, Jackson rolled right and tossed the ball to a wide-open Andrews, who dropped it at the goal line.

“I’m just as hurt as Mark. It’s a team effort,” Jackson said when asked about Andrews’ drop. “I’m not going to put it on Mark. He was battling and doing all the great things he did all season. It don’t always go our way.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t wish to entertain any suggestions that Andrews was at blame for the loss.

“There’s nobody that has more heart and cares more and fights more than Mark,” Harbaugh said. “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews.”

Buffalo’s Rasul Douglas recovered the ensuing onside kick, and Ty Johnson cemented the victory with a 17-yard run.

Baltimore trailed by 11 points at halftime before controlling the third quarter.

Justin Tucker kicked a 47-yard field goal to bring the Ravens within 21-13 with 9:47 left in the third quarter.

Henry scored on a 5-yard rush with 1:37 remaining in the third. The Ravens went for a game-tying two-point conversion, but Buffalo’s Matt Milano tipped away Jackson’s pass.

Tyler Bass made a 51-yard field goal to increase the Bills’ lead to 24-19 with 12:04 left in the game.

Later, Jackson hit Andrews for 16 yards to get to the Buffalo 44-yard line. But Bernard punched the ball out of Andrews’ hands and jumped on it at the Bills 46 with 8:41 remaining.

“He found a soft spot in the zone,” Bernard said of Andrews. “We rallied to the ball and I saw him cut back and really all I saw was the ball and tried to get it out. … I was lucky enough to get it out of there.”

It marked just the second time in seven NFL seasons that Andrews lost a fumble. The other time was in a 2019 regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bills cashed in with Bass’ 21-yard field goal with 3:29 remaining.

Allen rushed for two first-half touchdowns to help Buffalo grab a 21-10 lead.

The Ravens took a 7-0 lead on Jackson’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Bateman. The Bills tied the score on Davis’ 1-yard TD run with 4:43 left in the opening quarter.

Jackson turned the ball over twice in the first half — the first giveaway coming in the first quarter, when he was intercepted by Taylor Rapp. Rapp left in the second frame due to a hip injury.

A more costly turnover occurred in the second quarter when a play was off-kilter due to a high and wide shotgun snap. Jackson was able to corral the ball and tried to run as it slipped out of his hands while Buffalo’s Damar Hamlin was trying to make an ankle-high tackle.

Miller scooped up the loose ball and raced 39 yards to the Ravens 24-yard line. Four plays later, Allen scored from the 1 to give Buffalo a 14-7 advantage with 8:52 left in the first half.

Tucker booted a 26-yard field goal with 3:43 left in the half before Allen’s 4-yard scoring run gave Buffalo a 21-10 lead with 16 seconds remaining.

–Field Level Media

Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts guide Eagles past Rams, into NFC title game

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts smiled as he described his 44-yard touchdown run.

“Saquon needed a break,” Hurts said of teammate Saquon Barkley. “So I told him I’ll get one.”

Barkley happily did the rest.

The Eagles escaped with a 28-22 win over the visiting Los Angeles Rams in an NFC divisional-round playoff game on Sunday afternoon. Barkley finished with 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the snow and caught four passes for 27 yards.

Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards and rushed for a touchdown for Philadelphia. The Eagles advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they will host the Washington Commanders next weekend.

Matthew Stafford completed 26 of 44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams. Kyren Williams finished with 19 carries for 106 yards, and Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson each had a touchdown catch.

Barkley scored a 78-yard rushing touchdown to make it 28-15 Philadelphia with 4:36 remaining. He cut to his left and sprinted untouched past the Los Angeles secondary.

The Rams pulled within 28-22 on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Parkinson with 2:48 to go.

The Eagles punted on their next possession, and the Rams had a chance for a go-ahead touchdown. Philadelphia’s defense held firm, as Stafford threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-11 from the Eagles 22-yard line to prompt a turnover on downs.

“This game in a lot of ways epitomized the resilience, the grit, the ability to overcome adversity,” said Rams coach Sean McVay, whose team started 1-4 before making a late run into the playoffs. “We just had a couple things that we couldn’t overcome. There will be some things that we can learn from.

“But this is the time for gratitude, for appreciation. I love this group, I love this coaching staff, I love these players.”

The score was even at 13-all after Rams kicker Joshua Karty made a 34-yard field goal with 7:37 to play in the third quarter.

Philadelphia inched ahead 16-13 with 2:19 left in the third quarter when Jake Elliott made a 44-yard field goal.

The Rams pulled within 16-15 after a safety with 26 seconds to go in the third quarter. Neville Gallimore came up with a sack in the end zone on the play.

The Eagles made it 19-15 on a 23-yard field goal by Elliott with 13:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Elliott connected again, this time from 37 yards out, to make it 22-15 with 6:18 to play.

The Eagles opened the scoring on their first drive of the game. Hurts faked a handoff to Barkley, tucked the ball and sprinted right for his 44-yard score. Elliott missed the ensuing extra-point attempt, though.

The Rams responded with a touchdown on the next possession to grab a 7-6 advantage. Stafford fired a strike to Higbee for a 4-yard TD.

The Eagles struck again with another big-play touchdown to pull ahead 13-7. Barkley found an opening at the line of scrimmage and burst to his right for a 62-yard score with 1:07 remaining in the first quarter.

Barkley’s performance was strikingly similar to his 255-yard, two-TD game against the Rams in the regular season.

Los Angeles cut its deficit to 13-10 on a 30-yard field goal by Karty with 12:47 to go in the first half.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said his players deserved credit for holding the Rams in check.

“We played championship defense,” Sirianni said.

Hurts twisted his knee awkwardly when he was sacked in the third quarter. He returned to the field to help the Eagles hold on for the win and avoided specifics afterward when asked about the play and how he was feeling.

“I finished the game,” Hurts said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) is introduced before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Lions expect RB David Montgomery back for playoff run

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The Detroit Lions plan for running back David Montgomery to be back for their first playoff game in the NFC divisional round.

Asked Tuesday whether he expected Montgomery (knee) to be ready to play next week, normally fiery head coach Dan Campbell kept it short and said, “I do.”

Montgomery injured the MCL in his left knee in Week 15 during the Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Originally thought to be a season-ending injury, Montgomery received other medical opinions and instead rehabbed his knee with an eye on a postseason return.

Montgomery, 27, rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 4.2 yards per carry average in 14 games this season, complementing lead rusher Jahmyr Gibbs (1,412 yards, 5.6 average, 16 TDs).

The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 in Week 18 to clinch not only the NFC North title but also the top seed in the conference, the first time the franchise has accomplished that.

That comes with a bye week that will give Montgomery even more time to recover. Detroit will host a game in the divisional round on Jan. 18 or 19.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of field goal post at Folsom Field during the game between the Arizona Wildcats against the Colorado Buffaloes. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Report: Ivy League to participate in future FCS playoffs

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Ivy League schools will be able to compete for the Football Championship Subdivision’s national championship starting in 2025, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The conference champion will receive an automatic bid into the FCS playoff field, per the report.

Football had been the only sport in which Ivy League teams could not compete for an NCAA national title.

According to the report, Ivy League student-athletes came up with the proposal and it was approved Tuesday by the Ivy League Council of Presidents.

Harvard (8-2), Dartmouth (8-2) and Columbia (7-3) all finished with 5-2 records in Ivy League play in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has Pittsburgh on the verge of a playoff berth. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Playoff Picture: Texans, Steelers can clinch spots Sunday

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Two more AFC teams can clinch playoff spots on Sunday, but there’s more math than meets the eye in the NFC.

The pecking order in the AFC is not fully established but the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) opened up a two-game advantage on AFC East champion Buffalo (10-3) with the Bills’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.

The Houston Texans (8-5) can clinch a second consecutive AFC South division title with a win over the Miami Dolphins (6-7) and a loss by the Indianapolis Colts (6-7).

The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) remain in the hunt for home-field advantage in the AFC, and the Steelers end the season against Chiefs in a loaded remaining schedule that includes a date with the Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) on Sunday. The Steelers clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie.

NFC home-field advantage is undecided as well, but the Detroit Lions (12-1) remain out in front with a headliner with the Bills this week. The Lions and Eagles have clinched playoff spots, with two other North division challengers on the doorstep.

Sunday’s primetime slate pits the Green Bay Packers (9-4) at the Seattle Seahawks (8-5). Green Bay is in the playoff field with a win combined with an Atlanta Falcons loss or tie, or a tie in the San Francisco 49ers-Los Angeles Rams game on Thursday. Seattle leads the NFC West, where all four teams are still alive for the division title.

It’s possible the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) will celebrate getting a spot in the postseason before hosting the Chicago Bears (4-9) on Monday if the Rams or Seattle Seahawks lose or tie in their games. The Vikings also can punch their ticket with win No. 12, and Minnesota remains alive in the battle for home-field in the NFC. The Vikings and Lions play in the regular-season finale Week 18.

Philadelphia clinches the NFC East division title with a win or tie coupled with a loss or tie by the Washington Commanders.

NFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders
1. Detroit Lions (12-1)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
3. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

Wild-Card Race
5. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
7. Washington Commanders (8-5)

Contending for Wild Card
8. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
9. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
10. Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
12. New Orleans Saints (5-8)
13. Dallas Cowboys (5-8)
14. Chicago Bears (4-9)
15. Carolina Panthers (3-10)

Out of the playoff picture (mathematically eliminated)
16. New York Giants (2-11)

AFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders
1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (10-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
4. Houston Texans (8-5)

Wild-Card Race
5. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
7. Denver Broncos (8-5)

Contending for Wild Card
8. Indianapolis Colts (6-7): Catching the Texans in the AFC South will be a long shot.
9. Miami Dolphins (6-7): Trying to keep their faint hopes alive with a win over the New York Jets.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-8): May not get to the playoffs even if they run the table.

Out of the playoff picture (mathematically eliminated)
11. Cleveland Browns (3-10)
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)
13. New York Jets (3-10)
14. Tennessee Titans (3-10)
15. New England Patriots (3-10)
16. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NFL playoff standings, big picture entering Week 14

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All eyes are on the NFC North pecking order with a Thursday showdown between the Lions and Packers in Detroit kicking off Week 14.

The Lions (11-1) already registered a win over Green Bay (9-3) at Lambeau Field and begin their second pass through the division with a 3-0 record in the North. The Vikings (10-2) sit between the teams in the standings, but there are tangible and desirous goals in play for Minnesota on Sunday.

With a win over the NFC South-leading Falcons, Minnesota would gain a game on the losing team Thursday and potentially push their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and Atlanta outside the playoff picture behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs (6-6) host the 2-10 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

There’s less drama in the AFC, where the division leaders have enough cushion to breathe and ample motivation to continue putting up victories with home-field advantage not yet decided.

Last week, the Bills (10-2) clinched the AFC East and the Chiefs (11-1) can clinch the West on Sunday by beating the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) in Kansas City.

Looming for the murky AFC wild-card picture are head-to-head matchups between the Denver Broncos and Chargers (Dec. 19) and Indianapolis Colts and Broncos (Dec. 15). And Baltimore’s closing schedule is unusual, if not tricky, with a Saturday division game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 21) and a midweek, Christmas Day game pitting the Ravens and Texans in a 2024 playoff rematch.

The current playoff picture entering Week 14:

AFC Division Leaders
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
Up Next: vs. Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

2. Buffalo Bills (10-2)
Up Next: at L.A. Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

4. Houston Texans (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

AFC Wild-Card Standings

5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Up Next: at Kansas City, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

7. Denver Broncos (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
Up Next: Bye Week

9. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
Up Next: vs. N.Y. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
Up Next: at Dallas, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

11. Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Up Next: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. New York Jets (3-9)
Up Next: at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

13. Tennessee Titans (3-9)
Up Next: vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders have been eliminated.

NFC Division Leaders
1. Detroit Lions (11-1)
Up Next: vs. Green Bay, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Up Next: vs. Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
Up Next: at Arizona, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Up Next: at Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

NFC Wild-Card Standings
5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Up Next: vs. Atlanta, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
Up Next: at Detroit, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

7. Washington Commanders (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Las Vegas, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Seattle, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Buffalo, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

11. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)
Up Next: vs. Chicago, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
Up Next: vs. Cincinnati, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. New Orleans Saints (4-8)
Up Next: at N.Y. Giants , Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. Chicago Bears (4-8)
Up Next: at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

15. Carolina Panthers (3-9)
Up Next: at Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New York Giants have been eliminated.

–Field Level Media

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn Tigers 28-14.

Bettors behind Alabama to make CFP field

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Bookmakers are adjusting the odds for making the 12-team playoff field with a surge of support for a familiar postseason power.

Alabama is running to the front of the futures pool for teams to make the College Football Playoff 12-team field when it’s announced Sunday afternoon as part of a bowl selection broadcast.

Conference champions from the top five leagues and seven at-large teams are granted spots in the first 12-team playoff, which begins Dec. 20.

The Crimson Tide are receiving more than 85 percent of the total bets in the market at FanDuel and more than 92 percent of the action at ESPNBet.

Alabama also has +1500 national championship odds at FanDuel and BetMGM, ahead of Tennessee (+1800), SMU (+3200), Indiana (+4000) and Arizona State (+8000).

The national title favorites as of Tuesday morning were Oregon (+350), Texas (+380), Ohio State (+400) and Georgia (+550).

Currently at No. 13 in the rankings, Alabama could be on the rise Tuesday night when the latest rankings are set by the committee which must account for losses by Miami (Fla.) and Clemson.

The loser of the ACC championship game Saturday between SMU and Clemson would land on the so-called bubble along with South Carolina, Miami and Ole Miss.

SMU currently is on the board as the favorite over Clemson and has -240 odds to make the 12-team field. Miami lost to Syracuse last week and went from in the field to +600 at FanDuel. The Hurricanes are dropping rapidly and sat at +750 on Tuesday morning, behind South Carolina (+600).

Those were better odds than Ole Miss (+4000), which currently would be situated alongside South Carolina as SEC teams left out of the playoff.

–Field Level Media