Week 14 is underway in the NFL, and the playoff race is heating up. Some teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, while other squads are simply fighting for their respective seasons. Multiple teams could be either eliminated from division races or the playoffs altogether after this week.
Using PFSN’s NFL Playoff Predictor, let’s explore the potential NFL playoff elimination scenarios in Week 14.
Atlanta Falcons Elimination Scenarios
ATL can be eliminated from NFC South contention with:
1) ATL loss
2) ATL tie + TB win or tie
ATL can be eliminated from playoff contention with:
1) ATL loss
2) ATL tie + TB win or tie + GB win or tie
The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season. They entered a Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks with a 4-8 record. While the NFC South is still up for grabs, Atlanta has a ton of work to do to surpass either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Carolina Panthers. A loss to Seattle or a tie, combined with a Buccaneers win or tie, would knock the Falcons out of the division race.
If either scenario occurs, or if the Green Bay Packers win or tie against the Bears this week, Atlanta will be eliminated from playoff contention entirely.
Cleveland Browns Elimination Scenarios
CLE can be eliminated from playoff contention with:
1) CLE loss
Despite entering Week 14 with a lackluster 3-9 record, the Cleveland Browns aren’t out of it yet. With Shedeur Sanders under center, the Browns face the Tennessee Titans, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Cleveland can join Tennessee in the race for a top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a Week 14 loss.
Kansas City Chiefs Elimination Scenarios
KC can be eliminated from AFC West contention with:
1) KC loss + DEN win or tie
2) KC loss + LAC win
3) KC tie + DEN win
Few expected the Kansas City Chiefs to be 6-6 entering Week 14, yet that’s the reality. With three losses in their last four games, they now face a critical must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“When you look at it, it’s like hard to envision Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid not being in the playoffs, but that’s where we’re at.” 👀
Rex Ryan on the Chiefs ahead of their matchup against the Texans ✍️ pic.twitter.com/wQD9kJR3El
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 7, 2025
Andy Reid’s squad is still in the hunt as far as the NFL playoff picture is concerned. However, Kansas City could be knocked out of the AFC West race this week with a loss to the Houston Texans and either a Broncos win or tie or a Chargers win. They could also be eliminated with a tie and a Denver victory.
Minnesota Vikings Elimination Scenarios
MIN can be eliminated from playoff contention with:
1) MIN loss
2) MIN tie + GB win or tie
The Minnesota Vikings carried a 4-8 record into a Week 14 date with the Washington Commanders. They have battled instability at the quarterback position throughout the season. It’s been a rough stretch, as Minnesota has dropped four straight games.
MORE: 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Raiders Trade Up for Quarterbacks
An NFC North title is already out of reach, but the Vikings could also be eliminated from playoff contention with either a loss to Washington or a tie and a Packers win or tie against the Bears.
New York Jets Elimination Scenarios
NYJ can be eliminated from playoff contention with:
1) NYJ loss or tie
2) HOU win + BUF win or tie
3) HOU win + JAX/ IND tie
4) BUF win or tie + JAX win or tie
It’s been quite the roller coaster ride for the New York Jets this season. They entered Week 14 with a 3-9 record. Aaron Glenn began his tenure as head coach with an abysmal 0-7 record, but the Jets have won three of their last five games.
Although New York has shown some fight in recent weeks, it could be officially eliminated from playoff contention as early as Week 14. If the Jets lose to the Miami Dolphins, they will be eliminated from playoff contention. They can also be knocked out with a Texans win and either a Bills win or tie, or a tie between the Jaguars and the Colts, or a Buffalo win or tie and a Jacksonville win or tie.
Washington Commanders Elimination Scenarios
WAS can be eliminated from NFC East and playoff contention with:
1) WAS loss or tie
2) PHI win or tie
The Washington Commanders were one of the surprise playoff teams last year and entered this season with high expectations. However, they’ve had a rough go of it and carry a 3-9 record into a Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Commanders could be eliminated from both NFC East contention and the NFL playoff picture in one fell swoop. If they lose or tie to the Vikings or if the Philadelphia Eagles win or tie against the Chargers on Monday night, Washington’s attention will turn to the draft.
