Seth Walder has been an ESPN analytics writer since 2017. He recently published a terrific deep dive that breaks down the 2025 playoff odds for each of the 32 NFL teams. Walder is broadening the quantitative specialization of the agency. He provides a beautiful, methodical, data-driven approach to arguing each team’s case for the playoffs, their division, and eventually the Super Bowl. His observations have never been more timely, as the team’s performance and playoff chance discussions heat up in earnest.
Prior to coming to ESPN, Walder honed his craft at the New York Daily News. There, he was a beat writer for the big league squads—the Jets and Giants. His deep understanding of sports journalism and applications of analytics have made him one of the most trusted voices in the space. He makes regular appearances on “ESPN Bet Live.” In there, he gives great behind the scenes looks on sports betting and some impressive clips illustrating his skills analyzing performance metrics.
In his most recent piece, Walder uses some sort of tiered ranking system to categorize teams by the likelihood they’ll make the playoffs. Every club gets an unambiguous judgment, supported by waves of data and a plethora of statistics that highlight their performance trajectory and future projections. Walder’s analytical approach ensures that fans and analysts alike can glean factual responses about each team’s standing in the context of the upcoming season.
Tiered Ranking System
Walder’s tiered ranking system places all 32 NFL teams into clear tiers according to their chances of making the playoffs. Because this approach is clear and shows every step, it’s simple to compare teams’ chances side by side. It further spotlights the lack of competitiveness at every level in the league.
- Top Tier: Teams that have demonstrated significant potential and consistency in their performance.
- Middle Tier: Teams that have shown flashes of brilliance but require further development to solidify their positions.
- Bottom Tier: Teams struggling with significant challenges that may hinder their playoff aspirations.
Each tier is backed up with statistical information, bolstering the logic behind the rankings. The use of a straightforward and numbered list format really makes it easy to read and for people to instantly understand who is in the lead.
Factual Analysis
In his examination, Walder draws no other conclusions than those justified by directly relevant statistics and refrains from injecting unrelated or tangentially related information. He stresses that he wants enough information that he can judge a team’s odds. If he doesn’t have that info, he’ll note it N/A. This dedication to truthful reporting means that his listeners can count on getting the most accurate information possible, delivered without all the flashy gimmicks.
Furthermore, Walder refrains from repeating similar facts or interpretations, which maintains the integrity and precision of his analysis. By providing chances for each team to make the playoffs, win their division, and secure a spot in the Super Bowl, he equips fans with essential insights necessary for understanding their favorite teams’ prospects.
Quotes and Insights
Along the way, Walder weaves in quotes and insights from some of the NFL’s most important decision makers to further bolster and humanize his analysis. One notable quote comes from David Shaw, who remarked on his team’s performance, stating:
“We are inefficient. We are explosive. When we do it all right, we are fun to watch.” – David Shaw
This attribute goes both ways though, and this quote summarizes the bright spots and the shadows of the team spirit. Such insights provide additional context for fans looking to understand not only statistical probabilities but the human elements that influence team success.
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