The Playoff Predictor uses ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) and human logic (i.e., the eye test) to determine which teams are still alive in the chase for the College Football Playoff. Unlike the weekly College Football Playoff rankings, which look at a team’s body of work through that point in the season, the Playoff Predictor is intended to project which teams will be there when it matters -- when the final rankings are announced.
The Playoff Predictor will factor in a team’s chance to win its conference and finish with fewer than two losses, as well as schedule strength.