NFL Playoff Picture: Analyzing the Latest Scenarios for Week 13

It’s safe to say that the fun has just begun.

There’s only five weeks remaining in the league’s 95th campaign. And what a season it has been.

Once again, we will take a weekly look at the current seeding in both the AFC and the NFC. We also have our own current playoff seeding odds for both conferences. So what is fact may wind up being folly when it’s all said and done—at least according to our analysis.

We’ll also look at the numerous other squads in the postseason chase and preview the key games (including all three Thanksgiving tilts) that could have playoff ramifications.

So here’s the latest when it comes to the NFL’s second season. Be warned. If you don’t get around to reading this until Friday, you will find yourself very, very behind.

Current AFC Playoff Seeding

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

AFC No. 1 Seed: New England Patriots (9-2)

With their ninth win of the season on Sunday, the Patriots ensured themselves of a winning season for the 14th consecutive year. That’s tied for the fifth-longest streak in NFL history.

Speaking of streaking, Bill Belichick’s team has now won seven straight contests (by a combined score of 277-137), and in their last three outings they have vanquished three teams (Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions) that were either leading their division or tied for first place.

The Pats get a fourth straight crack at a division leader this Sunday when they travel to Lambeau Field.

AFC No. 2 Seed: Denver Broncos (8-3)

John Fox’s club spotted the visiting Miami Dolphins an 11-point lead in the third quarter and then rallied for a 39-36 victory on Sunday.

While Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes without an interception, the bigger news was made by C.J. Anderson. The young running back ripped the Miami defense for 167 yards and a score on 25 carries as the Broncos rolled up 450 total yards in the victory.

It will be interesting to see if Denver’s ground attack will be able to exploit the Kansas City defense in a similar way on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

AFC No. 3 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals (7-3-1)

Have the Bengals gone from doom and gloom to back on track?

Marvin Lewis' team won on the road for the second consecutive Sunday by shutting down the Houston Texans. The Cincinnati defense did not allow an offensive touchdown at Reliant Stadium and limited Bill O’Brien’s club to 248 total yards.

Suddenly, the Bengals are starting to resemble the team that opened the season so impressively at 3-0. The team plays its third straight road game this weekend when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And in the incredible AFC North, where all four teams have seven victories, there is certainly no room for error.

AFC No. 4 Seed: Indianapolis Colts (7-4)

For the first time in nine games on Sunday, quarterback Andrew Luck did not throw for at least 300 yards. But the Colts still won by 20 points, a 23-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

What had to be a little concerning for head coach Chuck Pagano was the fact that their star signal-caller was sacked five times in the first half and would fumble four times (losing two) in the contest.

Still, Indianapolis’ victory combined with a loss by the Houston Texans put the Colts two games ahead in the AFC South standings with five weeks to go.

AFC No. 5 Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

Andy Reid’s defensive unit failed him when he needed it most in a 24-20 loss to the then-winless Oakland Raiders.

The Chiefs ranked 25th in the league against the run entering last Thursday night’s tilt with their longtime rivals, and Tony Sparano’s squad responded with 179 yards on the ground, including 112 and two scores on just four carries from Latavius Murray.

This Sunday evening at Kansas City, the Chiefs will look to snap a five-game losing streak to Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

AFC No. 6 Seed: San Diego Chargers (7-4)

Could the AFC West send three teams to the postseason for the second consecutive year?

We shall see. The Chargers’ stretch run includes a prime-time affair with the red-hot New England Patriots and a rematch with the Denver Broncos, both of those games at home. Of course, there are also trips to Baltimore, San Francisco and Kansas City.

Mike McCoy’s team has managed a couple of narrow home victories the last two weeks and find themselves right back in the thick of the AFC West race. But if the Bolts are going to return to the playoffs for the second straight season—and they are certainly in position to do so—they will have definitely earned it.

Current NFC Playoff Seeding

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NFC No. 1 Seed: Arizona Cardinals (9-2)

All good things eventually come to an end, and the Cardinals saw their six-game winning streak snapped on Sunday at the hands of the desperate Seahawks, 19-3.

The Arizona defense did limit the defending Super Bowl champions to one touchdown and sacked quarterback Russell Wilson seven times, although the elusive signal-caller accounted for 73 of the Seattle’s 124 yards on the ground.

Bruce Arians’ team has now failed to reach the end zone in seven straight quarters. They’ll get a chance to rectify that this Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

NFC No. 2 Seed: Green Bay Packers (8-3)

Those looking for Mike McCarthy’s team to roll to another lopsided victory may have been a little surprised this past weekend when the Packers edged the Minnesota Vikings, 24-21.

Still, Green Bay won its third straight game and now stands atop the NFC North by itself thanks to the Detroit Lions' loss at Foxborough. This Sunday afternoon, the Pack welcomes the red-hot Patriots, winners of seven straight games, to Lambeau Field.

While Aaron Rodgers continues to have a big year, second-year running back Eddie Lacy has been impressive as of late. In his last three games, he’s totaled 370 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns.

NFC No. 3 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (8-3)

It’s getting to be fun time in the NFC East.

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will square off twice in three weeks. The teams sit atop the division standings with identical 8-3 records.

If Chip Kelly’s team is to wrap up a playoff appearance this year, they may want to do a better job of securing the football.  The Birds have committed 27 turnovers in 11 outings this season, eight more miscues (19) than they managed during their 10-6 finish one year ago.

Since entering the game at Houston back in Week 9, Mark Sanchez has been erratic at best despite the team winning three of those four games. The former New York Jets quarterback has thrown seven touchdown passes while committing eight turnovers (six interceptions, two lost fumbles) in those contests.

Of course, the six-year signal-caller has simply picked up where Nick Foles left off before going down with a broken collarbone. The quarterback duo has combined for 21 of the aforementioned 27 miscues.

NFC No. 4 Seed: Atlanta Falcons (4-7)

Mike Smith’s team let one get away Sunday afternoon at home against the Cleveland Browns. The Falcons watched Brian Hoyer mount a late drive in the closing minute, and it would result in a 26-24 setback.

No matter (we think). Thanks to the Saints’ 34-27 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, Atlanta remains atop the NFC South despite being three games under .500.

This week, the Arizona Cardinals invade the Georgia Dome. Like the Falcons, they are a division leader. They only happen to be seven games above .500.

NFC No. 5 Seed: Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

Down 21-10 at halftime at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night, the determined Cowboys raised their record to 5-0 on the road this season with a thrilling 31-28 victory over the New York Giants.

Now Jason Garrett’s squad prepares to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, Dallas’ much-maligned defense did look the part against Tom Coughlin’s club, allowing 28 points and 417 total yards. But the Cowboys stuck to their game plan of 2014 as DeMarco Murray made it 10 games with 100-plus yards rushing and quarterback Tony Romo overcame one lost fumble by throwing for 275 yards and four touchdowns.

NFC No. 6 Seed: Seattle Seahawks (7-4)

The defending Super Bowl champions looked like their recent nasty selves on Sunday, at least on the defensive side of the football.

Pete Carroll’s team welcomed the Arizona Cardinals to the Pacific Northwest and administered a 19-3 setback to the first-place team in the NFC West. The Seahawks still trail Bruce Arians’ club by two games in the standings.

Seattle still has four more games to play within the division, with a trip to Philadelphia smack in the middle of two games with the San Francisco 49ers and then followed by a trip to Glendale in Week 16.

Teams on the Bubble

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

AFC

Baltimore Ravens (7-4)

On Monday night, John Harbaugh’s club returned to the site of their Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers. And once again, the Ravens scored 34 points and came away with a victory, this time over the New Orleans Saints.

Baltimore plays three of its final five games at home, a place where they have won four straight following that Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)

Mike Tomlin’s team returns this Sunday after a week off. And the Steelers are expected to get back a number of defensive starters when they take the field against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh has won four of its last five games following its up-and-down 3-3 start this season. When last we saw the Black and Gold, the team rallied for a 27-24 Monday night victory at Tennessee thanks mainly to 204 yards rushing and a touchdown on 33 carries from second-year running back Le’Veon Bell.

The Steelers’ erratic defense also figures to look a lot different this weekend as they expect to get back several starters (Troy Polamalu, Ryan Shazier, etc.) who have been sidelined with injuries.

Cleveland Browns (7-4)

One week after struggling at home against the Houston Texans, Brian Hoyer saved his best for last after looking his worst at the Georgia Dome. The result was a 26-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons, and Mike Pettine’s team remains very much in the postseason hunt.

Miami Dolphins (6-5)

Two losses in their last three games have put Joe Philbin’s team in a precarious spot for reaching the playoffs in the very-loaded AFC. The Dolphins run defense was exposed at Denver last Sunday as Peyton Manning and company rallied from a 28-17 deficit to hand Miami a 39-36 setback.

Now trailing the New England Patriots by three games in the AFC East with five games to play, a wild-card berth appears to be the only likely path to the postseason.

Buffalo Bills (6-5)

Due to the blizzard conditions in the city of Buffalo, the team’s game with the New York Jets was moved to Monday night at Ford Field in Detroit. And Doug Marrone’s team was clicking in all facets of the game in a convincing 38-3 victory in the Motor City.

The Bills have now equaled their win total of a year ago, but that’s little consolation for a franchise looking for its first playoff appearance since 1999. Marrone and company are expected to host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday afternoon at Orchard Park.

Houston Texans (5-6)

Bill O’Brien’s club has become a bit of a roller-coaster ride of late. One week after beating the Browns at Cleveland, the Texans offense failed to find the end zone in a tough 22-13 home loss to the surging Cincinnati Bengals.

Now starting quarterback Ryan Mallett, via ESPN.com, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn right pectoral muscle. Houston has a rematch with the Tennessee Titans this week, a team they defeated earlier this year at Nashville, 30-16.

NFC

Detroit Lions (7-4)

We have seen it before.

Or have we?

The Lions have made only one playoff appearance since 2000, and that was three years ago. That season, the team opened 5-0 but finished 5-6 and then lost in the first round of the playoffs.

One year later, Detroit started 4-4 but would lose their final eight contests to fall completely out of the postseason picture.

Last season may have taken the cake. Off to a 6-3 start, the Lions won once in their final seven outings and again missed the playoffs.

Off to a 7-2 start in 2014, Jim Caldwell’s club has now dropped two straight games and failed to score a touchdown in either contest.

Is the bottom getting ready to fall out of a Lions season once again?

According to Steven Ruiz of USA Today, Caldwell’s team may indeed be in trouble.

"

Detroit moved the ball just fine in New England but could not finish off drives. The Lions seem to lack the polish that teams like the Patriots always have. Settling for field goals is never going to be good enough against the elite teams, but that’s what Detroit did on Sunday. On the other side of the ball, the defense is regressing. The defensive line was held without a sack for a second-straight game despite getting 53 dropbacks to rush Brady. Just like last season, the Lions look to be fading down the stretch.

"

While the point is well taken and recent history certainly does not favor the Lions, let us also keep in mind the circumstances of the last two weeks. It’s hard to believe that any team would be able to go to Arizona and then New England on consecutive Sundays and pull out a win, much less two.

So the jury remains out on Caldwell’s crew, who host the Bears on Thanksgiving Day. A loss at Ford Field on Thursday, and it may be time to dust off the panic button.

San Francisco 49ers (7-4)

Slowly but surely, Jim Harbaugh’s team continues to fight the good fight. The Niners have now won three straight following a 4-4 start, those victories by a combined 13 points.

On Thanksgiving night at San Francisco, the 49ers host the rival Seahawks, a team they will face twice in the next three weeks. And it should be noted that Seattle has not beaten the Niners on the road since 2007.

It’s should also be noted that Harbaugh’s club needs to hold serve at home this week if they have any intentions of getting back to the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Chicago Bears (5-6)

A few weeks ago, we dismissed Marc Trestman’s team because they were too far back of both the Lions and Packers in the NFC North.

However, the Bears have now made up two games in the standings against the Lions. And Chicago also owns a Week 2 win over the 49ers at San Francisco. Despite all their flaws and issues, Trestman’s squad now owns a 4-3 conference record.

New Orleans Saints (4-7)

After righting their proverbial ship at 4-4, the Saints were expected to pick up a bunch of victories due to the fact that they would be getting ready for a three-game home stand.

And while the Superdome has been a powerful advantage for the Sean Payton’s team, stadiums don’t throw, catch, run or tackle.

New Orleans’ much-maligned defense gave up 215 yards rushing in Monday night’s 34-27 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was the third home loss in as many weeks for the Saints, who travel to Pittsburgh this Sunday but still have games remaining within the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers (3-7-1)

Yes, we are aware of the fact that both the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams own better win-loss records (4-7) than Ron Rivera’s team. But in this instance, the hunt is only in regards to capturing the NFC South title and nothing. And after all, the Panthers are the defending division champions.

Teams out of Contention

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A few weeks ago, we decided that any team with at least eight losses this season would be considered out of the running when it came to the playoffs.

That still holds true and still excludes the entire NFC South, which appears determined to send a team with a losing record to the postseason—not that it hasn’t been done before. See the NFC West in 2010.

As we head down the stretch, there are now 11 squads in the AFC that are above .500. The AFC North is loaded from top to bottom, while the AFC East and AFC West each have three clubs playing winning football.

That means the one-win Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, the two-win New York Jets and Tennessee Titans and the 5-6 Houston Texans are the only teams below .500. And while we’re not quite ready to dismiss Bill O’Brien and company, we are awfully close just based on the math within the AFC.

In the other conference, we are ready to call “Uncle” for the 3-8 New York Giants and Washington Redskins and the 4-7 Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams. All four of these clubs are capable of playing spoiler the remainder of the season. But it should also be noted that these teams are a combined 4-11 versus their divisional rivals in 2014.

Back to the NFC South and the madness that is that division. All four teams remain at least three games below .500, but all are still alive to capture a division title. There are only seven clubs in the NFC with winning records, but one of those six playoff spots will be taken up by a division champion that could conceivably finish with a losing record.

That is unless the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints or Carolina Panthers are about to get on a major roll.

AFC Seeding Odds

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AFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: New England Patriots

Bill Belichick’s squad has won seven consecutive games and the last four by a minimum of 22 points. There’s a pair of road games over the next two weeks at Green Bay and at San Diego, but the Patriots have shown very few signs of weakness the last two months.

New England remains one game ahead of the Denver Broncos in the conference standings and with a victory in hand over the defending AFC champions.

Long Shot: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts got back on track Sunday by shaking off a slow start and eventually handling the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-3.

While Indianapolis has now won 11 straight games vs. AFC South rivals dating back to last season, the team’s four losses include setbacks to conference contenders Denver, Pittsburgh and New England. That and being two games behind the Patriots in the AFC standings hurts their chances as well when it comes to grabbing the No. 1 seed.

Prediction: Patriots

AFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Denver Broncos

John Fox’s team had dropped two of its last three games and found themselves trailing the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter on Sunday, 28-17. But the Broncos rallied for a three-point win and, thanks to an assist from the Oakland Raiders, are once again alone atop the AFC West standings.

This Sunday night, Denver heads to Arrowhead Stadium to face an angry bunch of Kansas City Chiefs. It’s the first of three road games in a four-week span for the defending AFC champions.

Long Shot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin’s team has won four of its last five games, and they and the Carolina Panthers were the last clubs to have their off-weeks in 2014.

The Steelers prepare for a very interesting stretch run which includes a pair of tilts with the defending AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals (Weeks 14 and 17). The remaining schedule also includes visits from the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as a trip to Atlanta.

Prediction: Broncos

AFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals currently lead the AFC North with a 7-3-1 record, but we see a different outcome, at least for now.

Pittsburgh owns a 6-3 conference record which includes wins over the Browns, Ravens and Colts. They still have a pair of meetings with the Cincinnati Bengals and a home tilt with the Kansas City Chiefs. Off last week, the Steelers’ up-and-down defense figures to look a lot different and healthier this week when the New Orleans Saints invade the Steel City.

Long Shot: Baltimore Ravens

Technically, John Harbaugh’s team is in second place in the AFC North at the moment.

However, the Ravens own a 2-3 divisional record and were swept by the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore also lost this season to the Indianapolis Colts, who also happen to own a 7-4 record.

Harbaugh and company return home this Sunday, but it’s a short week following their 34-27 win at New Orleans on Monday night. And this week’s tilt with the San Diego Chargers will be far from easy.

Prediction: Steelers

AFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: Indianapolis Colts

Chuck Pagano’s squad now owns a two-game lead over the Houston Texans in the AFC South with five games to play. The Colts played their third consecutive home game this Sunday when they host the struggling Washington Redskins.

As previously mentioned, climbing above some of the other contenders in the remaining three divisions in the conference may be difficult. But it should also be noted that the Colts have already defeated the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens this season.

Long Shot: San Diego Chargers

The Bolts appear back on track after two straight wins, the latest a 27-24 nail-biter over the very-game St. Louis Rams. And the Chargers are only one game behind Denver in the bunched-up AFC West. Mike McCoy’s team has already lost to both the Broncos (road) and Chiefs (home) this season, but this is a team that usually plays its best later in the season. They will have to.

Prediction: Colts

AFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Kansas City Chiefs

We found out last week that Andy Reid’s team could not beat the Oakland Raiders.

But these Chiefs have an even bigger task this Sunday night. Can they defeat the Denver Broncos with Peyton Manning as the team’s starting quarterback?

The streak is five consecutive setbacks, including a 24-17 loss in the Mile High City back in early September. A sweep at the hands of their AFC West rivals would just about end Kansas City’s chances of winning a division title, although the team still has home games with the Raiders and Chargers.

Long Shot: Cleveland Browns

Mike Pettine’s club owns a 7-4 record this season (the most wins by the team since finishing 10-6 in 2007). However, the Browns are just 4-4 within the conference, including just 2-2 vs. their AFC North rivals in 2014.

One year after winning only one road game, Cleveland owns a 3-2 road mark this season. Pettine’s team heads to Orchard Park this Sunday (we think) to face the Bills.

Prediction: Chiefs

AFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Cincinnati Bengals

Apparently the slump is over in the Queen City.

Marvin Lewis’ talented team has now won two road games in as many weeks, the latest a 22-13 win at Houston. Cincinnati has allowed just 23 points and one offensive touchdown in their last two contests.

The Bengals have experience on their side, having reached the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. That's something no other team in the AFC North can claim. Still, those two games with the Steelers in the final four weeks figures to tell the story.

Long Shot: Miami Dolphins

Just when it looked like the Dolphins defense was on the verge of bigger and better things, they ran into the Broncos in Denver and left 39-36 losers on Sunday.

Still, this is a Miami team that has the look of a squad capable of reaching the playoffs. Joe Philbin and company still have three games to play within the division but also have a home contest with the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins own a 5-2 record within the conference.

Prediction: Bengals

NFC Seeding Odds

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NFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: Arizona Cardinals

The first-place Cardinals still own a 9-2 record, tied for the best in the league, but come off a 19-3 loss at Seattle. Bruce Arians’ tough-minded team heads to the Georgia Dome looking to avoid its first two-game losing streak since early in 2013.

Even with Sunday’s loss, Arizona owns a 7-1 mark within the conference in 2014, with victories over the contending 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Lions. Arians and company will close the year with three straight games vs. each of their NFC West rivals.

Long Shot: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas plays three of its final five games on the road, but Jason Garrett’s club is a perfect 5-0 away from home this season.

Their latest victory away from Dallas came on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, when quarterback Tony Romo and friends came all the way back from a 21-10 halftime deficit for a 31-28 win.

Yes, the Cowboys are just one game behind Arizona in the conference standings. But they did lose to the Cards earlier this season.

Prediction: Cardinals

NFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Green Bay Packers

Thanks to a 24-21 win at Minnesota and an assist from the New England Patriots on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers and company sit alone atop the NFC North these days.

Speaking of the Pats, they invade Lambeau Field this week in arguably the most intriguing game to date this season.

More importantly, this past weekend’s victory over the Vikings raised the Packers record within the division this season to 4-1. Green Bay hosts the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

Long Shot: San Francisco 49ers

Despite three consecutive victories, all does not seem well with Jim Harbaugh’s club these days. On Sunday, the Niners had to rally to beat the struggling Washington Redskins, 17-13.

However, a win is definitely a win, and that’s the name of the game. San Francisco owns a 6-3 record within the NFC, and starting on Thursday has two meetings with the Seattle Seahawks in a three-game span and will finish the year hosting the Cardinals. That’s a tough stretch for any team.

Prediction: Packers

NFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Dallas Cowboys

Jason Garrett’s team is tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the NFC East, and the Cowboys host the Birds on Thanksgiving Day.

So why does Dallas currently have the edge over their divisional rivals from the City of Brotherly Love. It’s that reliable running game and arguably the league’s best offensive line these days.

Add in the fact that the Cowboys have been a lot more careful with the football than the Eagles these days, and it adds up to a slight edge for Garrett and company.

Of course, all of that could go out the window if the Birds aren’t turkeys on Thursday afternoon.

Long Shot: Detroit Lions

After looking like one of the NFL’s better stories in 2014, the Lions have stubbed their paws the last two weeks in road losses to the Cardinals and Patriots.

That’s nothing to be ashamed of. But Jim Caldwell’s team needs to stop the bleeding on Thanksgiving against the unpredictable Chicago Bears. Detroit plays four of its final five games vs. their NFC North rivals and closes the season with trips to Soldier Field and Lambeau Field, respectively.

Prediction: Cowboys

NFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are a perfect 4-0 within the division. They still have a home tilt with the Panthers and travel to New Orleans (where they never seem to win) in Week 16. But Mike Smith’s team is also 4-0 versus their NFC South brethren and 0-7 when facing the rest of the NFL this season. Out of the division, Atlanta still has games with the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers—all in the next three weeks.

Long Shot: Carolina Panthers

Did the brief layoff help the defending NFC South champions?

The Panthers have won just one game following their 2-0 start and have looked dismal on offense. Ron Rivera’s team is averaging just 19.5 points per game this season.

However, the Falcons and Saints are sitting with just as many losses as Carolina (seven). Could the disappointing Panthers defense still save the day for Cam Newton and company?

Prediction: Saints

NFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Philadelphia Eagles

Since taking over for injured starter Nick Foles, Eagles backup quarterback Mark Sanchez has thrown seven touchdown passes but has committed eight turnovers.

Chip Kelly’s team will have to play a lot better than that if they are to overcome the Dallas Cowboys and win a second straight NFC East title. The Birds have committed a league-high 27 turnovers in 2014.

All told, Philadelphia has four games remaining vs. their divisional foes and is 2-0 within the division this season. Over the next three weeks, there’s a pair of clashes with the Cowboys as well as a visit from the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks in Week 14.

Long Shot: Chicago Bears

The Bears have been swept by the Packers this season and likely won’t be winning the NFC North. But the team does have a win over the San Francisco 49ers this season and does own a winning record (4-3) within the conference. It is indeed a very long shot but two straight wins have renewed a little playoff hope in the Windy City.

Prediction: Eagles

NFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Seattle Seahawks

Champions until dethroned.

We knew immediately when the schedule came out in April that the NFC West would be decided in the final six weeks of the season. That’s because the Seattle Seahawks would play five divisional opponents during that stretch.

On Sunday, Pete Carroll’s team moved one game closer to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West with a 19-3 win at Seattle. Two days from the posting, the Seahawks will be in San Francisco for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the 49ers. That’s followed by a cross-country trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.

Long Shot: Philadelphia Eagles

The defending NFC East champions have all three of their divisional road games remaining, closing the season with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. But the next three games could tell us a lot considering Chip Kelly’s team will face the Cowboys twice in the next two weeks, sandwiching a cross-country visit from the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

More significantly, the Eagles have to cut back on those 27 turnovers, the highest total in the league this season and eight more than they managed in 16 games in 2013.

Prediction: Seahawks

Week 13 Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

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Chicago (5-6) at Detroit (7-4)

Could Marc Trestman’s much-criticized team be getting ready to make a late-season playoff charge? It’s not likely, but it certainly looks a lot better than it did a few weeks ago. The Bears have won two straight, while the Lions have dropped two in a row and didn’t score a touchdown in either loss to the Cardinals or Patriots.

Philadelphia (8-3) at Dallas (8-3)

It’s the first of two meetings in three weeks between these bitter NFC East rivals, who squared off in Dallas in last year’s season finale with the division title on the line. That game went to the Eagles, who have won three of their last four road tilts in this series. But can quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Birds cut down on the turnovers?

Seattle (7-4) at San Francisco (7-4)

The first meeting of the season between the two teams that squared off in last year’s NFC title game sees both the Seahawks and 49ers with as many or more losses than they had in 2013. Including their postseason meeting in January, the home team has prevailed in the last five meetings between these rivals. This will wind up being a very unhappy Thanksgiving for one of these rivals.

Arizona (9-2) at Atlanta (4-7)

The first-place Cardinals managed only a field goal in a loss to Seattle on Sunday, ending a six-game winning streak by the team. The NFC West leaders now hope to avoid a two-game losing streak against the perplexing and first-place Falcons, whose four wins have all come within their own division. You do the math.

Cleveland (7-4) at Buffalo (6-5)

The Browns proved to be the pick at the Georgia Dome as quarterback Brian Hoyer rallied his team in the final minute despite being picked off three times on the afternoon. The Bills traveled to Detroit last Monday night to face the Jets and rolled Rex Ryan’s team, 38-3. It’s been a long time since either club has been to the playoffs, but perhaps one of these franchises is about to end its postseason drought.

New England (9-2) at Green Bay (8-3)

One irresistible force meets another at Lambeau Field as two of the hottest teams in the league clash in one of the game’s hallowed cathedrals. Quarterbacks Tom Brady (26-6) and Aaron Rodgers (30-3) have combined for 56 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions this season. Could this indeed be a Super Bowl XLIX preview?

New Orleans (4-7) at Pittsburgh (7-4)

Sean Payton’s club has to travel after a Monday night loss to the Ravens. Then again, after losing three straight home games, perhaps a change of scenery would do the Saints good.

Winners of four of their last five games, the Steelers are hoping second-year running back Le’Veon Bell can exploit a shaky New Orleans defense that allowed 215 yards on the ground to Baltimore.

San Diego (7-4) at Baltimore (7-4)

The San Diego defense came up big late in the game as Mike McCoy’s team held off Jeff Fisher’s Rams. The Chargers get the Ravens off a short week, but this is a Baltimore team that comes off an important win at the Superdome and has won four straight home games—all by double digits.

Denver (8-3) at Kansas City (7-4)

The Broncos rediscovered their running game at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and rallied from a 28-17 deficit for a much-needed win. The Chiefs had hoped to at least keep pace with Denver but became the first victim of the 2014 Oakland Raiders. The Broncos have won five straight meetings in this series.

Miami (6-5) at New York Jets (2-9)

Due to the winter weather in Buffalo and the rescheduling of last Sunday’s game, the Jets will actually be playing on Monday night for the second straight week (and hope to fare better than they did against the Bills). But this contest is all about the Dolphins, who squandered a double-digit lead at Denver on Sunday and have backed themselves into a tight spot…again.