NFL Playoff Picture Breakdown and Analysis for Week 12

The NFL playoff picture is starting to become a little clearer with just six weeks remaining. A few teams have jumped out to significant division leads, and they’ll be looking to lock in their playoff seeds down the stretch. But there are 18 teams that are within one game of being .500, which means not many teams have been eliminated from the playoff race either.

Stumbling now can ruin any remaining aspirations a team may have. With parity rampant through the NFL, each game will be viewed under a microscope. We’re going to break down and analyze the playoff picture as it currently stands in Week 12.

Whether your favorite team will make it or not could be determined as late as the final game of the year. This drama is what we fans love about the game.

Will your favorite team make it to the playoffs? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Current AFC Playoff Seeding

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

AFC No. 1 Seed: New England Patriots (10-0)

This is a familiar face on top of the AFC standings. The New England Patriots look ready to repeat as Super Bowl champions, even if they are dealing with offensive line injuries. At 10-0, they’re one of two undefeated teams left.

New England’s defense has been among the best in the NFL once again. When paired with the top-scoring offense, teams struggle to even keep games competitive. Their Monday Night Football game against Buffalo may have been their biggest threat of the season, and they still won convincingly.

New England leads the AFC East comfortably and is two games up for the top overall seed. There is little chance they lose their positioning.

Remaining Schedule: at Broncos (8-2), vs. Eagles (4-6), at Texans (5-5), vs. Titans (2-8), at Jets (5-5), at Dolphins (4-6)

AFC No. 2 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals (8-2)

Coming off a highly entertaining loss against the Arizona Cardinals, the Cincinnati Bengals have dropped two games in a row and are in second place in the AFC. Even though they have lost consecutive games, the Bengals are definitely a legitimate Super Bowl threat. They have one of the best rosters in the league and are playing solid football.

The Bengals’ playoff path is fairly easy since the AFC North is not playing well. The Browns continue to be the Browns, and Joe Flacco’s ACL tear effectively neutered an already-struggling Ravens team. The Bengals are two games up on Pittsburgh, so they must keep a little distance there.

If the Bengals win two or three more games this season, they’ll solidify their grasp on the division. To earn the second overall seed, 11 wins is probably the minimum total wins required. Expect Cincinnati to play hard until they clinch a first-round bye.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Rams (4-6), at Browns (2-8), vs. Steelers (6-4), at 49ers (3-7), at Broncos (8-2), vs. Ravens (3-7)

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

The Denver Broncos have had one of the most interesting seasons of any NFL team this year. The major positive for the franchise is how well the defense has played. Led by a deep pass rush and talented secondary, the Broncos potentially have a historically good unit.

But the offense has been a mess. Injuries to the offensive line and quarterback Peyton Manning have made the Broncos a defense-first team. With Manning out, it’s up to Brock Osweiler to carry the offense. His debut against Chicago was solid, but defenses will soon adjust.

There’s little doubt the Broncos will win the AFC West. Denver has a couple of tough matchups down the stretch, but they have a three-game lead on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Patriots (10-0), at Chargers (2-8), vs. Raiders (4-6), at Steelers (6-4), vs. Bengals (8-2), vs. Chargers (2-8)

AFC No. 4 Seed: Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

It is incredible that the Indianapolis Colts are not only in the playoff race, but actually lead their division at 5-5. The AFC South is so bad that the Colts’ undermanned roster led by Matt Hasselbeck is still atop the standings. Their lead is not safe, though.

With several divisional matchups left down the stretch, the Colts could easily fall behind and lose their grip on their lead. Even if quarterback Andrew Luck returns, nobody knows whether he will be fully healed from his numerous injuries.

Their Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans could decide which team will win the AFC South. My money is on the Colts to pull through, but the fourth seed is the most uncertain playoff spot in all of the conference.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Buccaneers (5-5), at Steelers (6-4), at Jaguars (4-6), vs. Texans (5-5), at Dolphins (4-6), vs. Titans (2-8)

AFC No. 5 Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)

It’s quite amazing that the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the driver’s seat for the first wild-card spot, considering all of their injuries. You’d think that losing Ben Roethlisberger for several weeks would have been a death knell, or that Le’Veon Bell’s season-ending knee injury would do them in. But the Steelers endured and continue to play well.

Pittsburgh’s improvement on defense has helped this team stay afloat. We know Pittsburgh will score when Roethlisberger is healthy, but the defense has impressed more.

The Steelers may be too far behind in the division to win the AFC North, but the Wild Card Round is a good consolation. They have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, which makes them a dangerous playoff threat. 

Remaining Schedule: at Seahawks (5-5), vs. Colts (5-5), at Bengals (8-2), vs. Broncos (8-2), at Ravens (2-8), at Browns (2-8)

AFC No. 6 Seed: Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)

The holder of the final Wild Card Round berth currently is the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Despite being up and down throughout this season. Their mediocrity in general is alarming and reason to not have much faith in a playoff push. But the schedule is set up for some very winnable matchups.

If the Chiefs can scrounge a few decent offensive performances together, they can certainly put a vice-grip on the final wild-card spot. Their head-to-head game against the Bills this week will prove critical down the stretch if they can pull out a victory.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Bills(5-5), at Raiders (4-6), vs. Chargers (2-8), at Ravens (2-8), vs. Browns (2-8), vs. Raiders (4-6)     

Current NFC Playoff Seeding

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

NFC No. 1 Seed: Carolina Panthers (10-0)

All right, raise your hand if you thought the Carolina Panthers would be undefeated at this point of the season. You’re lying if your hand is raised. The Panthers have been this biggest surprise of the season, without a doubt.

Carolina is the only offense that is running more often than passing, and that balance has allowed quarterback Cam Newton to reach new heights with his play. The Panthers rely on Newton to make clutch passes to a pedestrian receiver core, but it has worked wonderfully thus far.

The Panthers are not safe as far as holding down the top overall seed. Their schedule ramps up in the final few weeks. Still, this is a team almost ready to clinch a playoff berth.

Remaining Schedule: at Cowboys (3-7), at Saints (4-6), vs. Falcons (6-4), at Giants (5-5), at Falcons (6-4), vs. Buccaneers (5-5)

NFC No. 2 Seed: Arizona Cardinals (8-2)

Although currently with the second overall seed in the NFC playoff picture, the Arizona Cardinals have been the most impressive NFC team this season. Arizona’s deep plethora of playmakers on both sides of the ball makes them a difficult team to oust. At 8-2, they’re also close to solidifying a playoff berth.

Arizona’s offense has been the second-best in the NFL when it comes to scoring. The fantastic play of Carson Palmer and his terrific receivers is largely why. Head coach Bruce Arians has done a masterful job maximizing his players.

The Cardinals do have to play several tough teams in the coming weeks. Divisional foes St. Louis and Seattle are the key two. Win those, and this team will lock down their playoff status quickly.

Remaining Schedule: at 49ers (3-7), at Rams (4-6), vs. Vikings (7-3), at Eagles (4-6), vs. Packers (7-3), vs. Seahawks (5-5)

NFC No. 3 Seed: Green Bay Packers (7-3)

Just when you thought the Green Bay Packers may be dead in the water, they pulled off a big win against a divisional rival. Their 30-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings was a loud statement that this team is ready to compete. Getting running back Eddy Lacy back to health was a vital development.

The Packers will face several tough opponents in the next six weeks. Their one-game lead over the Vikings is far from safe, although the Packers are two games up on any Wild Card competitor.

It’s hard to go against the Packers and Aaron Rodgers here. They will probably need to win three more games to lock in a playoff spot. Chances are good they’ll finish at least 3-3, if not better.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Bears (4-6), at Lions (3-7), vs. Cowboys (3-7), at Raiders (4-6), at Cardinals (8-2), vs. Vikings (7-3)

NFC No. 4 Seed: New York Giants (5-5)

The NFC’s equivalent to the AFC South is the NFC East. Both divisions are complete crapshoots. It’s amazing the divisional leader is just 5-5.

Nevertheless, the Giants own the top spot. They’re the most talented team and have played the best football to this point. But they have several critical matchups coming soon.

The defense must step up. Their Week 10 loss to New England featured too many mental errors to win, and these issues have held the team back all season. Expect a close battle for this division with only six games remaining.

Remaining Schedule: at Redskins (4-6), vs. Jets (5-5), at Dolphins (4-6), vs. Panthers (10-0), at Vikings (7-3), vs. Eagles (4-6)

NFC No. 5 Seed: Minnesota Vikings (7-3)

A popular pick to make the playoffs this season, the Minnesota Vikings have delivered on the hype. Their offense is once again led by Adrian Peterson, but it is the defense making waves. Mike Zimmer has built a fast, playmaking unit that will be tested in the last few weeks.

Going back to Peterson, his level of play is still tremendous. He’s leading the NFL with 1,004 rushing yards despite playing behind a very poor offensive line. He’s reminded everyone that he is a rare talent who can make those around him better.

Minnesota has a brutal schedule over the next month and a half. We’ll learn a lot about them whether they excel, tread water or fall short.

Remaining Schedule: at Falcons (6-4), vs. Seahawks (5-5), at Cardinals (8-2), vs. Bears (4-6), vs. Giants (5-5), at Packers (7-3)

NFC No. 6 Seed: Atlanta Falcons (6-4)

After a hot start to the season, the Atlanta Falcons are floundering as the season passes. By going 1-4 in their last five games, the Falcons have almost blown the advantage they built so quickly on other Wild Card teams. Now they are just one game ahead of their peers.

Although the game is about more than just one player, the struggles of Matt Ryan have been extremely worrisome. His level of play without elite weapons all around him has dramatically dipped to the point of major concern. The Falcons will not make the playoffs unless Ryan improves his play.

Only two games on Atlanta’s schedule feature sub-.500 teams. The positive for the Falcons is they face two of their closest competitors, the Buccaneers and Saints. Wins against those teams can possibly seal a playoff berth.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Vikings (7-3), at Buccaneers (5-5), at Panthers (10-0), at Jaguars (4-6), vs. Panthers (10-0), vs. Saints (4-6)

Teams on the Bubble

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

AFC 

Houston Texans (5-5)

Three straight wins and a lot of help around the league have elevated the Texans’ position in the playoff chase.

But getting to the postseason for the third time in five years won’t be easy. First, there’s the matter of overcoming the Colts as divisional leaders, which is something the Texans have greatly struggled with since their inception. Then, the Texans must prove to have a sufficient offense to beat several quality offenses down the stretch.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Saints (4-6), at Bills (5-5), vs. Patriots (10-0), at Colts (5-5), at Titans (2-8), vs. Jaguars (4-6)

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

 Buffalo is as inconsistent as any team in the league. It's loaded with talent, but injuries have ravaged its playmakers. Its penchant for penalties has also cost the team some games.

Buffalo has a tough schedule upcoming. If it can win four games, this should be a playoff team. Of course, one of those wins must come in Week 12 against the Chiefs.

Remaining Schedule: at Chiefs (5-5), vs. Texans (5-5), at Eagles (4-6), at Redskins (4-6), vs. Cowboys (3-7), vs. Jets (5-5)  

New York Jets (5-5)

Yet another AFC East team with playoff chances, the New York Jets are knocking on the door for the final playoff spot. New York’s stout defense has helped them achieve a 5-5 record this far, but they might need to finish with nine wins to win a wild-card spot.

Where those wins come will be important. Beating divisional foes Miami and Buffalo would be huge for tiebreaker purposes. Games against Tennessee and the Giants look like winnable games, and Dallas could be another place the Jets get a ninth win on the season.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Dolphins (4-6), at Giants (5-5), vs. Titans (2-8), at Cowboys (3-7), vs. Patriots (10-0), at Bills (5-5)

Oakland Raiders (4-6)

Two weeks ago, it had appeared the Oakland Raiders were in the driver’s seat for the last AFC wild-card spot. But two straight losses have this franchise again chasing the leader. The good news is that several games should be winnable.

Winning divisional matchups and beating lesser opponents are now a must. The two games against Kansas City loom large with only one game separating them. Oakland must show more consistency the next few weeks to earn a playoff spot.

Remaining Schedule: at Titans (2-8), vs. Chiefs (5-5), at Broncos (8-2), vs. Packers (7-3), vs. Chargers (2-8), at Chiefs (5-5)

NFC

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like a much better team with quarterback Jameis Winston than in 2014. That’s not a coincidence, as Winston has been as good as anyone could have hoped. He’s thrown nine touchdowns and two interceptions in his last six games.

Tampa Bay has a decent chance at a playoff push, but its schedule is tough. It faces several direct competitors, which will swing how these battles will be fleshed out. We’ll soon find out whether this young team is ready to compete.

Remaining Schedule: at Colts (5-5), vs. Falcons (6-4), vs. Saints (4-6), at Rams (4-6), vs. Bears (4-6), at Panthers (10-0)

Seattle Seahawks (5-5)

It’s been a disappointing season for the Seattle Seahawks. They no longer resemble a legitimate Super Bowl threat, although ruling out the Seahawks may be premature. This team still has a legitimate shot at the playoffs.

If nine wins is the minimum for the playoffs, then the Seahawks must beat at least one team with a winning record. The table is set for them to rattle off consecutive wins against losing teams. But the margin of error is very small.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Steelers (6-4), at Vikings (7-3), at Ravens (3-7), vs. Browns (2-8), vs. Rams (4-6), at Cardinals (8-2)

Washington Redskins (4-6)

The Washington Redskins just keep hanging around enough to stay relevant. That’s not a negative, especially as they face zero teams with a winning record to close out the season. But the pressure to beat divisional foes could cripple this team.

Their key matchups are against the Giants and Cowboys. If Washington wins against those two in the next two weeks, they’ll sit in first place. Watch out for this underdog to possibly emerge. 

Remaining Schedule: vs. Giants (5-5), vs. Cowboys (3-7), at Bears (4-6), vs. Bills (5-5), at Eagles (4-6), at Cowboys (3-7)

Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)

The negative momentum is building in Philadelphia. Two straight losses to mediocre teams has head coach Chip Kelly behind the eightball. If the Eagles want to stay in the playoff picture, they must start winning immediately.

It’ll be tough without Sam Bradford controlling the offense. Mark Sanchez was his usual subpar self in Week 11, and this team is going nowhere with him playing at that level. Huge divisional matchups at the end of the season could be meaningless by the time we get there.

Remaining Schedule: at Lions (3-7), at Patriots (10-0), vs. Bills (5-5), vs. Cardinals (8-2), vs. Redskins (4-6), at Giants (5-5)

Teams Almost out of Contention

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Just how balanced is the NFL right now? We have just eight teams with a winning record. Everyone else is right around .500, with the exception of six teams that are more than two games under .500.

This means most teams are still alive, albeit with slim chances to make the playoffs. Instead of ruling out every team or saying every struggling team is alive, we can somewhat safely proclaim certain teams are all but eliminated. This comes from divisional records and overall standings.

Below you can find the teams on life support. Each would need miracles to make the playoffs at this point. Expect this list to continue to grow as weeks pass.

Teams Nearing Elimination From Playoffs

AFC: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans

NFC: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers 

AFC Seeding Odds

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AFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: New England Patriots

The Patriots have been burying most of their opponents this season. They lead the NFL with 33.7 points per game and are one of two undefeated teams. Their schedule does become more difficult down the stretch, but their two-game lead will be tough to overcome.

New England enters every game with the best coach and quarterback. There’s a reason they have been dominant for more than a decade. They also have the fourth-best scoring defense as well.

Long Shot: Denver Broncos

Now two games back from the Patriots and without their Hall of Fame quarterback, the Broncos are extremely unlikely to reach the top seed. This isn’t to say the Broncos will fail to win in the playoffs, but the race for the best record is all but over for Denver.

The focus for Denver should be on helping Brock Osweiler succeed in case he has to play from here on out. Denver’s rushing attack hasn’t been the same in 2015, but that must be a priority. If Osweiler can be efficient and effective, the Broncos can still be dangerous.

Prediction: Patriots

AFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals lost on Sunday Night Football, but they looked like a true Super Bowl contender. This is a team with a dangerous offense filled with playmakers, as well as a strong defense. Overall, they have the third-best scoring defense in the NFL.

As far as catching the New England Patriots for the top seed in the conference, the Bengals remain very much in the hunt. But they have to hope that the current AFC East leaders stumble somewhere along the way. These days, that doesn’t appear very likely.

Long Shot: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have done a great job overcoming limited talent on defense and key injuries on offense. Most teams crumble with such limitations, but Mike Tomlin’s group is doing just fine.

Even if Pittsburgh should run the table and capture a division crown, it is two games behind both the Bengals and Broncos in the overall standings and it would take an epic collapse by one of those clubs for the Steelers to get a first-round playoff bye.

Prediction: Bengals

AFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Denver Broncos

As mentioned above, this is a solid Broncos team. Missing out on a first-round bye may sting, but it’s not a bad thing. Denver has a great chance to win no matter the matchup.

Denver’s top-ranked scoring defense has been tremendous as a unit. They aren’t the bend-don’t-break type, either. They’ll shut you down, as they’re the only defense allowing less than 200 passing yards a game.

Long Shot: Indianapolis Colts

At 5-5, the Indianapolis Colts are limping around. The lack of another AFC South competitor has allowed them to hang around despite poor quarterback play and a limited roster.

The Colts have played better with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, which shows just how injured Andrew Luck is. Overcoming a three-game deficit at this point in the season seems highly improbable.

Prediction: Broncos

AFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: Indianapolis Colts

Let’s face it: Nobody deserves to win the AFC South this season. Since the NFL has no choice but to allow the divisional winner into the playoffs, it appears the Colts have the best chance.

The positive for the Colts is they could get Andrew Luck back at full strength at some point. If Luck returns to his 2014 form, that would greatly alter the playoff picture.  

Long Shot: Houston Texans

It may be unlikely, but the Texans are still in the AFC South title hunt. The team trails the first-place Colts by a tiebreaker because it lost to Indianapolis at home this season.

Despite playing one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL, the Texans’ top-heavy roster has pulled them to a 5-5 record. Their stars have been excellent, including wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive end J.J. Watt. But it is hard to see them winning this division considering their remaining schedule.

Prediction: Colts

AFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers

As mentioned above, the Steelers have a good defense and a great offense. At 6-4, they control their own destiny. The Steelers could pull off some upsets if they make the playoffs.

Long Shot: New York Jets

The third-best team in the AFC East is the New York Jets. Usually that statement would be made about a non-playoff contender. But the East is three-deep with quality teams.

Nonetheless, the Jets have a tough schedule and are limited on offense. The Geno Smith era was over before it really began, and Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t good enough to get the ball to their deep playmaker core. This team is a year away. 

Prediction: Steelers

AFC No. 6 Seed

Best Shot: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are the anti-Falcons this season. A 1-5 start almost ended their season off the bat, but four straight wins has turned heads. Kansas City has a good chance to actually win the final playoff spot.

It’s all about the defense in Kansas City. It's allowed a maximum of 13 points since Week 8, and the offense has capitalized off the turnover surge. Watch out for Kansas City to emerge as the Wild Card favorite.

Long Shot: Oakland Raiders

A season of promise has turned into a bit of a roller-coaster ride in recent weeks.

Instead of continuing the positive momentum after the first six weeks, the Raiders are back to being pretenders. Derek Carr has slowed down as defenses have adjusted to their new offense, and the defense has too many holes.

Oakland looks like a team taking a major step forward this year, but 2017 is probably its first playoff push. One strong offseason should provide more stability to the defense. 

Prediction: Chiefs

NFC Seeding Odds

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

NFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: Carolina Panthers

At 10-0, the Panthers are two games up on their competition for the top seed. With the way the Panthers run the ball and play defense, they’re a difficult team to beat. Factor in Cam Newton’s growth and this is a Super Bowl contender.         

Long Shot: Green Bay Packers

The Packers showed they have some life left when they defeated the Vikings this past week. But to think they’ll overcome a three-game deficit at this point in the season would be the product of a massive failure from the Panthers if it happened.

Green Bay can be a great team—we saw that potential earlier in the year. Their goal shouldn’t be to get the top overall seed but instead find their stride again before the playoffs start.

Prediction: Panthers

NFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Arizona Cardinals

How impressive are the Arizona Cardinals? They have the second-best offense in the NFL, and are as deep with talent at playmaker positions as any team. Carson Palmer and Chris Johnson are an aged but excellent pairing in the backfield.

Arizona’s defense hasn’t skipped a beat after losing Todd Bowles last year either. The Cardinals are a great example of tremendous coaching and leadership, from the organizational top all the way to the players.  

Long Shot: Minnesota Vikings

As good as the Vikings have played, this is a simple numbers game. While the Cardinals are playing great football and face an easier second-half schedule, the Vikings face a murderers' row. For the Vikings to earn the second seed, they may have to reach 12 wins, which is unlikely. 

Prediction: Cardinals

NFC No. 3 Seed

Best Odds: Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ return as a powerful force may have taken place in Minnesota last week. We hadn’t seen a healthy Eddy Lacy all season, but his presence helped the Packers rack up 30 points against a great defense. Is the tide turning?

Maybe so, but even if not the Packers are tough to beat even when struggling. If they win the division, then the third seed is likely theirs.

Long Shot: New York Giants

At 5-5, the Giants don’t have much of a shot at the third seed. But you can see below for what the Giants can attain.

Prediction: Packers

NFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: New York Giants

Since divisional winners are guaranteed a top-four seed, the Giants can earn home-field advantage in the first week. They’re just one game ahead of the Redskins and Eagles though, so some work still needs to be done.

The Giants’ offense has been very effective lately, with Eli Manning executing Ben McAdoo’s schemes at a high level. Even with some issues on defense, this is the most well-coached team in the division and the one that has the best quarterback. Winning the division must be the expectation for this franchise.  

Long Shot: Washington Redskins

He may not have the best reputation with fans, but Jay Gruden has done a really nice job with a limited roster in Washington. His game plans have been solid, often exploiting the weaknesses of opponents on a weekly basis. Washington is clearly building their identity, but their core isn’t quite talented enough.

A weak secondary and below-average quarterback makes the Skins an unlikely divisional winner. Plus, they have to face several upstart teams that match up quite well.

Prediction: Giants

NFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Minnesota Vikings

This was mentioned earlier, but it is worth repeating: The Vikings’ defense is Super Bowl-worthy. A big reason why this team is 7-3 relates to that unit. Mix in a ball-control offense with Adrian Peterson and Stefon Diggs, and you can see why this is a team to like.

Long Shot: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks shouldn’t be considered an underdog with their pedigree. They are right in the mix to make a Wild Card Round appearance. But they will not beat out the Vikings for the fifth spot.

Seattle’s subpar trench play on offense this season has troubled them throughout the first 10 games. It’s impossible to compensate fully for such a bad line, and Russell Wilson hasn’t responded well. Still, this team is just one game behind the Falcons for the last playoff spot.

Prediction: Vikings

NFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Atlanta Falcons

It’s hard to have much faith in the Falcons at this point. Their hot start seems like ages ago, and they’re trending downward. Quarterback Matt Ryan just hasn’t been the same guy as past seasons.

Dan Quinn has to figure out some sort of spark for his team. Maybe the roster is just too limiting right now, but three more wins and this team makes the playoffs. That makes them the favorite for the sixth seed.

Long Shot: St. Louis Rams

The Rams are a fun, young team to watch at times. Todd Gurley, Tavon Austin, Aaron Donald and others are a great core to build around. But their horrible quarterback situation is holding them back.

Maybe Gurley can carry this offense on his back to the playoffs, but it is a long shot. Don’t be surprised if the Rams alter the playoff chase by defeating other contenders, though. 

Prediction: Falcons

Week 12 Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

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Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)

The biggest game of the week will occur in Arrowhead Stadium when the Bills take on the Chiefs. At 5-5, each team is fighting for a wild-card berth. The Bills are coming off a tough loss against the Patriots, and the Chiefs beat down San Diego in Week 11.

Each team has a veteran head coach and strong defense. This should be a close game with high intensity because of what is on the line. The winner will not only be a game up on the other, but will have a valuable head-to-head matchup victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

Another matchup of 5-5 teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts will square off in a critical game. While the Bucs are trying to stay relevant in the playoff chase, the Colts are fighting for their division. Unfortunately, we won’t see Jameis Winston and Andrew Luck squaring off, as Luck is still out with injury.

This could be a tide-turning game for the losing team. Dropping to six losses in the NFC would greatly diminish the Buccaneers’ odds at the playoffs. I predict Winston and this Tampa Bay offense to have another big performance against a lacking defense.

Minnesota Vikings (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)

If there were ever a “prove-it” game for the Atlanta Falcons, this is it. The Falcons are reeling and must stop their cold streak from continuing. Another loss this weak could allow another team to claim their playoff spot.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are looking to continue their quality play and add their eighth win of the season. Week 11 featured a tough loss to the Packers, but Minnesota must stay close to Green Bay in case the Packers give some ground in the divisional race.  

New York Giants (5-5) at Washington Redskins (4-6)

Can the Redskins beat a quality team? Their odds of winning at home are much greater if history rings true. Jay Gruden’s bunch is 0-5 on the road this season, and Washington has looked more energized when playing at home. That’s not unusual for a young team, but now they must defend their home turf.

The Giants can take a commanding lead on the division with a win. A Redskins loss also likely seals their season, so the Giants will be motivated to kill two birds with one stone.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (5-5)

A key showdown that should be entertaining will take place in Seattle. The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel across the country to partake in a rare matchup between these two teams. Stylistically, this could be the most interesting game of the week.

We know about Pittsburgh’s great offense and Seattle’s talented defense. Who will prove to be more dominant? Watch for special teams to be a major factor in this game.

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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