NFL Week 12: What's at Stake for Teams, Players This Weekend?

We’ve already reached Week 12 of the NFL season, which means playoff football is right around the corner. As you recover from Thanksgiving meals, it’s time to use that extra energy to gear up for more football. The stakes are rising for teams as the games dwindle down to a handful before the postseason commences.

This has been a crazy season thus far. Only six teams have a winning record, and 16 others are either .500 or just one game below. That level of parity has created a playoff picture with almost every team still alive in some fashion.

Several head-to-head matchups this week will have a significant effect on the playoff race. We’re going to highlight six key games and which team or player has the most at stake in Week 12. Although there is still time to recover from mistakes, the window is rapidly closing.

Let’s take a look at the six players and teams with the most on the line this week. Don’t forget to leave your playoff predictions in the comments section below.

Kansas City Chiefs: Take Control of the Wild Card

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Things got interesting as soon as the Buffalo Bills lost to the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The Bills dropped to 5-5, leaving them with the same record as the surging Chiefs. Now it’s Kansas City’s turn to continue its hot streak and move into sole position of the sixth wild-card spot.

Earning a head-to-head win against Buffalo will not be easy, considering what is at stake for both teams. Expect Andy Reid and Rex Ryan to have their respective teams fired up. This could be the most important game on the docket.

The key to this matchup is all about the ability to find explosive plays. A shoulder injury to Tyrod Taylor has his status in question, which could negate the offensive advantage the Bills have. Each defense is loaded with great players, so even casual football fans should be able to enjoy a physical, playoff-like environment around this game.

Jameis Winston: Continue High Level of Play

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In his last six games, Jameis Winston has found his stride. He’s thrown for nine touchdowns and two interceptions, helping propel the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the playoff picture. Before this streak, the Bucs appeared to be one of the worst teams in the NFL.

Winston is clearly more comfortable with his surrounding parts and the offense in general. By working in Doug Martin as much as it has, Tampa Bay has maximized Winston’s effectiveness. He no longer carries an enormous burden every week, and he’s responded extremely well.

With Tampa Bay traveling to face the Indianapolis Colts, Winston and his offense must continue to be efficient. Even without Andrew Luck, the Colts are scrappy and tough to beat at home. The winner of this game will be at a nice advantage down the stretch.

Gus Bradley: Beat a Lesser Team

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The 4-6 Jacksonville Jaguars have shown more life this season than any previous under Gus Bradley. That’s not by mistake, as the multiyear rebuild is starting to pay off. The time spent developing an extremely young roster was painful at times, but this franchise must be happy to see results now.

Although Jacksonville lacks stars, it is performing at a respectable level on both sides of the ball. The quarterback and wide receiver tandem of Blake Bortles and Allen Robinson is one of the most fun and dangerous vertical pairings in the NFL. Their play has opened up opportunities for numerous other playmakers in the offense.

The Jaguars have the chance to edge closer to .500 with a win this week. Their opponent, the San Diego Chargers, has been ravaged by injuries, leaving it vulnerable every week. If the Jaguars can win this game, it is a statement. Improving teams beat the teams they should, while pretenders stay inconsistent.

Jay Gruden: Stay Relevant in the Playoff Chase

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The good news for the Washington Redskins is that home is where their heart is, and a home-heavy schedule is coming. The Redskins have been putrid on the road under Jay Gruden, going 1-12 in the last two years. But the comfortable feel of FedEx Field has proved to be more fruitful for the ‘Skins.

In the biggest game of Gruden’s head-coaching career, he’ll be up against the New York Giants. Tom Coughlin’s crew has been playing solid football recently, and he nearly upset the New England Patriots in Week 10. The Giants have also dominated the Redskins in recent years, going 6-1 since 2012.

Washington is healthier than it has been at any point this season, and this is the time to pull together for a big win. It won’t be easy, as the Giants have several advantages when looking at positional matchups. But football isn’t played on paper, and Washington has a realistic chance to take over first place in the NFC East.

New England Patriots: A Chance at Perfection

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The New England Patriots are coming off another close victory, this time winning against the Buffalo Bills. At 10-0, the Patriots are Super Bowl favorites in the conference. But there are cracks in the armor that have become more apparent the last two weeks.

Their toughest opponent yet resides in Denver, and it will be ready for the Patriots a mile high. Although the Broncos are starting the inexperienced Brock Osweiler at quarterback, their defense is even more vicious than the Bills'. Tom Brady was rattled after being hit so often by Bills defenders, and the Broncos will look to do the same.

If the Patriots can beat the Broncos, the discussion about another perfect regular season is certainly viable. Another win would also put the team closer to clinching the top overall seed in the AFC. Life is good for the Patriots once again.

Seattle Seahawks: This Is Your Statement Game

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While the Seattle Seahawks haven’t looked as good as in the last few seasons, this is still a team that must be respected. Their trench play has dipped, which is a big reason why they’re not dominant on either side of the ball. But this is a talented locker room and coaching staff that can turn things around.

Hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers this week is a difficult challenge and great test for Seattle. If the Seahawks win, they’ll be right in the mix for the wild card. The message sent with such a good win would be just as valuable, though. A quality win against a team such as the Steelers reaffirms the Seahawks still have that juice left in them.

A win will not come easy. The Steelers’ improved defense will challenge the Seahawks’ struggling offense, and we already know how quickly Pittsburgh can light up the scoreboard. I hope the 12th man is ready to help, since Seattle will need it.