NFL Playoff Picture Breakdown and Analysis for Week 13

The NFL playoff picture is starting to become a little clearer with just five 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. There are still 13 teams within one game of .500 (above and below), and no teams have been eliminated from the playoff race, either.

Stumbling now can ruin any remaining aspirations a team may have. With parity rampant throughout 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 13.

Whether your favorite team will make it 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

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

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

This is a familiar face on top of the AFC standings. The New England Patriots are good enough to repeat as Super Bowl champions, even if they are dealing with offensive line injuries. Even coming off their first loss of the season, the Patriots took a very good Broncos team to the wire on the road.

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. Some cracks in the armor have shown in their last two prime-time matchups, though, with a close call against the Bills and a loss against Denver.

New England leads the AFC by one game for the top overall seed. They cannot afford to lose many more games with their competition closing in.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Eagles (4-7), at Texans (6-5), vs. Titans (2-9), at Jets (6-5), at Dolphins (4-7)

AFC No. 2 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals (9-2)

After putting a stop to their two-game skid by beating the brakes off the Rams 31-7, the Bengals are definitely a legitimate Super Bowl threat. They have one of the best rosters in the league and are playing solid football. Just one game back for the top overall seed, expect the Bengals to continue playing hard.

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 three games up on Pittsburgh with five games left.

If the Bengals win two 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. Cincinnati must ward off the challenging Broncos for a first-round bye.

Remaining Schedule: at Browns (2-9), vs. Steelers (6-5), at 49ers (3-8), at Broncos (9-2), vs. Ravens (3-7)

AFC No. 3 Seed: Denver Broncos (9-2)

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.

Denver’s offense has been better with Brock Osweiler at the helm instead of an injured Peyton Manning. With C.J. Anderson looking healthier against the New England Patriots in Week 12, this is a team you can buy into. Their outlook is much brighter after a few appearances by Osweiler.

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. They sit just one game behind New England for the top seed.

Remaining Schedule: at Chargers (3-8), vs. Raiders (5-6), at Steelers (6-5), vs. Bengals (9-2), vs. Chargers (3-8)

AFC No. 4 Seed: Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

It is incredible that the Indianapolis Colts are not only in the playoff race, but actually lead their division at 6-5. 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 the conference.

Remaining Schedule: at Steelers (6-5), at Jaguars (4-7), vs. Texans (6-5), at Dolphins (4-7), vs. Titans (2-9)

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

The holder of the first wild card is currently the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite being up and down throughout this season, the Chiefs are on a tear. Winners of their last five games with a defense playing very well together, this is the right time to peak.

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 win against the Bills last week will prove critical down the stretch, because it ensures one tiebreaker is in place.

Remaining Schedule: at Raiders (4-6), vs. Chargers (2-8), at Ravens (3-8), vs. Browns (2-9), vs. Raiders (4-6)    

AFC No. 6 Seed: Houston Texans 

It turns out the catalyst for the Texans’ season was being blown out by the Miami Dolphins. Since then, the Texans have pulled off four straight wins. They no longer need a lot of help around the league to elevate the Texans’ position in the playoff chase.

But getting to the postseason for the third time in five years won’t be easy. They face three solid teams before finishing with divisional foes. They likely need nine wins to win the final wild-card spot, or they can win the division outright over the Colts. Houston must beat the Colts to even that tiebreaker to make things easier.

Remaining Schedule: at Bills (5-6), vs. Patriots (10-1), at Colts (6-5), at Titans (2-9), vs. Jaguars (4-7)

Current NFC Playoff Seeding

Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

NFC No. 1 Seed: Carolina Panthers (11-0)

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 receiving corps, but it has worked wonderfully thus far. Now two games ahead in the race for the top overall seed, Carolina controls their destiny.

Carolina is close to locking down their division, and two consecutive divisional games coming can clinch it. There’s not much doubt whether they’ll be in the playoffs, and it’s highly likely they’ll get the No. 1 seed.

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

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

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 plethora of playmakers on both sides of the ball makes them a difficult team to oust. At 9-2, 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' potential.

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 its playoff status quickly.

Remaining Schedule: at Rams (4-7), vs. Vikings (8-3), at Eagles (4-7), vs. Packers (7-4), vs. Seahawks (6-5)

NFC No. 3 Seed: Minnesota Vikings (8-3)

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 1,164 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: vs. Seahawks (6-5), at Cardinals (9-2), vs. Bears (5-6), vs. Giants (5-6), at Packers (7-4)

NFC No. 4 Seed: Washington Redskins (5-6)

Your new NFC East divisional leader is the Washington Redskins. Despite being 1-6 over their previous seven matchups against the New York Giants, Washington pulled through in Week 12 with a thrilling win. They now control their own destiny.

Washington may be the worst team currently leading a division. If they can close out the season with nine wins, they should reach the playoffs, which will go a long way toward reaching legitimacy. None of the Redskins’ remaining opponents have winning records.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Cowboys (3-8), at Bears (5-6), vs. Bills (5-6), at Eagles (4-7), at Cowboys (3-8) 

NFC No. 5 Seed: Green Bay Packers (7-4)

We thought the Packers were back in control of the NFC North after they defeated the Vikings on the road. But another poor performance this past week led to a loss, and the Packers are back into the wild-card spot. They sit just one game ahead of their peers.

Green Bay has a relatively easy remaining schedule, with three straight games against lower competition. But a tough last two games can swing the division and the wild-card race.  

Remaining Schedule: at Lions (4-7), vs. Cowboys (3-8), at Raiders (5-6), at Cardinals (9-2), vs. Vikings (8-3)

NFC No. 6 Seed: Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

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, as their exciting victory over Pittsburgh in Week 12 showed how good this team can be.

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 for error is very small.

Remaining Schedule: at Vikings (8-3), at Ravens (3-7), vs. Browns (2-9), vs. Rams (4-7), at Cardinals (9-2)

Teams on the Bubble

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

AFC

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)

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.

One concern that still exists is the inconsistent defense. After posting better numbers with a bend-don’t-break mentality, the Seattle Seahawks exploited the limited collective talent in Week 12. Pittsburgh is now left fighting to get back into the playoff race.

The Steelers may be too far behind in the division to win the AFC North, and they are behind several other teams for the wild-card spot. They have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, which makes them a dangerous playoff threat if they can get there.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Colts (6-5), at Bengals (9-2), vs. Broncos (9-2), at Ravens (3-8), at Browns (2-9) 

New York Jets (6-5)

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 6-5 record this far, but they might need to finish with nine wins to win a wild-card spot.

The Jets need a little help from the teams in front of them, but they mostly control their own destiny. With four out of five games against below .500 teams, the Jets can finish with double digit wins and be in a great spot to make the playoffs.

Remaining Schedule: at Giants (5-6), vs. Titans (2-9), at Cowboys (3-8), vs. Patriots (10-1), at Bills (5-6)

Buffalo Bills (5-6)

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 coming up. If it can win four games, this should be a playoff team, but the Week 12 loss to the Chiefs will make things much more difficult.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Texans (6-5), at Eagles (4-7), at Redskins (5-6), vs. Cowboys (3-8), vs. Jets (6-5) 

Oakland Raiders (5-6)

Three weeks ago, it had appeared the Oakland Raiders were in the driver’s seat for the last AFC wild-card spot. By bouncing back with a win after two consecutive losses, the Raiders are staying relevant in the playoff chase. They’ll have to fight through a tough schedule to get there, though.

Winning divisional matchups and beating lesser opponents are now musts. 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: vs. Chiefs (6-5), at Broncos (9-2), vs. Packers (7-4), vs. Chargers (3-8), at Chiefs (6-5)

NFC

Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

After a hot start to the season, the Atlanta Falcons are floundering as the season passes. By 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 behind of their peers due to tiebreakers.

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 the Saints. Wins against those teams can possibly seal a playoff berth.

Remaining Schedule: at Buccaneers (5-6), at Panthers (11-0), at Jaguars (4-7), vs. Panthers (11-0), vs. Saints (4-7)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

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: vs. Falcons (6-5), vs. Saints (4-7), at Rams (4-7), vs. Bears (5-6), at Panthers (11-0)

New York Giants (5-6)

The New York Giants had the upper hand entering Week 12, and all they needed to do what beat the Washington Redskins to solidify their grasp on the division. Instead, Eli Manning was horrible, throwing three interceptions and gifting the Redskins with easier scoring opportunities. The Giants must rebound quickly against a solid final stretch of opponents.

Remaining Schedule: vs. Jets (6-5), at Dolphins (4-7), vs. Panthers (11-0), at Vikings (8-3), vs. Eagles (4-7)

Chicago Bears (5-6)

Quietly lurking one game back from the wild card is the Chicago Bears. Spurred by excellent coaching and a healthier roster, Chicago can certainly wind up playing past the regular season. They need a little help, but the chips are stacked if they take care of their business.

Key matchups against the Redskins, Buccaneers and Lions are probably must-wins. Their Week 13 game against San Francisco should be winnable, and four wins would put them at a solid total of nine.

Remaining Schedule: vs. 49ers (3-8), vs. Redskins (5-6), at Vikings (8-3), at Buccaneers (5-6), vs. Lions (4-7)

Teams Almost out of Contention

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Just how balanced is the NFL right now? We have 14 teams with winning records. No team has been officially eliminated, but others are just hanging on. 

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 a miracle to make the playoffs at this point. Expect this list 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, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints 

AFC Seeding Odds

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

AFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: New England Patriots

Even coming off their first loss of the season, the Patriots have the best odds of finishing with the top record in the AFC. One tough, close loss on the road may be their only stumble all regular season. Injuries have piled up, but they’ll be favorites every week as the season continues.

Long Shot: Denver Broncos

Now one game back from the Patriots and looking more capable on offense, maybe the Broncos aren’t much of a long shot. They hold the head-to-head advantage with New England and are one game back.

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. As shown on Sunday Night Football, the Broncos are a tough team to beat at home when they can run the ball.

AFC No. 2 Seed

Best Odds: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals recovered from a two-game losing streak with a blowout win last week and 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.

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 fewer than 200 passing yards a game.

Long Shot: Indianapolis Colts

At 6-5, 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.

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 6-5 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.

AFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Kansas City Chiefs

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

It’s all about the defense in Kansas City. It's allowed a maximum of 22 points since Week 8, and the offense has capitalized off the turnover surge. Watch out for Kansas City to hold on to this spot.

Long Shot: New York Jets

The second-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 corps. This team is a year away. 

AFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Houston Texans currently sit here, but the Steelers should be considered the favorite. Pittsburgh has more talent overall than Houston, and they're tied in wins and losses. I believe that the Steelers will simply win more games to close out the season. Offensively, they overwhelm most opponents, and if Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, he's a safer bet than Brian Hoyer.  

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 outside looking in. Their youth has shown in recent games.

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. 

NFC Seeding Odds

Butch Dill/Associated Press

NFC No. 1 Seed

Best Odds: Carolina Panthers

At 11-0, 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: Anyone else

Simply put, with a two-game lead and five games remaining, everyone is a long shot to challenge the 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 they 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. 

NFC No. 3 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 8-3 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: 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.

NFC No. 4 Seed

Best Odds: New York Giants

This might seem strange since the Giants actually trail the Redskins for the division after a Week 12 loss to them. But with five games left, the Giants still feel like the better team. Eli Manning’s three interceptions in that game basically handed the win to the Redskins.

The battle for this division is really between two unappealing teams. The team with the more proven coach and quarterback just feels right.

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 its identity, but its core isn’t quite talented enough.

A weak secondary and below-average quarterback means the Skins must play their very best to become the divisional winner. Plus, they have to face several upstart teams that match up quite well.

NFC No. 5 Seed

Best Odds: Green Bay Packers

The Packers are too up-and-down at this point to be counted on for anything but a wild-card pick. They’re just one game back from the division lead, and that seems more attainable. Even though the Packers beat the Vikings in Week 11, the two teams seem to be trending in different directions.

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 Packers for the fifth spot.

It’s more likely the Seahawks slide into the playoffs as a very talented sixth seed.  

NFC No. 6 Seed

Best Odds: Seattle Seahawks

A Week 12 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers helped show how good this team can be. The Seattle Seahawks have all the talent needed to win key games, even if the team isn’t as deep or playing as well as years past. That doesn’t mean we should disrespect the two-time NFC champions.

When compared to their competitors, this team has the better coach, better quarterback and better defense than anyone else. That’s enough to win 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. 

Week 12 Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Houston Texans (6-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-6)

An AFC showdown between two defense-first football teams, the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills have a huge game coming this week. While the Texans are battling for a divisional crown and a wild-card berth, the Bills are just hanging in the wild-card fight. A win this week could change everything.

Buffalo has more at stake this week, because a loss will set them two games behind the wild-card leaders. Being at home should help, especially as the weather gets colder in Western New York.

New York Jets (6-5) at New York Giants (5-6)

MetLife Stadium will host the Jets and Giants in an incredibly important game for each franchise. The losing team could face a massive uphill climb if their playoff competition notch wins in their respective games. A two-game deficit after Week 13 will be very difficult to overcome.

The Jets have a deeper roster, especially on defense. With Eli Manning struggling again this year, the Jets seem to be the favorite on paper. Expect a physical and tight game.

Seattle Seahawks (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (8-3)

The top NFC matchup in Week 13 is clearly the Seahawks at Vikings. While the Vikings have some breathing room and don’t necessarily need this win, moving to 9-4 creates great leverage. The Seahawks do need to rack up as many wins as possible.

Currently sitting in the sixth playoff spot, Seattle has no time to waste. The urgency they showed against Pittsburgh must be the standard from here on out. Basically, every game is a playoff game for the Seahawks.

Indianapolis Colts (6-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)

A critical AFC matchup between perennial playoff contenders takes place on Sunday Night Football. The Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers have control of their own destiny, but losing can derail their season. The healthier Steelers look like a favorite in this game.

The Colts are trying to ward off the Texans, but it won’t be easy. Head coach Chuck Pagano has his work cut out for him with five games left in the season.  

All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 
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