Week 12 Results Reshape NFL Playoff Standings

This week, Thanksgiving brings a fresh wave of excitement to the National Football League (NFL), as Week 12 results have significantly impacted the playoff standings. With new leaders emerging in both the AFC and NFC, playoff races are intensifying, making this an exciting juncture for teams vying for postseason spots.

AFC Playoff Standings Overview

The AFC playoff picture has shifted, with the New England Patriots claiming the top seed following a victory. The standings are as follows:

• 1. New England Patriots (10-2)
• 2. Denver Broncos (9-2)
• 3. Indianapolis Colts (8-3)
• 4. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
• 5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
• 6. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4)
• 7. Buffalo Bills (7-4)
• 8. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
• 9. Houston Texans (6-5)
• 10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-5)
• 11. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
• 12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-8)
• 13. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
• 14. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
• 15. New York Jets (2-9)
• 16. Tennessee Titans (1-10)

The Patriots capitalized on the Denver Broncos’ bye week to secure their lead. Although their recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals raised concerns about their offensive line’s health, their victory solidified their standing. The Baltimore Ravens, after a rocky start to the season, have rebounded to claim the fourth seed, currently leading the AFC North.

Critical Matchups and Tiebreakers

Pittsburgh Steelers, previously playoff contenders, now find themselves outside the postseason picture. A significant loss to the Chicago Bears contributed to this decline. The playoff race remains tight, with several teams displaying comparable records.

• 7-4 Teams: Chargers, Jaguars, Bills.
• 6-5 Teams: Steelers, Texans, Chiefs.

If the playoffs were to start today, potential Wild Card matchups would include:

• No. 7 Buffalo at No. 2 Denver
• No. 6 Jacksonville at No. 3 Indianapolis
• No. 5 Los Angeles at No. 4 Baltimore

NFC Playoff Standings Update

The NFC playoff landscape has also been reshaped, with the Los Angeles Rams seizing the top spot after a strong performance. The current standings are:

• 1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2)
• 2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3)
• 3. Chicago Bears (8-3)
• 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)
• 5. Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
• 6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)
• 7. San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
• 8. Detroit Lions (7-4)
• 9. Carolina Panthers (6-6)
• 10. Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)
• 11. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
• 12. Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
• 13. Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
• 14. Washington Commanders (3-8)
• 15. New Orleans Saints (2-9)
• 16. New York Giants (2-10)

The Rams gained their first position after defeating the Buccaneers. This reshuffled the Eagles to the second position following their loss to the Cowboys. With the 49ers facing the Panthers in an intense matchup, the outcome could shift the playoff hierarchy.

Possible Wild Card Matchups

Should the postseason commence today, the matchups would be:

• No. 7 San Francisco at No. 2 Philadelphia
• No. 6 Green Bay at No. 3 Chicago
• No. 5 Seattle at No. 4 Tampa Bay

The NFL playoff race continues to heat up as teams head into the final weeks of the season. Each matchup now carries significant weight in shaping the playoff picture, promising an exciting conclusion to the regular season.