The 2015 NFL season has already reached Week 12, which means it’s time to start thinking seriously about the postseason. A handful of playoff spots are nearly locked up (see: Patriots, Panthers), but the majority are still very much up for grabs with six weeks left.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NFL’s postseason picture as the schedule hits Week 12:
AFC
1. New England Patriots (10-0)
2. Cincinnati Bengals (8-2)
3. Denver Broncos (8-2)
4. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
6. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Other contenders: Houston Texans (5-5), Buffalo Bills (5-5), New York Jets (5-5), Oakland Raiders (4-6), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6), Miami Dolphins (4-6)
Biggest games in Week 12:
Patriots at Broncos
The Patriots can clinch the AFC East title before the Sunday night kickoff if the Jets and Bills both lose. If not, New England can win the division with a win in Denver and a Jets loss in Miami. Either way, this is a huge game in terms of seeding atop the AFC.
Bills at Chiefs
Both teams are 5-5 and clawing away for one of the AFC’s wild card spots. Kansas City has won four straight games, while Buffalo is going back on the road after a Monday night loss in New England.
Dolphins at Jets
A loss from the 4-6 Dolphins might all but eliminate Miami from the playoff conversation. Once 4-1 and flying high, the Jets are now 5-5 after four losses in five games. New York desperately needs a home win to right the ship.
Buccaneers at Colts
The Colts currently hold a head-to-head tiebreaker with the Texans for the AFC South lead. Houston travels to New Orleans, while Indianapolis hosts the surging Bucs, who are 5-5 and just a half game back of the Falcons for the final spot in the NFC.
NFC
1. Carolina Panthers (10-0)
2. Arizona Cardinals (8-2)
3. Green Bay Packers (7-3)
4. New York Giants (5-5)
5. Minnesota Vikings (7-3)
6. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Other contenders: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5), Seattle Seahawks (5-5), Washington Redskins (4-6), St. Louis Rams (4-6), Philadelphia Eagles (4-6), New Orleans Saints (4-6), Chicago Bears (4-6)
Biggest games in Week 12:
Panthers at Cowboys
Carolina can clinch a playoff spot by beating the Cowboys on Thanksgiving and getting a bunch of help. With Tony Romo back and no team running away in the NFC East, Dallas just needs to keep winning. The Cowboys probably can’t afford more than one more loss in 2015.
Vikings at Falcons
The fifth and sixth seeds in the NFC face off in Atlanta. The Falcons need a win in the worst way, as a 5-0 start has come unraveled with four losses in the last five games. Minnesota’s week-long hold on the NFC North ended last Sunday. A win in Atlanta would go a long ways in ensuring the Vikings keep their grasp on a playoff spot.
Giants at Redskins
Probably every game from here on out in the NFC East will have some level of significance. The Giants currently lead the division, but a Washington win would suddenly tie the two teams at 5-6. Every win is precious in the most middling division in the conference.
Steelers at Seahawks
The Seahawks are quietly waiting in the shadows at 5-5. Beat the Steelers and get some help from others, and Seattle could be back in the NFC’s top six after Week 12. Pittsburgh could close the gap on Cincinnati and further secure their spot at No. 5 in the AFC with a win.
Texans at Saints
Houston has won three straight games and four out of the last five. The surging Texans are grappling with a number of teams in the AFC at 5-5. The Saints are 4-6 and on life support in the NFC race.