(Getty)
With each passing week, more teams are falling out of the playoff race. By the end of Week 14, the contenders and pretenders could be clearly separated.
The AFC West cannibalism has commenced, as the Chiefs win over the Raiders further muddled the AFC playoff picture. Three teams from the division are still slated to reach the postseason, and the 8-4 Broncos are making it very difficult for other Wild Card contenders to keep pace. Teams like the Bills and Titans, both sitting at 6-6, can’t afford to lose today and be three games back with three to play.
The Titans return from the bye at 6-6, and could crash the AFC South race with a win over Denver today. The Colts and Texans are also deadlocked at the top, but one will fall after the teams meet today in Indy.
In the NFC, the Giants are in trouble after losing to Pittsburgh last week. That loss, combined with wins from Tampa and Green Bay, put pressure on the G-Men heading into this week’s showdown with rival Dallas. The Bucs and Giants each have a full game lead in their respective positions, but another loss this week could throw the NFC Wild Card race into chaos.
For a full list of NFL tiebreaking procedures, click here.
Here’s how the early playoff standings look right now:
AFC Seeding
The Division Leaders:
1. New England Patriots — 11-2
2. Kansas City Chiefs — 10-3
3. Baltimore Ravens — 7-6
4. Houston Texans — 7-6
The Wild Card Contenders:
5. Oakland Raiders — 10-3
6. Denver Broncos — 8-5
7. Miami Dolphins — 8-5
8. Pittsburgh Steelers — 8-5
** The Jaguars and Browns have officially been eliminated from playoff contention
Potential Wild Card Matchups:
Raiders at Texans
Broncos at Ravens
NFC Seeding
The Division Leaders:
1. Dallas Cowboys — 11-2
2. Detroit Lions — 9-4
3. Seattle Seahawks — 8-4-1
4. Atlanta Falcons — 8-5
The Wild Card Contenders:
5. New York Giants — 9-4
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8-5
7. Washington Redskins — 7-5-1
8. Minnesota Vikings — 7-6
** The Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth
Potential Wild Card Matchups:
Giants at Falcons
Buccaneers at Seahawks