The NFL playoff picture after week 12: who is likely in and who is in trouble?
Join us for a look at the shape of things after an exciting Week 12 in the NFL. From the disastrous Seahawks, to the desperate Bengals, let’s get into it.
When Week 12 of the NFL season began on Thanksgiving Day, we knew we were in for an epic slate of three holiday games. Now that the week has concluded, we’re taking a look at just how much things have been shaken up, what the playoff picture looks like now and of course, who’s hot and who’s not.
Key points from NFL Week 12
Bengals needed a win against Titans and they got it
With Ja’Marr Chase still out due to injury, Joe Burrows and Tee Higgins were once again forced to carry the load and they most definitely did. Though it was a close game in the end, with Cincinnati getting the 20-19 win, it must be said that the Bengals were excellent - especially in defense. Lou Anarumo and Co. held Derrick Henry to just 38-yards on 17 carries which if you’re wondering, was his second lowest outing for the year. Now on 7-4 the Bengals have moved up a notch, though the Ravens still hold on to the No. 1 spot in the AFC North. Up next for the Bengals is a critical clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13.
Ravens are still No. 1 in division but drop in AFC
On the three occasions that the Ravens have lost this season, they have given up late leads. This Sunday gone was no different. Playing against the Jaguars and holding on to a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, with Baltimore somehow managed to give up 10 points in less than two minutes. No. 1 overall pick in 2021, Trevor Lawrence was in fine form as he spearheaded a 10-play 75-yard drive which culminated with an unreal catch for a TD from Marvin Jones Jr., before Doug Pederson got two for the 28-27 lead. Ultimately, the loss means that the Ravens will drop to fourth in the AFC though they still maintain their shaky lead in their AFC North division.
Mike White is making Zach Wilson’s starting spot his own
It looks like Jets QB Zach Wilson is going to have a hard time reclaiming his starting spot after Mike White destroyed the Bears in Week 12. White completed 22 of 28 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, all of which helped the Jets to hold on to their AFC Wild Card spot. It’s true that Chicago doesn’t represent the most challenging opponent but you can only beat who’s in front of you as the saying goes. Up next for White and Co. will be the Vikings and then the Bills, which is to say he’ll have his work cut out for him. On the other hand, if he can play like he did against the Bears, the Jets should be just fine.
Seahawks drop out of playoff picture
Were the playoffs to start today, the Seattle Seahawks wouldn’t be invited to the party. Having just lost to the Raiders in embarrassing fashion, the Seahawks will need to take a look at their defense which gave up 40 points and almost 600-yards to a Las Vegas offense that destroyed them in overtime. With that Seattle now drops to No. 8 and while it’s clear that Geno Smith can score, the Seahawks defense is most definitely not playoff ready. They will of course have a chance to repair the damage against the struggling Rams and Panthers in the next two weeks, but at this point their fate is no longer in their own hands.
The AFC Playoff Picture
As we prepare for NFL’s Week 13, here’s the break down of all teams in the AFC and where they currently stand in the conference’s playoff picture:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | (9-2) |
| 2 | Miami Dolphins | (8-3) |
| 3 | Tennessee Titans | (7-4) |
| 4 | Baltimore Ravens | (7-4) |
| 5 | Buffalo Bills | (8-3) |
| 6 | Cincinnati Bengals | (7-4) |
| 7 | New York Jets | (7-4) |
| 8 | New England Patriots | (6-5) |
| 9 | Los Angeles Chargers | (6-5) |
| 10 | Indianapolis Colts | (4-7-1) |
| 11 | Jacksonville Jaguars | (4-7) |
| 12 | Las Vegas Raiders | (4-7) |
| 13 | Cleveland Browns | (4-7) |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | (4-7) |
| 15 | Denver Broncos | (3-8) |
| 16 | Houston Texans | (1-9-1) |
The NFC Playoff Picture
Having taken a look at the AFC, we’ve obviously got you covered with the break down of the NFC’s current playoff picture. Take a look for yourself:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | (10-1) |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | (9-2) |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers | (7-4) |
| 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (5-6) |
| 5 | Dallas Cowboys | (8-3) |
| 6 | New York Giants | (7-4) |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | (7-5) |
| 8 | Seattle Seahawks | (6-5) |
| 9 | Atlanta Falcons | (5-7) |
| 10 | Detroit Lions | (4-7) |
| 11 | Green Bay Packers | (4-8) |
| 12 | Arizona Cardinals | (4-8) |
| 13 | Carolina Panthers | (4-8) |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | (4-8) |
| 15 | Los Angeles Rams | (3-8) |
| 16 | Chicago Bears | (3-9) |