NFL Week 12 Overreactions: Key Playoff Picture Insights and Analysis

NFL Week 12 Overreactions

Mackenzie Salmon analyzes the most thrilling matchups from NFL Week 12.

Sports Seriously

Throughout the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will offer up-to-date insights into the league’s fast-changing playoff scenario. This series will kick off after the late Sunday games and continue through the upcoming weeks, encompassing Monday, Thursday, and any Saturday contests.

What transpired in the latest games? What implications do these outcomes carry? We’ll dissect all crucial factors and potential tiebreakers that are shaping up as each conference’s seven-team playoff bracket becomes clearer. The final analysis will roll out as we approach the postseason’s determination on Sunday night, January 5.

Here’s the current state of affairs as we near the conclusion of Week 12 in the 2024 season:

AFC playoff picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1), AFC West leaders: Although it wasn’t a dominant performance, the Chiefs managed to edge past the Carolina Panthers. This victory has enabled them to maintain a slim half-game lead over the Buffalo Bills. However, due to the Bills holding the head-to-head tiebreaker, Kansas City faces enormous pressure to avoid any slip-ups, particularly with their Thanksgiving matchup looming. Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Chargers, at Browns, vs. Texans, at Steelers, at Broncos

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2), AFC East leaders: The Bills, returning from their bye week, will face a struggling San Francisco team at home as they aim for their sixth straight victory. With a firm grip on the division title almost certain, their recent success coupled with Pittsburgh’s defeat strengthens their standing as a top playoff contender. Should they succeed against the Chiefs in the playoffs, the path to Super Bowl 59 is likely to wind through Buffalo. Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, at Rams, at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Jets, at Patriots

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3), AFC North leaders: A crucial win against the Browns on Thursday could have propelled them into the No. 2 seed. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they experienced a setback at the hands of their division rivals, severely impacting their quest for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Browns, at Eagles, at Ravens, vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

4. Houston Texans (7-5), AFC South leaders: After a disappointing home defeat to the Tennessee Titans, the Texans have now lost four out of their last six games, raising concerns about their playoff viability. Their lead in the mediocre AFC South is starting to fade, with the prospect of an early postseason exit looming large. Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, BYE, vs. Dolphins, at Chiefs, vs. Ravens, at Titans

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3), wild card No. 1: The Chargers have been solid defensively and are creating a crucial gap between themselves and the teams that are hot on their heels in the playoff race. Winning against the Ravens on Monday could significantly strengthen their grip on a playoff spot. Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Falcons, at Chiefs, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Broncos, at Patriots, at Raiders

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4), wild card No. 2: The Ravens have traditionally been a reliable playoff team, but losses to unfavorable opponents may jeopardize their chances of securing home games during the postseason. Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Eagles, BYE, at Giants, vs. Steelers, at Texans, vs. Browns

7. Denver Broncos (7-5), wild card No. 3: The Broncos are solidifying their grip on the final playoff spot in the AFC, and their future schedule looks favorable for maintaining that position. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, BYE, vs. Colts, at Chargers, at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

8. Miami Dolphins (5-6), in the hunt: The Dolphins are beginning to find their rhythm, buoyed by a third consecutive win on Sunday. However, playing in the colder climate of Green Bay on Thanksgiving night could prove to be a significant challenge for the team, known for struggling in adverse weather. Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Jets, at Texans, vs. 49ers, at Browns, at Jets

9. Indianapolis Colts (5-7), in the hunt: After a disappointing loss on Sunday, the Colts are starting to fall behind the Broncos in pursuit of the last wild-card slot. As they prepare to face Denver soon, this matchup could be pivotal for their playoff aspirations. Remaining schedule: at Patriots, BYE, at Broncos, vs. Titans, at Giants, vs. Jaguars

NFC playoff picture

1. Detroit Lions (10-1), NFC North leaders: Despite struggling in a game against Indianapolis, the Lions are still in the driver’s seat, although injuries might become an issue as they quickly prepare for their Thanksgiving Day match. Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, vs. Packers, vs. Bills, at Bears, at 49ers, vs. Vikings

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2), NFC East leaders: The Eagles are emerging as a formidable competitor against the Lions for the top seed in the NFC, with potential for an outright takeover of their division. Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Panthers, vs. Steelers, at Commanders, vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Seattle Seahawks (6-5), NFC West leaders: Seattle had a standout Sunday, vaulting from the middle of the pack to first in their division after a crucial win over the Cardinals. This shift signifies their growing momentum as potential playoff contenders. Remaining schedule: at Jets, at Cardinals, vs. Packers, vs. Vikings, at Bears, at Rams

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-5), NFC South leaders: The Falcons effectively dropped a seed in the standings during their bye week, yet the season sweep over the Buccaneers gives Atlanta a two-game lead in the division. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Vikings, at Raiders, vs. Giants, at Commanders, vs. Panthers

5. Minnesota Vikings (9-2), wild card No. 1: Currently riding a four-game winning streak, the Vikings have shown resilience, edging out a victory against the Bears in overtime. This puts them not far behind the Lions in the NFC North race, making them a team to watch. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Falcons, vs. Bears, at Seahawks, vs. Packers, at Lions

6. Green Bay Packers (8-3), wild card No. 2: The Packers remain competitive in the NFC North after a solid performance against the 49ers, holding crucial relevance despite the dominant Lions. Remaining schedule: vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Seahawks, vs. Saints, at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (7-5), wild card No. 3: After suffering three consecutive losses, the Commanders need to regain their momentum to fend off a pack of contenders from the NFC West. Any aspirations of winning the NFC East are rapidly evaporating. Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, BYE, at Saints, vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

8. Arizona Cardinals (6-5), in the hunt: After leading their division, the Cardinals saw their four-game winning streak snuffed out in Seattle on Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Seahawks, vs. Patriots, at Panthers, at Rams, vs. 49ers

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6), in the hunt: The Buccaneers snapped a four-game losing streak by decisively beating the Giants, giving them a chance for a strong finish to the season and improving from the 11th place they held just days prior. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, at Cowboys, vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

10. Los Angeles Rams (5-6), in the hunt: After an uninspired performance against the Eagles, the Rams find themselves in a precarious position. Despite a win earlier in the season against the 49ers, their poor conference record hampers their playoff chances. Remaining schedule: at Saints, vs. Bills, at 49ers, at Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

11. San Francisco 49ers (5-6), in the hunt: Despite possessing significant talent, the 49ers have struggled with injuries that have put a damper on their playoff hopes. Remaining schedule: at Bills, vs. Bears, vs. Rams, at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Cardinals

12. New Orleans Saints (4-7), in the hunt: Under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, the Saints have started strong with two wins, presenting a glimmer of hope. Their performance in the tightly contested NFC South could hold unexpected implications. Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, at Giants, vs. Commanders, at Packers, vs. Raiders, at Buccaneers

13. Chicago Bears (4-7), in the hunt: A five-game losing streak has put the Bears in a precarious situation, jeopardizing their playoff aspirations with crucial games coming up, including a Thanksgiving face-off with the Lions. Remaining schedule: at Lions, at 49ers, at Vikings, vs. Lions, vs. Seahawks, at Packers

14. Dallas Cowboys (4-7), in the hunt: Despite their struggles, Mike McCarthy’s team continues to fight hard, particularly with their Thanksgiving matchup against the Giants looming. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, vs. Bengals, at Panthers, vs. Buccaneers, at Eagles, vs. Commanders

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Stay updated with USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

How have the recent performances of‍ the Vikings, Buccaneers, and Dolphins influenced their standings in the​ NFC playoff race?

Vikings, vs. Buccaneers, vs.‌ Dolphins, at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

12. Carolina‍ Panthers (3-8), eliminated: The Panthers​ have faced a⁣ challenging season and are officially⁣ out of playoff contention, focusing on developing their roster for the future. ‌ Remaining schedule:⁢ vs. Buccaneers, ​at Saints, at Falcons, vs. Titans, vs. Texans.