As we approach the thrilling conclusion of the NFL regular season, fans are buzzing with excitement about the potential playoff matchups. With seven weeks left before Super Bowl 59, the race for postseason glory is heating up. Let’s dive into the current standings and see who’s in, who’s out, and what the playoff picture looks like after Week 13.
NFL standings for Week 13
AFC playoff picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs 11-1 (first place, AFC West): The Chiefs have solidified their position at the top of the AFC after a commanding victory over the Raiders on Black Friday. With a strong record and a head-to-head tiebreaker advantage, they are poised to secure the top seed as they head into the final stretch of the season.
2. Buffalo Bills 10-2 (first place, AFC East): The Bills are hot on the Chiefs’ heels, just one game behind. Their impressive performance this season keeps them in contention for the top seed, especially if Kansas City stumbles in the coming weeks.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-3 (first place, AFC North): The Steelers are holding steady in the AFC North, leading by 1.5 games after a crucial win against the Bengals in Week 13. Their ability to maintain the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens keeps them firmly in the playoff picture.
4. Houston Texans 8-5 (first place, AFC South): The Texans are showing resilience, leading their division by two games after a hard-fought victory against the Jaguars. They are looking to build on this momentum as the playoffs approach.
5. Los Angeles Chargers 8-4 (second place, AFC West): After a tough loss to the Ravens, the Chargers bounced back with a win over the Falcons in Week 13. They are currently in a tight race for a wild-card spot, but their recent performance keeps them in the hunt.
6. Baltimore Ravens 8-5 (second place, AFC North): The Ravens have faced challenges recently, losing ground in both the division and wild-card race. Their loss to the Eagles was a setback, but they still have a chance to turn things around.
7. Denver Broncos 7-5 (third place, AFC West): The Broncos are refusing to back down in the wild-card race, rallying to defeat the Raiders in Week 12. Their upcoming Monday night matchup against the Browns could be pivotal for their playoff aspirations.
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. Indianapolis Colts 6-7 (second place, AFC South)
- 9. Miami Dolphins 5-7 (second place, AFC East)
- 10. Cincinnati Bengals 4-8 (third place, AFC North)
The Colts are inching closer to .500, applying pressure on the Broncos after their victory over the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Dolphins and Bengals are struggling, with losses putting them on the brink of elimination.
Who’s left?
- 11. Cleveland Browns 3-8 (fourth place, AFC North)
- 12. Tennessee Titans 3-9 (third place, AFC South)
- 13. New York Jets 3-9 (third place, AFC East)
- 14. New England Patriots 3-10 (fourth place, AFC East)
- 15. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-10 (fourth place, AFC South)
- 16. Las Vegas Raiders 2-10 (fourth place, AFC West)
NFC playoff picture
1. Detroit Lions 11-1 (first place, NFC North): The Lions are riding high after a thrilling victory over the Bears, ensuring they remain atop the NFC standings. Their strong performance this season has made them a formidable contender for the playoffs.
2. Philadelphia Eagles 10-2 (first place, NFC East): The Eagles are keeping pace with the Lions, showcasing their strength with an impressive win in Baltimore. They are well-positioned in the division and look to maintain their momentum.
3. Seattle Seahawks 7-5 (first place, NFC West): After a key win against the Jets, the Seahawks have solidified their lead in the NFC West. Their ability to win crucial games is vital as they aim for a playoff berth.
4. Atlanta Falcons 6-6 (first place, NFC South): The Falcons are struggling, having lost three straight games, but they still lead the NFC South due to their strong division record. They need to turn things around quickly to secure their playoff spot.
5. Minnesota Vikings 10-2 (second place, NFC North): The Vikings are right on the Lions’ tail, maintaining pressure with their recent victory over the Cardinals. They are in a prime position to challenge for the division title.
6. Green Bay Packers 9-3 (third place, NFC North): The Packers are looking strong in the wild-card race, bolstered by a convincing win over the Dolphins. Their upcoming matchup against the Lions will be crucial.
7. Washington Commanders 8-5 (second place, NFC East): The Commanders ended their losing streak just in time, keeping their playoff hopes alive. They remain competitive in both the division and wild-card races.
Who’s in the hunt?
- 8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-6 (second place, NFC South)
- 9. Los Angeles Rams 6-6 (second place, NFC West)
- 10. Arizona Cardinals 6-6 (third place, NFC West)
- 11. San Francisco 49ers 5-7 (fourth place, NFC West)
- 12. Dallas Cowboys 5-7 (third place, NFC East)
The Buccaneers are in a tight race with the Falcons, while the Rams, Cardinals, and 49ers are all vying for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC West. The Cowboys, despite their struggles, still have a glimmer of hope after a recent win.
Who’s left?
- 13. New Orleans Saints 4-8 (third place, NFC South)
- 14. Chicago Bears 4-8 (fourth place, NFC North)
- 15. Carolina Panthers 3-9 (fourth place, NFC South)
- 16. New York Giants 2-10 (fourth place, NFC East)
As we look ahead to the final weeks of the season, the excitement is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the playoffs? With every game counting, fans are in for a thrilling ride as we approach Super Bowl 59!
