Here’s look at the big playoff picture in both conferences:
AFC
Denver Broncos (9-2). After falling in New England, they first need to take care of the AFC West in Kansas City this week and then focus on winning out through a weak slate to hold off the Patriots. What’s left: at KC, vs. TEN, vs. SD, at HOU, at OAK
New England Patriots (8-3). With the head-to-head tiebreaker over Denver and the AFC East in hand, they will just work to win out and hope the Broncos stumble. What’s left: at HOU, vs. CLE, at MIA, at BAL, vs. BUF
Indianapolis Colts (7-4). The Colts don’t need to worry much about the AFC South with a comfortable two-game lead over Tennessee, but their inconsistency has hampered any real shot at a bye and given the schedule, this seed isn’t that secure, either. What’s left: vs. TEN, at CIN, vs. HOU, at KC, vs. JAX
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4). The Bengals went into their bye undefeated at home (5-0) and now need to work on being better on the road (2-4). They also know Pittsburgh and Baltimore won’t just go away in the AFC North. As they’ve already beaten New England and have Indianapolis left, don’t count them out for No. 2, either. What’s left: at SD, vs. IND, at PIT, vs. MIN, vs. BAL
Kansas City Chiefs (9-2). Despite their two-game losing streak to AFC West foes, they still have a four-game lead over the rest of the wild-card hopefuls with five to play. Unless they upset Denver, they are just about locked in here. What’s left: vs. DEN, at WAS, at OAK, vs. IND, at SD
Tennessee Titans (5-6). Hard to believe they are here, but that shows how bad the AFC is after the top five. It won’t last long as their remaining schedule is pretty brutal. What’s left: at IND, at DEN, vs. ARI, at JAC, at TEN
Who’s right behind: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6), Baltimore Ravens (5-6), San Diego Chargers (5-6), New York Jets (5-6).
NFC
Seattle Seahawks (10-1). The NFC West leaders got a bye right before they host New Orleans next Monday night. Win, and it’s a stranglehold on this seed; lose, and it becomes a whole lot tougher. What’s left: vs. NO, at SF, at NYG, vs. ARI, vs. STL
New Orleans Saints (9-2). They have the their work still cut out, first to battle Seattle for the No. 1 and then making sure they hold off surging Carolina in two games just to win the NFC South. What’s left: at SEA, vs. CAR, at STL, at CAR, vs. TB
Detroit Lions (6-5). The Lions’ dwindling lead in the NFC North is based on sweeping Chicago. They’re now only up a half-game on Green Bay before hosting the Packers on Thursday. What’s left: vs. GB, at PHI, vs. BAL, vs. NYG, at MIN
Dallas Cowboys (6-5). How about them? The NFC East leaders are 4-0 where it counts most, in the division. The Cowboys would like to put it away before hosting Philadelphia in Week 17. What’s left: vs. OAK, at CHI, vs. GB, at WAS, vs. PHI
Carolina Panthers (8-3). They have gone from the NFC’s hottest team to a real tough conference contender. That path would be a lot easier if they clear New Orleans out of the way. What’s left: vs. TB, at NO, vs. NYJ, vs. NO, at ATL
San Francisco 49ers/Arizona Cardinals (7-4). San Francisco holds the tiebreaker thanks to a win over Arizona in Week 6. The Cards need to strengthen their position before that brutal two-week close of San Francisco and Seattle. What’s left: at PHI, vs. STL, at TEN, at SEA, vs. SF
Who’s right behind: Philadelphia Eagles (6-5), Chicago Bears (6-5), Green Bay Packers (5-5-1).
