In a theme that has continued throughout the 2021 NFL season, the AFC has a new No. 1 seed. Six AFC teams are within a game of the top spot in Week 12, while the race at the top of the NFC standings isn’t nearly as tight.
The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) are now atop the AFC following their Sunday night victory over the Cleveland Browns (6-6). Baltimore seized control of the playoff picture from the Tennessee Titans (8-4), who were defeated soundly by the New England Patriots (8-4).
Tennessee has lost two straight games, and its top three playmakers are on injured reserve. New England is on a six-game winning streak. The Patriots visit the Buffalo Bills (7-4) in Week 13 with first place in the AFC East on the line.
The Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5-1) to remain a game behind Baltimore in the AFC North. The Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) had a bye and are also a game out of the No. 1 seed.
The Los Angeles Chargers (6-5) have the final AFC wild-card spot. The Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) and Denver Broncos (6-5) are out of the latest playoff picture because of tiebreakers.
In the NFC, the Arizona Cardinals (9-2) remained the No. 1 seed in their bye week. They did lose ground over the Green Bay Packers (9-3), who pulled within a half-game by defeating the Los Angeles Rams (7-4). Green Bay owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Arizona.
Los Angeles is quickly falling out of contention for a first-round playoff bye. The Rams are on a three-game losing streak with losses to both the Packers and Cardinals on their resume. L.A. has the first NFC wild-card spot.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3) are the third and final NFC team within a game of the top seed. Tampa Bay took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts (6-6) in Week 12. Tom Brady leads all quarterbacks with 30 touchdown passes.
The Dallas Cowboys (7-4) are the No. 4 seed after their loss on Thanksgiving. Dallas still has a commanding lead atop the NFC East.
The San Francisco 49ers (6-5) and Minnesota Vikings (5-6) have the last two wild-card berths. San Francisco defeated Minnesota 34-26 Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons (5-6), New Orleans Saints (5-6), Philadelphia Eagles (5-7), and Carolina Panthers (5-7) are in playoff contention.
Tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates his second touchdown of the game against the Washington Football Team during the third quarter at FedExField on Oct. 4, 2020, in Landover, Maryland. Photo: Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
