CHIEFS (11-4)
CURRENT PLACE: OVERALL SEED
Kansas City wins their eighth straight game since November. Defense and special teams were the highlights of this run. However, the offense has more options beyond Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the right time. One more win and a Titans loss solidifies the Chiefs as the overall seed for the second straight season and third time in four seasons.
REMAINING GAMES: AT BENGALS, AT BRONCOS
BILLS (9-6)
CURRENT PLACE: 4TH SEED
Buffalo picked up two straight wins, especially their recent win in a revenge matchup at New England. They still don’t have an established runner past Josh Allen (and I’ll continue saying this until such times as when), but they currently hold the tiebreaker for first place in the AFC East. They probably need one more win and a New England loss to clinch the division for the second straight season for the first time since 1988 and 1989.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. FALCONS, VS. JETS
STEELERS (7-7-1)
CURRENT PLACE: THREE SPOTS FROM 7TH SEED
Pittsburgh’s season is at risk. Their offense isn’t great, and their defense suffered for it against the Chiefs. Ben hasn’t looked great and making the playoffs became more difficult with the Bengals possibly clinching the division in a week or two if the losses below Cincinnati in the AFC North continues. If the Steelers somehow get in, don’t count them out yet. It all depends on the matchup. If they don’t, they have plenty of salary cap going into the offseason. Expect a reload incoming just like New England last season.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. BROWNS, AT RAVENS
COLTS (9-6)
CURRENT PLACE: 5TH SEED
The Colts are running the table with six wins in their last seven games. Despite three key players out on defense, they defeated the Cardinals on the road with no issue. They have a good chance of clinching a playoff spot with two games left. If they want the division title, they must win out while the Titans lose out.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. RAIDERS, AT JAGUARS
BROWNS (7-8)
CURRENT PLACE: FOUR SPOTS FROM 7TH SEED
COVID hit the Browns hard these past two games, and it may cost them a playoff opportunity. They came up short by two points twice against the Raiders on Monday night and the Packers on a short week on Christmas. There’s no room for error and must need help, a prayer, and a miracle if they want at least the 7th seed. The last two weeks in the AFC North will be the most interesting to watch.
REMAINING GAMES: AT STEELERS, VS. BENGALS
RAVENS (8-7)
CURRENT PLACE: ONE SPOT FROM 7TH SEED
The Ravens also suffered in the hands of COVID with plenty of players out, including backup Tyler Huntley. Lamar Jackson being out with an injury also hurt the Ravens with four-straight losses. This situation benefited the Bengals and the Cats could take the division if the rest below lose. Their last two games will be the toughest to win out and must hope they have some players back in time, including their starting and/or backup quarterback.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. RAMS, VS. STEELERS
RAIDERS (8-7)
CURRENT PLACE: TWO SPOTS FROM 7TH SEED
Vegas is not out yet. They swept the Broncos for the second straight season, won three of the last five games, overcame COVID issues and injuries, and are very much alive for the 7th seed at least. Derek Carr and the offense haven’t been great, but their defense woke up at the right time and will be highlighted for the last two games against the Colts and Chargers to hopefully clinch a playoff spot.
REMAINING GAMES: AT COLTS, VS. CHARGERS
PACKERS (12-3)
CURRENT PLACE: OVERALL SEED
Green Bay played two of the closest games back-to-back against the last two AFC North teams and survived those last possessions. Their defense, especially the coverage, will be hard to compete against once the playoffs start. If they defeat the Vikings on Sunday night, they not only equalized them after their previous loss at Minnesota, but they go undefeated at home, and potentially clinch homefield advantage if other scenarios follow through.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. VIKINGS, AT LIONS
RAMS (11-4)
CURRENT PLACE: 3RD SEED
The Rams go undefeated in December after going winless in November. Their gaining steam at the right time and could feel a home Super Bowl game in their grasp. Running back Sony Michel is a welcome addition and continues to play well while Cooper Kupp is looking like one of the best NFL receivers while staying fully healthy through 15 games. A Rams win and a Cardinals loss clinches the NFC West division.
REMAINING GAMES: AT RAVENS, VS. 49ERS
BUCCANEERS (11-4)
CURRENT PLACE: 4TH SEED
After laying an egg against the Saints, they score 32 points against the Panthers to lock up the division title for the first time since 2007. Their last two games should be a cakewalk, but they need help securing homefield advantage with losses by the Packers, Cowboys, and Rams in the last two weeks of the season.
REMAINING GAMES: AT JETS, VS. PANTHERS
GIANTS (4-11)
ELIMINATED
The Giants are out. Injuries, offensive issues, and questionable management are all things that summed up their season. They went after more offensive weapons to try improving the offense, but they only averaged 16.5 points per game with no 30-point game all season long. There will be reckoning within the organization during the offseason.
REMAINING GAMES: AT BEARS, VS. WASHINGTON
SEAHAWKS (5-10)
ELIMINATED
The Seahawks fizzle out despite Russell Wilson’s return from injury. Youth, inexperience at the running back position, and a sketchy offensive line was the reason for their demise this season. Will Russell leave Seattle? Will Pete Carroll be fired? Time will only tell.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. LIONS, AT CARDINALS
49ERS (8-7)
CURRENT PLACE: 6TH SEED
Defense showed dominance against the Falcons on three goal line/redzone stops while George Kittle and Deebo Samuel leads the way for the offense. Brandon Aiyuk finally comes in to his own when they needed another option. However, penalties on both sides of the ball is a problem and may hurt their playoff chances. More importantly, Jimmy G was shaky due to interceptions and missed opportunities. Continued issues like that could also cost this team a playoff opportunity. Depending on how things play out next week, they could clinch a playoff spot if the Vikings, Saints and Falcons lose.
REMAINING GAMES: VS. TEXANS, AT RAMS
VIKINGS (7-8)
CURRENT PLACE: ONE SPOT FROM 7TH SEED
Minnesota cannot shake off the one-possession consistency and a loss to the Rams puts them on red alert at Green Bay next week. I said this time and time again, the Vikings cannot figure themselves out. If Minnesota loses, and the 49ers and Eagles win next week, and the Saints win on Monday night and next week, Minnesota is eliminated from the playoffs.
The Wolf's Cave 
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