Playoff spots were defined, especially in the NFC. Three divisional titles were crowned, and four more NFC playoff spots were defined. There were very few surprise results, and most of those were influenced by teams missing key players due to COVID isolation.
Power Rankings [Last week's position]
1. Buffalo Bills (9-6) [1] : They now control the AFC East, and control their own destiny
2. Dallas Cowboys (11-4) [3] : What a huge blowout! 42 points in the first half was like a college football game
3. Tampa Bay Bucs (11-4) [4] : They utterly demolished the Panthers
4. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) [6] : They definitely looked like the power team in the AFC
5. New England Patriots (9-6) [2] : Two consecutive losses are putting the Patriots playoff chances at risk
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) [7] : They clinched a playoff berth and took the lead in the NFC West
7. Indianapolis Colts (9-6) [8] : Another strong win makes them the second most impressive team in the AFC right now
8. Arizona Cardinals (10-5) [5] : They are falling. They have clinched a playoff spot, but their chances of advancing are looking slim
9. Green Bay Packers (12-3) [9] : They are not always impressive, but they find ways to win
10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) [10] : The Bengals have taken the lead in the tightest division race there is
11. Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) [11]
12. Tennessee Titans (10-5) [12]
13. San Francisco 49ers (8-7) [13] : Their playoff chances are dwindling
14. Denver Broncos (7-8) [14]
Divisional Rankings [Last week's position]
1. NFC West [1]
2. AFC East [2]
3. AFC West [3]
4. NFC East [4] : The Eagles are helping to boost this division
5 (tie). AFC North [4]
5 (tie). NFC South [6] : A win by Atlanta helped this division
7 (tie). AFC South [7]
7 (tie). NFC North [8] : A win by Chicago and a close lose by Detroit boosted this division
Division and Playoff Races
AFC East : Miami is at 8-7, but they have two tough games upcoming, so their chances of reaching the playoffs look small. Both the Bills and Patriots are favored this week, and are likely to win their last game. So long as the Bills win as many games as the Patriots, they will win the division. For either to gain the top seed, they need the Chiefs and Titans to stumble.
AFC North : This division is still so tightly packed that any team has a chance, although the Browns likelihood is slim. Both the Bengals and Ravens face tough challenges this week. If the Bengals can win, they will clinch the division. If both teams lose, the Bengals also win the division. The Steelers need to win both of their remaining games and get some help in order to reach the playoffs.
AFC South : The Titans lead by a game, but the Colts are hot on their heels. Both face tricky teams this week, then face a weak divisional opponent to close the season. The Titans clinch the division with one more win, regardless of which week. It looks like they will win the division. The Colts are chasing a playoff spot, something they will get with two wins. If they split their next games, they will need some help.
AFC West : The Chiefs have clinched the division and lead in the race for the top seed. They could wrap that up this week, but they face a tough Bengals team. Both the Chargers and Raiders need some help to reach the playoffs.
NFC East : The Cowboys clinched the division. The Eagles clinch a playoff spot with one more conference win.
NFC North : It looks like division winner Green Bay may be the only playoff team from the division. The Vikings have a shot, but they need to win out and get lots of help. The Packers clinch the top seed with two wins or one win and a Cowboys loss.
NFC South : Tampa Bay has clinched the division, and the Saints playoff chances are looking bad. Ironically, due to a better schedule, the Falcons actually have a better chance, although I don't see either team reaching the playoffs.
NFC West : The Rams currently lead the division. They need to win at least as many games as Arizona in order to clinch. Arizona has clinched a playoff spot. The 49ers could capture one with one more win and a Vikings loss.
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