12 weeks into the NFL season, the playoff picture for both conferences is starting to take shape.
However, there are no guarantees on which teams will enter the postseason because a lot can happen in the last five games.
Some squads can catch fire and win the rest of their matchups, while others might fizzle and fall from contention.
Anything can happen, especially in the race for the final spot in this year’s AFC playoffs.
To summarize the competition, the AFC is like the Wild West.
All Postseason Spots Up For Grabs
The situation in the AFC is different from the NFC.
In the latter, the top teams in almost all divisions have a sizable advantage over the second placers.
However, no team is safe in the AFC because 13 of the 16 teams are still in the running for a postseason spot.
Only the New York Jets, Houston Texans, and the Jacksonville Jaguars will have a challenging and seemingly impossible path to play beyond the regular season.
A losing record gets you into the NFC Playoffs but a winning record doesn’t get you into the AFC Playoffs pic.twitter.com/1xdrdSMl4n
— Logan Pearce (@Tego2mc) November 30, 2021
Take away those three teams, and only three games separate top-seeded Baltimore Ravens and 13th-place Miami Dolphins.
Therefore, a win or a loss by any of these teams can drastically alter the rankings every week.
As early as now, this contest is shaping up to be a photo finish.
But as it stands, the Los Angeles Chargers hold the seventh and final AFC playoff ticket with a 6-5 record.
They are no means safe because the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns have six wins apiece.
Likewise, the current division leaders are not yet safe because the New England Patriots are one game ahead of the Buffalo Bills.
The Ravens are just a game in front of the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Kansas City Chiefs have a one-game edge over the Chargers.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have the biggest cushion among division leaders, but their advantage might evaporate if their recent struggles continue.
An NFL team has never needed their bye more than the Tennessee #Titans need the bye they’re now finally getting.
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) November 28, 2021
Therefore, no one knows the exact seedings for the AFC playoffs after Week 12.
This scenario makes all upcoming games exciting and intense because a playoff spot is at stake with each game.
Teams at the bottom of the standings may play spoilers as well.
Which AFC Team Will Complete The Picture?
While they are one game behind the pack, the Miami Dolphins might be out of the playoff race already.
It’s nice that they’ve won four straight games, but the win streak could be too late.
Besides, New England and Baltimore are the only teams with winning records they’ve defeated.
The Steelers might be out of the race as well, especially if Ben Roethlisberger and T.J. Watt remain sidelined.
Former Steeler @Realrclark25 went OFF on Pittsburgh 😳
"They're not my beloved Steelers anymore. NOBODY is scared to play this team! … You better change something … or this WILL be Mike Tomlin's first losing season." pic.twitter.com/Bpt1CYiJMt
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 30, 2021
But out of the six-win teams after Week 12, the Colts have the best chance of clinching the final spot.
The Chargers are inconsistent, while the Broncos aren’t better off with Teddy Bridgewater.
Las Vegas hasn’t been the same after releasing Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette.
The Browns have a ton of injuries to deal with, and Baker Mayfield isn’t 100 percent healthy.
Public Service Announcement: #Browns pic.twitter.com/pqrlNr1ZeY
— Bryan “Jeeves” Filker (@bryanfilker) November 29, 2021
It’s not that the Colts are the best team out of the bunch.
But it helps to have potential Offensive Player of the Year Jonathan Taylor and a steady Carson Wentz.
Indianapolis may have lost their last assignment against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they will face Las Vegas, Houston, and Jacksonville in three of their next five games.
They might have a chance against the Arizona Cardinals if some of their key players remain injured.
Jonathan Taylor: 67 1st down runs this season
No other RB has more than 49 👀 pic.twitter.com/DyPam9ibtt
— PFF (@PFF) November 28, 2021
Defeating the Patriots is also highly likely if Taylor will run wild against their vaunted defense.
This take is mere speculation, though, because the race will go down to the wire.
NEXT: 3 Reasons The Seahawks Should Blow It All Up