With only five weeks left in this season of the NFL, the time to make a playoff run is more important than ever. There are still plenty of divisional games remaining, and with such a tight playoff picture in both conferences, the final positions may not be decided until the final day. That being said, some teams have a better chance than others, meaning plenty of important games are still upon the horizon.
Here are five games in week thirteen of the NFL that will help shape the playoff picture swimmingly:
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
Both of these sides currently hold NFC playoff spots, but one sits directly atop the other. The Dallas Cowboys are fifth in their conference despite earning eight victories and three in a row. The Seahawks have lost two games in a row and dropped to sixth in the NFC, just one game away from losing their postseason spot. Just goes to show how competitive the NFC currently is.
Seattle has defeated Dallas in four of the last five matchups between these sides, and will be looking to add another. It will also need to win a game soon if it wants to keep its winning record alive. A third loss in a row could drop it out of the playoffs, while it would move one step closer to Dallas with a victory.
A tough schedule lies ahead of the Cowboys including teams like the Dolphins and Lions. They will need to take advantage this weekend by defeating a team below them, as the remainder of their schedule looks perilous. The likelihood they catch their division leaders, the Philadelphia Eagles, is not high but a Thursday night win could bring them one step closer.
2. Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans
These AFC South competitors have already played once this season in a game won by Indianapolis. Although they remain in higher contention than Tennessee, the Colts are currently on the cusp of playoff elimination. They had lost to the Titans five times straight before October, and will now need to sweep the season series.
One loss could send Indianapolis from seventh in its conference all the way down to 10th, as the AFC playoff race remains tight. The Colts have been hot recently, as they search for their fourth win in a row. Fans may be worried it is time for a loss, but a win could send momentum soaring for this team.
As for the Titans, their playoff picture is practically over; however, a win over Indianapolis would keep it alive. One more loss and Tennessee is merely finished, but it will be looking for revenge after its previous loss to the Colts this season. It defeated the Panthers in week twelve after three straight losses, and will be looking to win two in a row for the first time this season.
3. Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
The Lions are putting on a show for their fans, the likes of which they have not seen in nearly 60 seasons. Their momentum was halted by a loss on Thanksgiving, but they sit at third in the NFC. They will want to continue winning games, and New Orleans is a worthy test to prove their ability to rebound.
The last two matchups between these sides have gone the Saints’ way, perhaps giving them the early momentum. With that in mind, they have been struggling as of late, losing two games in a row. A win could possibly jump New Orleans from 10th to seventh in the conference, and hand it temporary possession of that final playoff spot.
A Saints’ loss could spark a decline, as it would be their third in a row, and see them move a position lower than they are. The Lions will be hungry to avenge their Thanksgiving loss, and will want to defeat New Orleans for the first time since 2016. A win for Detroit will keep it in the right direction, while a loss could begin to create unwanted tension.
4. San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The top two sides in the NFC will face this weekend, with both looking to uphold some serious win streaks. The Eagles have won five straight and have only lost once this season as they continue to prove Super Bowl threats. San Francisco has yet to lose since its bye week and a defeat could send it spiraling down the wrong trail.
It is likely this weekend’s game will serve as a preview for a possible playoff matchup in the near future. These two sides met in last year’s NFC championship, which was the 49ers’ second loss in a row at that stage. Redemption and revenge will be on the minds of San Francisco, as it looks to return to its third straight NFC championship game with a different ending in mind.
The Eagles proved unstoppable after defeating the Bills in overtime last weekend, as it has looked impossible for them to lose as of recent. Their schedule poses two more challenges, in the 49ers’ this weekend and Dallas next weekend. If they can overcome both of these games, it will put them in prime position to possibly win the NFC. San Francisco is not going to make it easy though, as this could surely be the game of the week.
5. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
As the Bengals slowly sink further from a playoff position, the Jaguars near the peak of the AFC. Cincinnati has lost three in a row after previously holding a 5-3 record. Meanwhile the Jaguars may have had a few close calls in the past, but nonetheless are 8-3 for the first time since 2007.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is out for the remainder of the Bengals season after guiding them to the playoffs two years in a row. He has only missed one game, but this could prove to be a big blow, as one more loss may close the postseason door for Cincinnati. It has not lost to the Jaguars since 2019 and will look to stay in the playoff race in earning an even record once again.
Jacksonville has the chance to temporarily take over the AFC, and have quite an easy schedule ahead. Four of its last six games are against teams with losing records, and surviving against Cincinnati may give it a chance to go far. A win for the Bengals could see them move into a playoff spot, and a loss for Jacksonville could ruin its chances of ever holding the top spot in the conference.
