AFC Playoff Picture - Week 12

November 25th, 2025

By Stephen Juza

After twelve games, we have a new #1 seed in the AFC. With a 26-20 victory over the Bengals, the New England Patriots have passed over the Denver Broncos for the top seed in the AFC and owners of the best record in the league. With one new playoff team in the picture after the Steelers dropped out of first place in the AFC, let’s look at the latest standings after Week 12.

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#1 New England Patriots (+1)

The Patriots take over the #1 seed in the AFC after a road victory against the Bengals. They clinched their ninth straight victory for the first time since 2015. The Patriots overcame an early 10-0 deficit with a big 17-point second quarter, but their victory wasn’t clinched until the defense forced a turnover on downs with 18 seconds remaining in the game. The Patriots will host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

#2 Denver Broncos (-1)

The Broncos dropped down to the #2 seed on their bye week after the Patriots victory. However, the Broncos have two fairly easy road games coming up against the Washington Commanders (3-8) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) coming up the next two weeks, so they will have a great opportunity to retake home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

#3 Indianapolis Colts

The Colts continue their brief slide with a 23-20 Overtime loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Leading 20-9 entering the fourth quarter, the Colts gave up 14 unanswered points to the Chiefs offense. The defense did a good job of keeping the Chiefs out of the end zone, but in the end they couldn’t overcome five field goals from Harrison Butker. Despite the lead, the Colts abandoned the run, leading to the offense not picking up a single first down in the fourth quarter as their lead unraveled. The Colts will face AFC South rival, the Houston Texans, this upcoming week.

#4 Baltimore Ravens (+6)

Appearing on the Playoff Board for the first time this season, the Baltimore Ravens are rolling right now. After a 23-10 victory against the New York Jets, the Ravens have now won five straight games. After looking dead in the water after falling to 1-5, the Ravens have rallied to restore their season. The Ravens will look for their sixth straight victory when they host the Bengals on Thanksgiving Day.

#5 Los Angeles Chargers (+1)

After a bad loss to the Jaguars last week, the Chargers had a bye week to rest and recover. They have remained in the wild card picture in the off week, and will play host to the Las Vegas Raiders this upcoming week. The Chargers beat the Raiders on the road 20-9 in Week 2, and a win this week will be very important to maintain pace with the other wild card teams, who all sit at 7-4.

#6 Jacksonville Jaguars (+1)

The Jaguars moved up in the standings after a tight 27-24 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals. The Jaguars were able to overcome a sloppy game filled with numerous turnovers to win their third game in the last four weeks. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence three three interactions and lost a fumble while throwing three touchdown passes to lead the scoring for the Jaguars. The Jaguars will go on the road Thanksgiving weekend to take on the Tennessee Titans, owners of the worst record in the league.

#7 Buffalo Bills (-2)

After their second loss in three weeks, the Bills are close to missing the playoffs all together if they do not right the ship soon. The Bills lost 23-19 against the Houston Texans this week, with Josh Allen failing to throw for a touchdown pass for only the second time this season. The offensive line failed the offense this week, with the Cardinals sacking Allen eight times on the day. The Bills will go on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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