NFL playoff picture: Tight races taking shape

The Falcons dominated the game early, jumping out to a 21-6 lead at halftime, and put the game away in the fourth quarter with a touchdown drive after the Lions had cut their lead to five.

The press is naturally drawn to Peyton Manning as the lead story in Denver. Understandable. This time last year, the rumor mill was alive with whispers that Manning’s playing career might be over. It’s the kind of comeback only Manning could pull off. He leads the league in passing yards and completions and ranks among the 10 best in all the other major quarterback categories.

But Manning’s only part of why the Broncos are in the conversation for a Super Bowl.

Four teams clinched playoff spots last week. Three of those teams wrapped up a division win. The playoff picture could get a little more clarity in Week 14.

Here’s a complete list of all the playoff scenarios this week (h/t to Cincy Jungle for the chart):

Here’s how the seeding in the AFC looks right now:

Only two of the four division winners are locked in at the moment. Indianapolis’ incredible season is keeping things close in the AFC South, mathematically at least. Those teams play twice in the last three weeks of the season.

The NFC has one game left this week, a Monday matchup between the Giants and the Redskins. The outcome of that one will alter the standings.

Here’s how the NFC looks right now:

A pair of teams, the 49ers and the Bears, have eight wins. Two more have seven wins. Another three NFC teams have six wins. All of those teams are either in the playoff picture as of Week 12 or knocking at the door. It makes for an interesting stretch run in the conference.

Here’s how the playoff seeding looks currently: