With only one bye for each conference in the new NFL playoff format, securing the No.1 seed is more important than ever. While only a couple of teams are in the race for the AFC’s best record, there is little separation atop the NFC standings entering Week 12 of the 2020 season.

The New Orleans Saints (8-2) are the NFC’s current No.1 seed with six games remaining on their schedule. They have little breathing room with the Los Angeles Rams (7-3), Green Bay Packers (7-3) and Seattle Seahawks (7-3) right on their heels.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) aren’t far behind New Orleans, but the Saints own the tiebreaker after sweeping its season series with Tom Brady and Co. Even with Drew Brees on injured reserve, New Orleans is in the driver’s seat to win its fourth straight NFC South title.

Los Angeles defeated Tampa Bay on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11, giving the Rams the No.2 seed and first place in the NFC West. The Rams currently hold the tiebreaker over the Seahawks, who lost in L.A. in Week 10.

Green Bay might have the best chance to catch New Orleans in the standings. The Packers own the tiebreaker because they defeated the Saints in Week 3. Only one of Green Bay’s remaining opponents has a winning record.

The Arizona Cardinals (6-4) are the No.7 seed and the final team in the NFC playoff picture. The Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1) are the only division leader that doesn’t have a chance to land the top seed.

In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0) and Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) are alone in their chase for a first-round bye. It’s unlikely that the other two division leaders, the Indianapolis Colts (7-3) and Buffalo Bills (7-3), will catch either one of the top two seeds.

Pittsburgh is the only undefeated team left in the NFL, though they face a difficult upcoming schedule. After the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens (6-4) on Thanksgiving Day, they’ll have to face the Bills, Colts and Cleveland Browns (7-3) before the regular season concludes.

Kansas City still has to visit Tampa Bay, New Orleans and the Miami Dolphins (6-4) this season. Including last year’s playoffs, the Chiefs are 17-1 in their last 18 games overall.

Jared Goff Rams Buccaneers
Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles from Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter in the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
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