In a theme that has continued throughout the 2021 NFL season, the AFC has a new No. 1 seed. Six AFC teams are within a game of the top spot in Week 12, while the race at the top of the NFC standings isn’t nearly as tight.

The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) are now atop the AFC following their Sunday night victory over the Cleveland Browns (6-6). Baltimore seized control of the playoff picture from the Tennessee Titans (8-4), who were defeated soundly by the New England Patriots (8-4).

Tennessee has lost two straight games, and its top three playmakers are on injured reserve. New England is on a six-game winning streak. The Patriots visit the Buffalo Bills (7-4) in Week 13 with first place in the AFC East on the line.

The Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5-1) to remain a game behind Baltimore in the AFC North. The Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) had a bye and are also a game out of the No. 1 seed.

The Los Angeles Chargers (6-5) have the final AFC wild-card spot. The Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) and Denver Broncos (6-5) are out of the latest playoff picture because of tiebreakers.

In the NFC, the Arizona Cardinals (9-2) remained the No. 1 seed in their bye week. They did lose ground over the Green Bay Packers (9-3), who pulled within a half-game by defeating the Los Angeles Rams (7-4). Green Bay owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Arizona.

Los Angeles is quickly falling out of contention for a first-round playoff bye. The Rams are on a three-game losing streak with losses to both the Packers and Cardinals on their resume. L.A. has the first NFC wild-card spot.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3) are the third and final NFC team within a game of the top seed. Tampa Bay took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts (6-6) in Week 12. Tom Brady leads all quarterbacks with 30 touchdown passes.

The Dallas Cowboys (7-4) are the No. 4 seed after their loss on Thanksgiving. Dallas still has a commanding lead atop the NFC East.

The San Francisco 49ers (6-5) and Minnesota Vikings (5-6) have the last two wild-card berths. San Francisco defeated Minnesota 34-26 Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons (5-6), New Orleans Saints (5-6), Philadelphia Eagles (5-7), and Carolina Panthers (5-7) are in playoff contention.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates his second touchdown of the game against the Washington Football Team during the third quarter at FedExField on Oct. 4, 2020, in Landover, Maryland. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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