The excitement is palpable as the NFL season enters its twelfth week, with the playoff picture beginning to crystallise. In a remarkable twist, no team has yet been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, meaning even the struggling 1-9 Tennessee Titans still have a theoretical shot at glory.
Key Matchups to Watch
A jumbo package of seven games is scheduled for a 1pm EST kick-off, featuring several contests with serious implications for the standings. The home teams are listed first in the following fixtures: the 5-5 Baltimore Ravens host the 2-8 New York Jets; the 7-3 Chicago Bears face the 6-4 Pittsburgh Steelers; the 3-7 Cincinnati Bengals take on the 9-2 New England Patriots; the 6-4 Detroit Lions meet the 2-9 New York Giants; the 6-3-1 Green Bay Packers battle the 4-6 Minnesota Vikings; the 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs play the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts; and the 1-9 Tennessee Titans challenge the 7-3 Seattle Seahawks.
Chiefs in a Must-Win Situation
All eyes will be on Arrowhead Stadium where Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs welcome the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts. Following a gut-wrenching loss to the Denver Broncos last week, the Chiefs are now staring down a potential two-game losing streak. The performance of Colts quarterback Daniel Jones will be crucial; if the Kansas City defence can pressure him into mistakes, turnovers could pave the way for a vital victory. A loss for the Chiefs would mark the first time in Mahomes' career that he has suffered three consecutive regular-season defeats.
Quarterback Woes for Key Contenders
The quarterback carousel continues to spin, impacting several top teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be led by Mason Rudolph against the surging Chicago Bears, with starter Aaron Rodgers sidelined due to a fractured wrist. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers will be without their star running back, Josh Jacobs, for the clash with Minnesota. Emmanuel Wilson is set to take handoffs at Lambeau Field as the Packers strive to keep pace with the Bears in the fiercely competitive NFC North division.
With the Baltimore Ravens heavily favoured against the New York Jets, the leadership of the AFC North could see a change by the end of the day. The stage is set for a dramatic Sunday of American football action.
