The New England Patriots head into their bye week sitting atop the AFC - and they’re not just leading the pack, they’re setting the pace. After a dominant 33-15 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, New England became the first team in the NFL to hit 11 wins this season. That victory bumped them back into the No. 1 seed in the conference, reclaiming the spot they briefly lost after the Denver Broncos edged out the Washington Commanders in overtime on Sunday.
Now, with a week to rest and regroup, the Patriots are in control of their playoff destiny. Of course, Denver still has a chance to leapfrog them in Week 14, but for now, the road to the AFC title runs through Foxborough.
Here’s how the AFC playoff picture stacks up after Week 13:
AFC Standings After Week 13: 1.
New England Patriots (11-2)
2.
Denver Broncos (10-2)
3.
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
4.
Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
5.
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
6.
Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
7.
Buffalo Bills (8-4)
In the Hunt:
8.
Houston Texans (7-5)
9.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
10.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
Still Breathing (Technically):
11.
Miami Dolphins (5-7)
12.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
13.
New York Jets (3-9)
14.
Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Mathematically Eliminated:
15.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
16.
Tennessee Titans (1-11)
Let’s break this down a bit.
Patriots Back on Top
The Patriots’ win over the Giants wasn’t just another tally in the win column - it was a statement.
They looked sharp on both sides of the ball, controlling the tempo and putting together one of their most complete performances of the season. With the offense humming and the defense continuing to clamp down when it matters, this team is showing the kind of balance that makes them a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
They’ve earned the week off, and with the top seed in hand - at least for now - they’ll be watching closely as the rest of the AFC battles it out in Week 14.
Broncos Still Breathing Down Their Neck
Denver’s OT win over Washington was gritty and gutsy - the kind of win that keeps momentum rolling in December.
At 10-2, they’re right behind New England and very much in the race for the top spot. If the Patriots slip up down the stretch, the Broncos are in prime position to take advantage.
Jaguars Climb Into the Top 3
The AFC South got a shakeup this week.
The Colts dropped their third game in four weeks, and that opened the door for the Jaguars to slide into the No. 3 seed. Jacksonville has been quietly consistent, and now they control their fate in the division.
With a favorable schedule ahead, they’re in a strong position to hold onto that spot - but the margin for error is razor thin.
Wild Card Logjam
The middle of the AFC is a traffic jam of 8-4 teams - the Chargers, Colts, and Bills are all jostling for position.
Every game from here on out is essentially a playoff game for these squads. One slip could mean falling out of the postseason picture entirely, while a strong finish could mean hosting a game in January.
And then there’s the bubble - Houston, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City all still very much in the mix. For the Texans, it’s been a season of growth and grit. The Steelers and Chiefs, meanwhile, are trying to find their footing in what’s been a rollercoaster year for both franchises.
The Long Shots and the Left Behind
Technically, the Dolphins, Bengals, Jets, and Browns aren’t eliminated yet - but let’s be honest, the odds aren’t in their favor. They’ll need help, and a lot of it, to sneak into the postseason.
As for the Raiders and Titans, the door has officially closed. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention and are now playing for pride - and draft position. It’s been a tough season for both franchises, and the focus has already shifted to 2026.
Looking Ahead
Week 13 reshaped the AFC playoff landscape, and with just a few weeks left in the regular season, every snap matters.
The Patriots have the edge - for now - but the Broncos are right there. The Jaguars are surging, the wild card race is wide open, and the bottom half of the conference is starting to fade into the background.
This is the stretch where contenders separate from the pack. Buckle up - the AFC playoff race is just heating up.