Thanksgiving week marks a significant turning point in the NFL season, as it provides a clearer understanding of the playoff picture. Although six weeks remain in the regular season and many dynamics may change, the leading Super Bowl contenders in both the AFC and NFC are beginning to emerge from the pack. As teams head into Week 13, there are three franchises that could clinch playoff berths soon, while four others are at risk of elimination.

In the AFC standings, the division leaders currently include the Kansas City Chiefs at 10-1, the Buffalo Bills at 9-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8-3, and the Houston Texans at 7-5. The wild-card race also showcases competitive teams, with the Baltimore Ravens at 8-4, the Los Angeles Chargers at 7-4, and the Denver Broncos at 7-5. The Miami Dolphins, sitting at 5-6, and the Indianapolis Colts at 5-7 round out the competitive landscape, while teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Las Vegas Raiders are facing uphill battles.

In the NFC, the division leaders consist of the Detroit Lions at 10-1, the Philadelphia Eagles at 9-2, the Seattle Seahawks at 6-5, and the Atlanta Falcons at 6-5. The wild-card race features the Minnesota Vikings at 9-2, the Green Bay Packers at 8-3, and the Washington Commanders at 7-5, while the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams teeter on the brink. Priced lower in the standings are the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and New York Giants.

The Buffalo Bills have a straightforward scenario to clinch the AFC East: they must win their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers while hoping for a loss from the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers. If both outcomes align, this will mark the fifth consecutive year that the Bills clinch the division title. With Brock Purdy's status still uncertain as he recovers from a shoulder injury, the 49ers remain a wildcard factor entering this crucial matchup. In their last game, the Bills displayed dominance with a win against the Kansas City Chiefs, affirming their position as strong contenders. Should the Bills win, they are virtually assured of the AFC East title barring an improbable sequence of outcomes in the remaining games.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, despite boasting the league's best record, are not in a position to clinch the AFC West championship just yet due to the strong performances of their rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos. However, the Chiefs can secure a playoff berth as early as Friday. If the Dolphins lose to the Packers on Thanksgiving, the Chiefs would only need to prevail against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium to secure their playoff spot. Aidan O'Connell is slated to start for the Raiders following a season-ending injury sustained by Gardner Minshew II. The Chiefs will need to be wary of the potential upset, recalling how the Raiders managed to secure a surprising victory in Kansas City last season.

The Detroit Lions may have a more convoluted path to securing their playoff position, but a victory against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving could significantly enhance their chances. Assuming they win, the Lions would need to closely monitor outcomes across other games, hoping for losses from several NFC West teams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become the first NFC team to clinch a playoff spot. With various teams vying for a single playoff berth, the Lions' potential clinching hinges on factors beyond their own control, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the league.

On the other hand, the New York Giants face imminent elimination from playoff contention. A loss to the Dallas Cowboys could seal their fate. Despite the possibility of winning, they still could be eliminated if the Green Bay Packers win or tie against the Dolphins and the Washington Commanders prevail over the Tennessee Titans. With a tied standing for the worst record in the league, the Giants appear to be looking towards the future, focusing on potential prospects for the 2025 draft.

Similarly, the New England Patriots hold a grim record of 3-9, creating a situation where playoff aspirations have all but dwindled. Nevertheless, the Patriots have reasons for optimism regarding their long-term future, especially with the promising development of quarterback Drake Maye. Although contending for a playoff spot seems far-fetched, the Patriots are positioned well for next year's draft, which could secure them a high-impact player, further aiding their rebuilding efforts.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are also encountering turbulence, yet they have committed financially to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, anticipating he can evolve into a franchise cornerstone. With rumors concerning head coach Doug Pederson's future circulating, the Jaguars face critical decisions moving forward. Their playoff hopes are waning, with Lawrence needing more from his supporting cast to make a meaningful impact.

The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at the bottom of the standings, and a loss against the Chiefs could result in their official elimination from playoff considerations. This season has been chaotic for the Raiders, who began with optimism but now face a brutal stretch of losses, enduring a seven-game losing streak. With just one win since September, the Raiders may need to reassess their strategy moving into the 2024 season.