As Week 13 approaches in the NFL season, three teams—the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions—have scenarios that could see them clinch playoff spots. While the paths to securing a postseason berth vary in complexity, the likelihood of these teams participating in the playoffs is quite high. With those circumstances in mind, several franchises have a clearer understanding of their playoff potential, although some remain on the bubble as the season progresses.

In the AFC, the division leaders include the Kansas City Chiefs with a record of 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 is competitive, featuring teams like the Baltimore Ravens at 8-4, Los Angeles Chargers at 7-4, and Denver Broncos at 7-5, among others. The playoff probabilities indicate a significantly diminished chance for teams beyond the top seven. The Broncos currently occupy the seventh seed with a 73 percent probability of making the playoffs, while the Indianapolis Colts follow with a mere 23 percent, mainly due to the Texans' recent struggles. The Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals, despite winning streaks and attempting comebacks, find themselves with just a 14 percent chance each of qualifying for the postseason.

Moving to the NFC, the division leaders include the Detroit Lions at 10-1, Philadelphia Eagles at 9-2, Seattle Seahawks at 6-5, and Atlanta Falcons at 6-5. The wild-card race remains uncertain, with the Minnesota Vikings at 9-2 and Green Bay Packers at 8-3 leading the chase. The Washington Commanders, losers of their last three games, have seen their playoff hopes dwindle, and the competition for playoff spots is heated. Although the Lions, Eagles, Vikings, and Packers exhibit over 90 percent chances of making the playoffs, tighter margins separate teams like the Falcons and Commanders from being secure. Notably, the Falcons maintain a slim advantage over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but possess a negative point differential. With the Lions on a nine-game win streak and the Eagles also demonstrating impressive form, the forthcoming weeks will further define the playoff landscape.