State of the AFC Playoff Race: Week 13 Edition

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) pumps his fist after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

While the NFC is still considered the more dominant conference in today’s NFL, the AFC isn’t anything to sneeze at. This season, there are 12 teams firmly in the mix for a playoff spot with five games left to play. There likely won’t be twelve teams in the race when it comes down to Week 17, but we can enjoy the excitement while it lasts.

Here are the current standings heading into Week 13 action in the AFC:

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Current Playoff Standings:

1 New England 9-2  AFC East Champion

2 Denver 8-3  AFC West Champion

3 Cincinnati 7-3-1  AFC North Champion

4 Indianapolis 7-4  AFC South Champion

5 Kansas City 7-4  Wild Card

6 San Diego 7-4  Wild Card

Outside Looking In:

7 Baltimore 7-4

8 Pittsburgh 7-4

9 Cleveland 7-4

10 Miami 6-5

11 Buffalo 6-5

12 Houston 5-6