NFL Playoff Picture Week 15: Latest AFC, NFC Wild-Card Scenarios and Predictions

The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys are the top seeds in their respective NFL conferences, but both teams face major tests this week that could have impacts on their abilities to hold on to those top spots.

The Patriots (11-2) have a one-game lead on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, but they face a trip to Denver to face the Broncos on Sunday. If that sends chills down the spines of New England fans, it should. The Patriots lost a key regular-season game in the Mile High City last year, losing home-field advantage.

They played the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game in Denver and lost that as well. While New England head coach Bill Belichick is not one to live in the past, it’s clear that a loss in Denver this year could cause similar problems.

Look for top efforts from Tom Brady and LeGarrette Blount against a Denver team that lacks offensive firepower.

The Cowboys saw their 11-game winning streak come to an end last Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants (9-4), but they still have a two-game lead over New York in the NFC East. However, if the Giants can make up that deficit in the remaining three weeks of the season, they will take first place in the division as a result of their 2-0 record against the Cowboys.

Despite those doomsday scenarios, the Pats and the Cowboys are both in relatively good shape in regard to securing the top seeds in the AFC and NFC, respectively.

The Chiefs (10-3) and Oakland Raiders (10-3) are tied for first in the AFC West, but the Chiefs have the tiebreaker because they won both games between the two teams. If the Chiefs hold on to the division, the Raiders are in excellent shape to earn the top wild-card spot.

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