The NFL is working through the ever-busy Thanksgiving week schedule with several divisions featuring critical matchups. We’ll have six weeks remaining after Week 12 concludes, but we’ll likely look back on these games as difference-makers in several division races.
The week opened with three games on Thanksgiving, all of which featured divisional matchups. The 49ers and Cowboys took care of business while the Lions were upset and kept the NFC North race a little more open. On Friday, the Dolphins thumped the Jets to maintain their momentum ahead of the Bills. Sunday features all four NFC South teams facing off and the Texans hosting the Jaguars with first place in the AFC South on the line.
Below are the eight divisional standings, along with some quick thoughts about each division after twelve weeks of football. We’ll update with remaining records as the league moves toward Week 13.
AFC East
The Dolphins beat the Jets on Black Friday. The Patriots lost after their kicker missed a chip-shot field goal against the Giants. The Bills lost to the Eagles and are quickly falling apart.
AFC North
The Steelers held off Jake Browning and the Bengals. The Browns lost to the Broncos in Denver.
AFC South
The Colts held off the Bucs to get over .500. The Titans held off a game Panthers squad to get back in the win column. The Jaguars held off the Texans, who missed a 58-yard field goal attempt late in the game.
AFC West
The Broncos beat the Browns at home. The Chiefs beat the Raiders in Las Vegas.
NFC East
The Cowboys crushed the Commanders on Thanksgiving. The Giants beat the Patriots and hold the tiebreaker over Washington. The Eagles came back to beat the Bills in overtime.
NFC North
The Packers upset the Lions on Thanksgiving.
NFC South
The Falcons beat the Saints in Atlanta to re-take first place in the division. The Bucs lost on the road to the Colts. The Panthers lost on the road to the Titans.
NFC West
The 49ers rolled over the Seahawks on Thanksgiving. The Rams crushed the Cardinals on Sunday.