The Big Story for every NFL team
— -- NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines -- and what they mean going forward -- for every team coming out of Week 12.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (6-5)
Despite back-to-back wins over lesser opponents, the Bills are still staring down a narrow path to the playoffs. The Bills must win four or five of their remaining games to have a realistic shot at snapping their 16-year playoff drought. Their next game, a cross-country trip to Oakland, could be their toughest test of the season. However, having LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins healthy, as Sunday's win over the Jaguars showed, gives the Bills a shot. -- Mike Rodak
Week 13: at Oakland, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Miami Dolphins (7-4)
The Dolphins were in no celebratory mood after beating the 49ers on Sunday to win their sixth straight game. There were two reasons that was the case. First, Miami wasn't thrilled that it nearly blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter to a bad team. Second, the Dolphins have a huge game next week against the Ravens that will go a long way in determining their playoff standing. -- James Walker
Week 13: at Baltimore, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New England Patriots (9-2)
Tom Brady engineered his 50th career game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to win his 200th career game, tying Peyton Manning's all-time record. Afterward, he said it was a long week and he's glad it's over. The reason it was a long week was because of the work he put in to get his injured knee ready for action, which sparks the question of how much it might improve leading into next Sunday's home game against the Rams. -- Mike Reiss
Week 13: vs. Los Angeles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New York Jets (3-8)
Another week, another quarterback decision. Coach Todd Bowles was noncommittal after Sunday's loss on whether Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain the starter. He certainly didn't do anything to lose the job, but the Jets are 3-8. At some point, Bowles will start evaluating for 2017 by playing Bryce Petty. The hunch is that he'll wait at least another week. -- Rich Cimini
Week 13: vs. Indianapolis, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
The Ravens are pleased to be atop the AFC North, but they're not happy with the current state of the offense -- they rank 26th in offensive points. The Ravens have scored one or no offensive touchdowns in six of their 11 games. QB Joe Flacco knows that's not going to cut it against a defense like the Dolphins next Sunday or other playoff contenders. "In order for us to that next step and be a championship football team, we're not going to survive week in and week out doing things like this," Flacco said. -- Jamison Hensley
Week 13: vs. Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Bengals (3-7-1)
The Bengals' offense showed what life would be like without A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard on Sunday in Baltimore, and it wasn't pretty. Cincinnati just doesn't seem to have an answer for its ailing offense. To get to the playoffs, the Bengals would not only have to win out but would also need the Steelers and Ravens to both stumble down the stretch. -- Katherine Terrell
Week 13: vs. Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns (0-12)
Rarely has a bye week ever been more welcome, as the winless Browns will have a chance to escape the negativity over their season of struggle. They'll return Dec. 11 against Cincinnati. -- Pat McManamon
Week 13: Bye
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
The Steelers face a decision this week: Which corner, Ross Cockrell or Artie Burns, covers Odell Beckham Jr.? Pittsburgh faces one of the league's hottest teams in the Giants in a clash of two top quarterbacks from the 2004 NFL draft, a challenge Ben Roethlisberger will surely accept. This will test the Steelers' late-season resolve after defeating back-to-back sub-.500 teams. -- Jeremy Fowler
Week 13: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans (6-5)
Though the Texans lead the AFC South by half a game, their offense has not inspired any confidence that it is good enough to lead them to a second straight division title. In Sunday's loss to the Chargers, QB Brock Osweiler was 22-of-37 for 246 yards, with no passing touchdowns and three interceptions. Now, the Texans will go to Green Bay to face the 4-6 Packers, who have the 23rd-ranked pass defense. Osweiler says he knows he needs to play better if the Texans are going to win the rest of the way. -- Sarah Barshop
Week 13: at Green Bay, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts (5-6)
The Colts received a helping hand from the Chargers on Sunday. San Diego's victory over Houston helped the Colts move back to within a game of the Texans for first place in the AFC South. It looks as if it'll be a three-team race between Indianapolis, Houston and Tennessee for the division title. The Titans are a half-game out of first place after barely holding on to beat Chicago on Sunday. -- Mike Wells
Week 13: at New York Jets, Monday, 8:30 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
Blake Bortles threw for a season-low 126 yards on Sunday, but he still turned in one of his best games of the season in the Jaguars' loss to Buffalo. He didn't turn the ball over (only the second time this season that has happened), was on target with his throws, made good decisions and was victimized by two drops and two non-calls that should've been pass interference. Bortles has struggled all season, but this could be a sign he's close to snapping out of the season-long funk -- or at the very least boost his confidence heading into the final five games. -- Mike DiRocco
Week 13: vs. Denver, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tennessee Titans (6-6)
The Titans are still very much alive in the AFC South after escaping Chicago with a win. They have a bye this week and could return to action tied for the division lead depending on what the Texans do in Green Bay and what the Colts do on the road against the Jets. Tennessee's offense could have enough firepower to spring an upset of the Broncos in Nashville on Dec. 11, when things could become even more interesting. -- Paul Kuharsky
Week 13: Bye
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (7-4)
The Broncos showed grit in Sunday's overtime loss to the Chiefs, especially quarterback Trevor Siemian, who had 368 passing yards and three touchdowns. At times they showed they still have one of the elite, bruise-inducing defenses in the league, but in the end they couldn't put it all together at the right time. The Broncos have leaned on their defense for so long waiting for the breakout game on the other side of the ball, and then Siemian goes for his second 300-yard passing game of the season and the defense surrendered three consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter and overtime. Denver is still very much alive in the AFC playoff picture, and it has a chance to make up games against the Chiefs and Raiders to end the season. -- Jeff Legwold
Week 13: at Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)
Justin Houston's return to form gives the Chiefs some hope in the season's final five games. Houston had three sacks, one that forced a fumble and resulted in a safety, in the overtime win over the Broncos on Sunday night. The Chiefs have a lot to look forward to once their other top pass-rusher, Dee Ford, returns. Ford didn't play against the Broncos because of an injured hamstring. -- Adam Teicher
Week 13: at Atlanta, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Oakland Raiders (9-2)
Somehow, someway the Raiders find ways to pull out games -- "by any means necessary." So said Khalil Mack. And Bruce Irvin. And Michael Crabtree. Because after watching their 24-7 halftime lead turn into a 32-24 deficit in the fourth quarter, first-place Oakland improved to 9-2 for the first time since 2000 and secured its first winning season since 2002 with the 35-32 victory over the Panthers. It came after QB Derek Carr injured his right pinkie finger on the second snap of the second half. It looked as if he dislocated it, the way it was bent at an awkward angle as he ran off the field in pain -- the most pain he said he has felt in his life -- but he wouldn't elaborate on the injury, which cost him a series, only saying he was good. But it bears watching this week, even if he removed the bandage on it for the media conference and waved it for reporters after his ninth fourth-quarter comeback since the start of last season. Because you know the Bills, who come to Oakland next week, will be paying close attention. -- Paul Gutierrez
Week 13: vs. Buffalo, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
San Diego Chargers (5-6)
With 242 passing yards and three touchdown passes, Chargers QB Philip Rivers kept San Diego in the postseason conversation by delivering the Texans' first home loss of the season. At 5-6, the Chargers head back to San Diego with a chance to get to the .500 mark for the first time since Week 2 against the Buccaneers next weekend at Qualcomm Stadium. "We're right where we were, with a chance to get to 6-6," Rivers said. "And then it kinds sets the stage for a four-week deal." -- Eric D. Williams
Week 13: vs. Tampa Bay, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (10-1)
Perhaps it's a good thing the Cowboys are led by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Their 20-something bodies can withstand the rigors of three games in 12 days better than some veteran players. The Cowboys held a "Wednesday" practice on Sunday, and will get to their third-down and two-minute work on Monday. The Vikings might be the best defense the Cowboys face in the final five weeks of the season, so Dallas will need Prescott and Elliott to remain at their highest levels. -- Todd Archer
Week 13: at Minnesota, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
New York Giants (8-3)
The Giants know they have to play better than they did in Sunday's 27-13 win over the winless Browns. Veteran LB Kelvin Sheppard told the team exactly that after their sixth straight win. The Giants keep squeaking past teams with uneven performances. They know that's not going to work against their final five opponents, who have a 34-19-1 record. Now, it's about to get real for the Giants. -- Jordan Raanan
Week 13: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)
The Eagles have little room for error as they head into Monday night's game against the Packers. Sitting at 5-5 and playing in the competitive NFC East, it looks as if they'll have to win five of six down the stretch to remain in the thick of the playoff race. Fortunately for them, four of their final six games are at home. The Eagles are 4-0 at Lincoln Financial Field this season. -- Tim McManus
Week 13: at Cincinnati, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Washington Redskins (6-4-1)
The Redskins might need to get used to life without TE Jordan Reed. They probably won't know until later in the week whether his Grade 3 separation will cost him any time, as it all depends on his range of motion and the level of pain. There's a chance he won't miss any games, but there's also a chance he could miss a couple. As of this weekend, the Redskins weren't sure which direction it would go. But they're in better shape to withstand his loss than they've been in recent years. When Reed missed two games earlier this season because of a concussion, QB Kirk Cousins threw for a combined 564 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Veteran TE Vernon Davis' contributions have helped. In the two games Reed missed, Davis caught a combined eight passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. -- John Keim
Week 13: at Arizona, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (2-9)
Give Matt Barkley credit. The Bears' backup quarterback, starting in place of Jay Cutler, tossed two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and nearly led Chicago to a miraculous come-from-behind victory over Tennessee. But Bears receivers dropped 10 passes, including a pair of missed opportunities in the end zone on their final drive. Instead of celebrating Barkley's heroics, the Bears are left to ponder their third consecutive losing season -- the first time that's happened since 2002-2004. Coach John Fox is now 8-19 in Chicago. -- Jeff Dickerson
Week 13: vs. San Francisco, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Detroit Lions (7-4)
The Lions are heading into December atop the division, but Sunday will be a different type of test for Detroit. The Lions have improved on defense, but how they handle a prolific Saints offense will be the first test in a tough stretch that features three road games against difficult opponents: New Orleans, New York Giants and Dallas. How Detroit handles those games could be the difference between how much of a true NFC contender the Lions are. On the plus side for the Lions, linebacker DeAndre Levy should be on track to return this week for the first time since Week 1. -- Michael Rothstein
Week 13: at New Orleans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Green Bay Packers (4-6)
The Packers need a win Monday night against the Eagles just to stay two games behind the first-place Detroit Lions in the NFC North. A loss would put them three games back with only five to play. Given that the Packers already beat the Lions once and play them again in the regular-season finale, their season could remain very much alive with a win. -- Rob Demovsky
Week 13: vs. Houston, Sunday, 1 p.m. Sunday
Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
The Vikings, who played last Thursday, will have to wait another week for their mini-bye. They face the Cowboys a week after Thanksgiving in the second straight year of the NFL's Thursday-to-Thursday turnaround following the holiday. The Vikings were missing Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks and Captain Munnerlyn among others during Sunday's practice. They'll hope to get healthy quickly before the team with the league's best record comes to town. -- Ben Goessling
Week 13: vs. Dallas, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
The big story is 5-foot-8, 165-pound Taylor Gabriel, who continues to make big plays for the Falcons. Gabriel had a pair of touchdowns off screen passes in a 38-19 win over the Cardinals. Both were outstanding individual efforts. Gabriel, who was released by the winless Browns before the season, has scored a touchdown in four consecutive games. The emergence of the speedy receiver gives opposing defensive coordinators something else to think about other than Julio Jones, making the Falcons that much more explosive and dangerous heading toward the playoffs. -- Vaughn McClure
Week 13: vs. Kansas City, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Carolina Panthers (4-7)
The Panthers aren't mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but they are close after losing their fifth game by a field goal or less. They would have to win out and have the rest of the NFC collapse to have a chance at a fourth straight trip to the postseason. They simply haven't been able to finish games as they did a year ago. Even dependable players such as TE Greg Olsen are making costly mistakes. He took a lot of blame for this one because he dropped a two-point conversion pass and missed a third-down pass that would have given the Panthers a first down inside the Oakland 20 with less than a minute remaining. -- David Newton
Week 13: at Seattle, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints (5-6)
The Saints once again flashed a potential that is downright maddening for a team that is only 5-6. They gained 555 yards and gave up only 247 yards in a 49-21 rout over the Rams that meant a little extra to coach Sean Payton since it came against former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But now the Saints have to flash a consistency they haven't displayed in three years over the final five weeks, because they're still two games behind the Falcons in the NFC South. They'll almost certainly have to beat Detroit at home next week then sweep Tampa Bay in Weeks 14 and 16 to even be in striking distance when they play at Atlanta in Week 17. -- Mike Triplett
Week 13: vs. Detroit, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)
Tampa Bay's defense sacked QB Russell Wilson six times and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. Before Sunday, Wilson had thrown only two picks all season. At 6-5, the Bucs still haven't caught the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South, but with back-to-back wins over the Chiefs and now the Seahawks, they're showing they can be a dangerous team. -- Jenna Laine
Week 13: at San Diego, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals (4-6-1)
Forget about the Falcons beating the Cardinals, much of the reason why the Cardinals dropped to 4-6-1 is because they beat themselves with dropped passes -- both offensively and defensively -- and bad penalties. But, despite another road loss and mounting issues plauging the offense, there was a sense of optimism amid the frustration. The Cardinals know they have to "win out," as many players said, to make the playoffs. But winning five in a row at this point in the season seems like a daunting task. -- Josh Weinfuss
Week 13: vs. Washington, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams (4-7)
The Rams' defense played horribly in their rout from New Orleans, giving up 49 points -- their highest total since 2002 -- and a whopping 555 yards from scrimmage. But Jared Goff showed some positive signs in his seocnd NFL start, which came at the hostile Mercedes-Benz Superdome, especially in the first half. The No. 1 overall pick led a couple of impressive scoring drives and threw three touchdown passes, the last one on a two-minute drill. The Rams have lost six of seven; their season is unraveling. But Goff's play, particularly his ability to throw the ball downfield, indicated they could have truly found their quarterback moving forward. -- Alden Gonzalez
Week 13: at New England, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
San Francisco 49ers (1-10)
The 49ers set a franchise-record for consecutive losses with their 10th in a row Sunday, a 31-24 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. The loss came with the usual assortment of costly turnovers and penalties and, despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback, the 49ers still haven't won since Week 1. Now, they'll travel to Orlando, Florida, to practice this week before heading to Chicago to square off with the Bears in the battle for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. -- Nick Wagoner
Week 13: at Chicago, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks (7-3-1)
This week will be about searching for answers on offense for Russell Wilson & Co. The Seahawks had 11 possessions against the Bucs. Seven of them resulted in punts, three in turnovers and one in a field goal. Wilson completed 17-of-33 passes for 151 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked six times and hit 11 more. Wilson's passer rating of 38.8 was the second-lowest of his career. In the previous three games, Seattle's offense averaged 29.3 points. In the locker room Sunday, the sense among players was that this was more of a hiccup than something to panic over. But that doesn't mean the performance should be swept under the rug. The Seahawks have plenty of work to do going into their final five games. -- Sheil Kapadia
Week 13: vs. Carolina, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
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