As December arrives, the NFL playoff race is heating up, with pivotal matchups shaping the standings. The Kansas City Chiefs have secured their spot in the playoffs, leading the AFC with an 11-1 record, while the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC East title and trail the Chiefs by one game for home-field advantage. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers solidified their hold on the AFC North following a win over the Bengals and a Ravens loss to the Eagles. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos currently occupy the seventh seed after a crucial victory against the Cleveland Browns. 

Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles are positioned as a top contender for the No. 1 seed after defeating Baltimore. With several weeks left, the race for playoff berths and home-field advantages continues to intensify across both conferences.

Finsum: The playoffs appear as wide open as ever this year with the Chiefs seemingly weaker than in previous years.