NFL Sunday Preview: Playoff Races Heat Up in Week 11

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After the Patriots secured a comfortable win on Thursday night, the NFL rolls into Sunday with a critical slate of games that will dramatically reshape the playoff picture in both conferences. Division leaders are defending their turf, Wild Card contenders are fighting for separation, and two major international games add an early start to the action.

Here are the biggest games to watch for on Sunday, November 16, 2025:

The International Kickoff (9:30 AM ET)

Washington Commanders (3-7) vs. Miami Dolphins (3-7)

(Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain)

The NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain features two teams desperate to gain ground. Both the Commanders and the Dolphins need a win to avoid falling further out of the AFC and NFC Wild Card races, making this neutral-site clash a high-stakes affair to start the day.

AFC Playoff Scramble (1:00 PM ET)

Two matchups define the logjam in the AFC as the schedule moves into the final month and a half.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) at Buffalo Bills (6-3)

This is arguably the most crucial early game of the day, featuring two teams tied in record and struggling with consistency.

The Quarterback Duel: This contest pits Baker Mayfield against Josh Allen in a battle of teams looking to solidify their grip on a playoff spot.
AFC Standings: Both teams currently hold Wild Card positions, but a loss here would severely diminish their margin for error in a crowded conference.

Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

A battle between two teams currently holding AFC playoff spots.

Jaguars’ Jump: The Jaguars need a statement win at home to push their record over .500 and keep pace in the AFC South.
Chargers’ Hold: The Chargers need this road victory to maintain their edge in the Wild Card standings and keep pressure on the AFC West leaders.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)

AFC North Intrigue: The Steelers, hanging tough in the North, look to secure a win over the struggling Bengals. Cincinnati, reeling from injuries and disappointment, desperately needs a division win to avoid total collapse.

Late Afternoon Showdowns (4:00 PM ET)

The late window features the best division battle of the day and a vital NFC West clash.

Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) at Denver Broncos (8-2)

The AFC West is suddenly back in play as the Chiefs visit the surging Broncos.

Bo Nix’s Bounce: The Broncos have been riding high under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, surprising the league with their best start in years.
Mahomes’ Challenge: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are currently behind Denver in the standings and face a must-win scenario to keep their traditional grip on the division. A Chiefs loss here would be a major development in the AFC race.

Seattle Seahawks (7-2) at Los Angeles Rams (7-2)

This NFC West division battle has massive playoff seeding implications.

Tied at the Top: Both teams enter the weekend tied with an identical 7-2 record.
Control of the Division: The winner will take sole possession of the division lead and gain the critical head-to-head tiebreaker, which could ultimately determine a home playoff game.

Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET)

Detroit Lions (6-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)

(Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA)

Sunday wraps up with a high-profile NFC tilt featuring two potential Super Bowl contenders.

The NFC Showdown: The Lions, coming off a strong performance, head into Philadelphia to challenge Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
Seeding Impact: The winner of this game will solidify their standing among the NFC’s elite, chasing the top seed and a crucial first-round bye.