Week 12 is underway in the NFL, and the playoff race is heating up. Some teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, while other squads are simply fighting for their respective seasons. Multiple teams could be either eliminated from division races or the playoffs altogether after this week.
Let’s explore the potential NFL playoff elimination scenarios in Week 12.
New York Giants Elimination Scenarios
NYG can be eliminated from the playoffs with:
1) NYG loss + SEA win/tie
2) NYG loss + MIN win
3) NYG loss + DAL win
NYG can be eliminated from division contention with:
1) NYG loss or tie
2) PHI win or tie
Hyping up my fantasy team (we’re 4-7 & mathematically eliminated from the playoffs) pic.twitter.com/Vpf688QS8x
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) November 23, 2025
The New York Giants entered a Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions with a 2-9 record, the worst in the NFC and the second worst in the entire NFL. Winning the NFC East already appeared to be a long shot, but New York could officially be knocked out of the division race with either a loss or tie, or a win or tie by the Philadelphia Eagles, who face the Dallas Cowboys.
New York could also be eliminated from the playoffs completely. This will happen if they lose to Detroit and one of the following occurs: a Seahawks win or tie against the Titans, a Vikings win over the Packers, or a Cowboys win over the Eagles.
Arizona Cardinals Elimination Scenarios
ARI can be eliminated from division contention with:
1) ARI loss + LAR win + SEA win
2) ARI loss + LAR win + SEA tie + SF win
3) ARI loss + LAR tie + SEA win + SF win
The Arizona Cardinals carried a disappointing 3-7 record into Week 12. Jacoby Brissett and company host the Jacksonville Jaguars after losing seven of their last eight games. Arizona could be eliminated from the NFC West division battle with a loss to Jacksonville and a combination of other factors, including wins or ties from divisional foes: the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers.
Las Vegas Raiders Elimination Scenarios
LV can be eliminated from division contention with:
1) LV loss or tie
The Las Vegas Raiders came into the season with high hopes after bringing in the head coach-quarterback combo of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith, along with first-round pick Ashton Jeanty. However, the team has had a rough go of it and could be knocked out of the AFC West division race in Week 12. All it would take is a loss to or a tie with the Cleveland Browns.
New York Jets Elimination Scenarios
NYJ can be eliminated from division contention with:
1) NYJ loss or tie
2) NE win or tie
It’s been a brutal season for the New York Jets, who brought a 2-8 record into a Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. While they can’t be officially eliminated from NFL playoff contention this week, they can be knocked out of contention for the AFC East crown. If New York loses to Baltimore or the New England Patriots win or tie against the Cincinnati Bengals, that’ll do it for Aaron Glenn’s squad.
