Playoff races tighten across the NFL in November 2026, with division battles and MVP contenders taking shape as teams reach the halfway mark toward Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold a 6-2 record atop the AFC South while division rivals sit at a combined 6-19, ESPN Deportes reported. Buffalo Bills lead the AFC East at 7-1, and the New York Giants pace the NFC East with more than four victories.
Packers and Bears Bolster Strong NFC North Record
The NFC North carries a combined 31-9 record entering Week 10, prompting ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell to describe it as one of the strongest divisions in league history. Green Bay Packers hold a 6-3 mark, while Chicago Bears feature an offense directed by head coach Ben Johnson.
Denver Broncos Defeat Kansas City Chiefs in AFC West
Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs contest the AFC West following a 28-24 victory by Denver over Kansas City in Week 8. Kansas City seeks to overcome a division deficit after nine consecutive division titles.
“They are very close, but if both teams are healthy, (Patrick) Mahomes gives the advantage to K.C.,” an AFC personnel evaluator told ESPN Deportes.
San Francisco 49ers Lead NFC West Division Standings
Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams both hold 5-4 records in the NFC West, chasing the San Francisco 49ers at 7-1. San Francisco prepares to host Seattle in Week 12 and the Rams in Week 14.
“They’ve already built a lead and it looks like they’re overcoming their injury problems,” an AFC executive told ESPN Deportes regarding the 49ers.
Brock Purdy and Joe Burrow Lead MVP Contenders
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy leads the league with an 81.4 QBR while engineering the top team in the NFC. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow leads the NFL in touchdown passes, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud advances his production in his third season.
“He’s performing at a very high level at his position,” an NFC executive told ESPN Deportes of Purdy.
On November 13, 2026, league analysts evaluated the midseason trajectories for postseason contenders ahead of the final nine weeks of the regular season.
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