Every week, the NFL playoff picture shifts. The separation between contenders and teams set for a high lottery pick becomes clear at the end of November. Somewhere in the middle, several clubs either cling to wild-card spots or attempt to make a push for the fifth and sixth seeds behind division leaders.
Oftentimes, it's difficult to keep up with all the scenarios for fringe playoff teams. The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, and the latter fell from fourth to seventh in the AFC.
Going into Week 12, the AFC wild-card spots are wide-open, as the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders hold the fifth and sixth seeds.