NFL standings, Week 13: AFC update after third straight Dolphins win

The Miami Dolphins earned a third consecutive win with a 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints, but that didn't mean much in their pursuit of postseason contention.

While the Dolphins were gifted a couple favorable results on Thanksgiving when the Chiefs and Ravens both fell to 6-6 with losses. But the good fortune ended there.

The Jaguars, Chargers, Colts, Bills, and Texans are picked up wins Sunday. Now there are four teams with 8-4 records in the AFC with three of them occupying the wild card slots. Houston's 7-5 record, which is two games better than Miami's 5-7 mark, is good enough for eighth place.

With only one game left to play in Week 13, here's how the AFC stacks up:

1. Denver Broncos: 10-2

2. New England Patriots: 10-2

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-4

4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-6

5. Los Angeles Chargers: 8-4

6. Indianapolis Colts: 8-4

7. Buffalo Bills: 8-4

On the outside:

• Houston Texans: 7-5

• Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-6

• Kansas City Chiefs: 6-6

• Miami Dolphins: 5-7

The Ravens and Steelers will duel for first place in the AFC North next week, giving the Dolphins the opportunity to pull even with the loser of that matchup. They can also make up a game on the loser of a battle between the Jaguars and Colts.

But even if the Dolphins win out to reach 10-7, there's a chance that won't be enough to get in to the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL standings, Week 13: AFC update after third straight Dolphins win