The 2014 NFL season is winding down to the most critical games of the year.

Division and conference races are becoming tight, and teams across the league are facing "must-win" games heading into Week 12

Here are five teams who have to win their Week 12 games:

1. Kansas City Chiefs

With the Denver Broncos losing two of their last three games, the Kansas City Chiefs have to take advantage of this opportunity. The Chiefs kick off Week 12 with a classic rivalry game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. The Chiefs are now 7-3, tied with the Broncos atop the AFC West. Since losing to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, the Chiefs have won five consecutive games, and they will face the Broncos next week at Arrowhead Stadium. Peyton Manning is 5-0 as the Broncos quarterback against the Chiefs.

2. San Francisco 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals appear to be running away with the NFC West, but the 49ers can't give up. The Seattle Seahawks have already lost more games this season than all of last year, thus opening up a spot for a wild card. The 49ers have won their last two games, against the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, and they will play the 3-7 Washington Redskins in Week 12. Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III will show off their mobile talents at Levi's Stadium.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Don't look now, but the Houston Texans are just one game behind the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. J.J. Watt is doing everything in his power (even playing wide receiver) to will the Texans to victory. Andrew Luck and Colts have lost two of their last three games, but they should easily defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12 at home. In Week 3 the Colts dominated the Jaguars in Jacksonville, 44-17.

4. Buffalo Bills

After starting the season 5-3, the Buffalo Bills have come out of the bye week flat against tough competition. Back to back AFC losses against the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins have the Bills even at 5-5. The Bills will face Michael Vick and the New York Jets in Week 12, and they know it's a must win game. The Bills are 2-2 against divisional opponents so far, and they did defeat the Jets in Week 8 on the road, 43-23.

5. New Orleans Saints

What happened to the New Orleans Saints?

The defensive unit ranks 20th overall, and Rob Ryan is having a rough season as defensive coordinator. Even Drew Brees is making a lot of uncharacteristic mistakes. Brees leads the NFL in third down interceptions this season, and it's costing the Saints valuable field position. After not losing a single home game last season, the Saints have lost their last two games at the Super Dome. Beating the Baltimore Ravens won't be easy, but luckily for the Saints, the NFC South doesn't have a single team with a winning record.

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