Life on the NFL Playoffs Bubble: Who’s In and Who’s Out

A complete division breakdown of the NFL playoff race. Whose bubble is about to burst?

With few standout teams and a ridiculous amount of parity, the last six weeks of the NFL season are going to be must-see TV.

I don’t remember a season where there were this many teams had an actual chance of making the playoffs, not just a mathematical chance, but a real possibility of making the playoffs. Of the 32 NFL teams, 19 of those teams are within two games of the division lead.

Two games back with six to play isn’t an ideal spot to be in, but they’re right in the mix for the NFL playoffs. And, that’s also just for the division lead. The wildcard race is even tighter, but it won’t officially take shape until some of these division battles sort themselves out.

Right now, only two teams have clinched playoff spots, the Arizona Cardinals (9-1) and the New England Patriots (8-2).

The Cardinals have a three-game lead in the division with games against Seattle (twice) and San Francisco, as well as Kansas City, who also looks to be a playoff contender.

New England has a two-game division lead, and they’re the Patriots. Unless there is a major injury to one of their key guys, the Patriots go “next man up” as well as anyone in the NFL, and they will survive.

So, two playoff spots are locked up, that still leave 12 up for grabs. For that reason, I’ve gone division-by-division and laid out the scenario for each of the bubble teams to make the playoffs.

Let’s start with the AFC East!

Next: Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills