What does the NFL playoff picture look like after Week 3?
It’s still early in the 2016 NFL season, but the playoff picture is already starting to come together. Certain teams already have a leg up on their competition. Other teams have already put themselves in a bit of a hole. Here’s what the playoff picture looks like after Week 3.
In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are both off to 2-0 starts. That bodes well for their playoff chances. The two teams don’t play each other until early November. Their two games against each other this season could determine who wins the division. While the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t done yet with a 1-1 record, their over-reliance on A.J. Green is a bit concerning. Cleveland must dig itself out of an 0-2 hole in a very competitive division, and it doesn’t look like it has the talent to do so.
Even without Tom Brady, the New England Patriots control the AFC East with a 2-0 record. The New York Jets are very much still alive with a 1-1 record. However, it appears that the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are in trouble with 0-2 starts. The Houston Texans (2-0) are ruling the AFC South with a 2-0 record while the Denver Broncos (2-0) continue their reign over the AFC West. Other AFC teams in an 0-2 hole include the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Next: 2016 NFL season: Record predictions for all 32 teams
In the NFC East, the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles are both undefeated. The Dallas Cowboys are 1-1 while the Washington Redskins are 0-2. Meanwhile, in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings are 2-0 despite not having Teddy Bridgewater. The Chicago Bears are off to an 0-2 start and must right their ship if they want to make the playoffs.
Everyone in the NFC North has a win and a loss. The NFC South features three teams with a 1-1 record as well as the 0-2 New Orleans Saints.