Competing for the NFL playoffs is the focus of franchises throughout the league every year. After an interesting weekend of football in Week 15, six teams walked away with a secure spot in the post-season bracket. As teams prepare to battle for their Super Bowl hopes, which teams should we expect to come a few inches shy of clinching a berth?
Here are the #NFL teams that have clinched a playoff berth entering #Week16.
— Loyal Ricks Jr. (@LoyalJRicksJr) December 20, 2022
Buffalo Bills (11-3)
Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)
Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)
Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
NFL Team #3 New York Jets (7-7)
Remaining Games: Dolphins, Seahawks, Jaguars
Remaining Strength of Schedule: (.500)
Standings in the AFC are tight, forcing teams outside of the current playoff picture to make significant improvements to better their odds. Robert Saleh and the Jets were one of the playoff favorites for many analysts after an explosive 5-2 start. Losses to the Vikings, Bills, and Lions placed the Jets two spots shy of entering the playoffs.
Putting points to the board has been an issue for Mike LaFleur’s offense, and it is costing the franchise games. New York has scored twenty or more points once in the last five games – forcing the defense into tight situations late in games. This season, LaFleur’s offense ranks 19th in yards per game (336.9) and 22nd in points per game (20.1). Contributions from Mike White helped the Jets show glimpses of their potential until a rib injury forced Zach Wilson back into the starting lineup.
The pressure will be on Wilson to lead the Jets to the promised land. Games against the Dolphins, Seahawks, and Jaguars will provide the Jets enough conference games (2) to make strides towards clinching a remaining seed. Victories against Jacksonville and New England will give the Jets a 7-5 conference record – with a shot to knock the Dolphins out of the playoff picture.
Winning the remaining games on the schedule is easier said than done for Saleh’s squad. The Jets are a great defensive team, but they need a quarterback that will help put points on the board in urgent situations. Stealing the seventh seed from the Dolphins would require Miami to lose their remaining conference games against the Patriots and Jets, which is unlikely in my eyes. Clinching the playoffs will be an uphill battle, and the Jets may have to wait until next season.