NFL Playoff Picture: Division by Division Breakdown

What the hell is going on?

That is precisely what we will answer in short order here. The NFL is squared off in three specific camps right now. There are the squads that got their work in weeks ago. These are the clubs that don't need to sweat getting into the postseason. These are the Packers and 49ers of the world. 

There are then those clubs that have to do some last minute cramming in the next couple games if they hope to claim a spot in the playoffs. New York Jets and Detroit Lions, I am looking at you. 

We then get to the sorry sight that is the hopeless dregs of the league. There is no more hope left in these locker rooms and that makes them dangerous teams indeed. 

Upsets and spoilers lurk around the corner and we should be giddy for such tumult as NFL fans. This is the best time of the regular season. 

So sit back and find out what scenarios lie for each division in the NFL. The margin for error for each team is razor thin. 

Each loss feels like the end of an era and each won merely brings hope to live another day. It's a good thing that all we have to do as fans is enjoy the games and not have to deal with all the pressure. 

If you have been wondering how the playoff landscape would play out recently, here is the answer. I give you the Playoff Picture. 

It may be a tad blurry now, but allow me to put it into focus for you. 

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NFC East

Oh, boy this is getting good. It seems that there can only be one Highlander in regards to the East. With the Lions sitting on 8 wins and the Falcons with 9, the Wild Cards will come from other divisions. 

That means this is a battle to the death, and one that the Giants currently control over the Cowboys in the tie-break department. 

That last game on January 1st will most likely be for the whole enchilada. This division is sending one team, and the dead heat should culminate in a one game regular season do or die. Sounds like fun. 

Our Best Guess: Giants win Division

NFC North

We all sensed the division would go to the Packers, but this season was a little nutty in favor of Wisconsin's beloved team. They have clinched the division and damn near clinched the Super Bowl with the way they are playing. 

The silliness doesn't stop there as the Bears have taken a backseat thank to injuries. I am sure the tumult following the Sam Hurd arrest won't help either. 

Atlanta has nine wins giving me confidence they snag one wild card. I then have the Lions holding on as they take on the Raiders and Chargers in the next couple games.

Our Best Guess: Lions Maintain Wild Card 

NFC South

The South is as sewn up as any division can be. The Saints have clinched a playoff berth and really could only lose seeding from here on out. 

The Falcons are in the lead with nine wins for the first of two wild card spots in the NFC. After they demolished the Jaguars, I am prepared to to see them get at least one win out of the remaining two games. 

Our Best Guess: Falcons join Saints in Playoffs 

NFC West

The Seahawks have been playing solid football lately. Now I will cease my slow golf clap as I give a helping dose of reality. 

While Seattle is not eliminated mathematically, they would need a miracle in the form of the Lions, Bears and Cowboys losing out. 

No, this awful division only deserves one team representing anyway, and that goes to the division-clinching 49ers. 

Our Best Guess: Niners Ride Solo 

AFC East

It's gut check time for the New York Jets. They have the lead in the race for the second spot in the wild card race and should hold onto it. 

The offense is clicking and should manage at least a 2-1 record in the final three games. I see them struggling against the Giants but should hold onto to win against the Eagles and Dolphins. 

The most verbose team will get a playoff nod and head into the playoffs with the Patriots who have already clinched. 

Our Best Guess: Jets Follow Patriots into Playoffs. 

AFC North

Could we have a more boring division. I really would love to see the Bengals shock the world but I don't see it happening. 

The division and wild card will surely both come from this division. But it will again be the Steelers and Ravens enjoying them. Yawn. 

Our Best Guess: Steelers and Ravens Hold Hands into Playoffs 

AFC South

Here's the thing. The Titans have an easy schedule the rest of the way. But they don't have enough of them to trump the Jets. 

I still think the Jets claim the second wild card with a strong finish. Chalk up games against the Colts and Jaguars as finishing out the season strong. 

They then close out with I suspect will be a loss against the red hot Texans. 

Our Best Guess: Houston Texans Ride Solo 

AFC West

And we have come to the most interesting division race in all of football. The cards are all stacked in favor of the Broncos making the playoffs. 

Denver has a schedule that could easily deliver a 1-2 result as they face the Patriots, Bills and Chiefs. The same can be said for the Raiders who have the Lions, Chiefs and Chargers. 

Get ready for some amazing gobs of hype as Tebow makes his way into the playoffs. This will get a tad insane. 

Our Best Guess: Tebow Wins Division