The Jets fired Joe Douglas due to a 30-64 lifetime record and a season that quickly went off the rails, leading to an expected clean slate for the franchise.
The Bengals have a 9% playoff probability, hindered by a 4-7 record and significant defensive woes, making it unlikely they will make a playoff push.
Anthony Richardson showed significant improvement in his game, displaying better decision-making and rhythm, which has positively impacted the Colts' offensive performance.
The Broncos face a challenging schedule with matchups against strong AFC teams, including the Chargers and Chiefs, which could impact their 68% playoff probability.
The Falcons are pending due to a tough schedule that includes games against the Chargers and Vikings, which will test their offensive capabilities and defensive improvements.
The Buccaneers, with an easier remaining schedule and potential key players returning from injury, have a similar pending status to the Falcons, though they trail in the division.
The Seahawks are a tough team to gauge, with a 19% playoff chance and a challenging schedule, including multiple games against division rivals, making their playoff status uncertain.
The 49ers are struggling due to key injuries, including to their quarterback and defensive stars, leading to a 30% playoff chance and a difficult remaining schedule.
The Cardinals are strong contenders due to their improved offensive play, especially with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, and a defense that has become more difficult to play against.
The Rams are pending due to their inconsistent offensive line and defensive issues, though they have a strong offense when healthy, making their playoff prospects uncertain.
Nate Tice and Matt Harmon take an in-depth look at the middle class of the NFL as they determine whether each playoff-hopeful team should be preparing for a playoff push or packing their bags.
First, the duo start with the news that the New York Jets fired their general manager Joe Douglas. This move was mostly expected, but it really puts in perspective how far this franchise has fallen from the optimism surrounding the Aaron Rodgers acquisition just two offseasons ago. Nate and Matt also discuss whether Rodgers could return (on another team) in 2025.
Moving on to some teams more deserving of attention, Nate and Matt start with teams on the bubble in the AFC playoff race, as they diagnose the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals (both sit under 10% playoff odds), Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos and decide whether they are ready to make a playoff push or are destined for Cancun.
The NFC race is even tighter than the AFC, as Nate and Matt give their predictions on the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before attempting to parse out a neck-and-neck NFC West that includes the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
(3:35) Jets fire GM Joe Douglas
(10:05) Playoffs or pack it up: Dolphins
(17:05) Playoffs or pack it up: Bengals
(26:10) Playoffs or pack it up: Colts
(34:25) Playoffs or pack it up: Broncos
(43:25) Playoffs or pack it up: Falcons
(51:00) Playoffs or pack it up: Buccaneers
(54:40) Playoffs or pack it up: Seahawks
(1:02:40) Playoffs or pack it up: 49ers
(1:10:05) Playoffs or pack it up: Cardinals
(1:18:25) Playoffs or pack it up: Rams
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