The first 13 weeks of the 2016 NFL season are now complete and the playoff picture is starting to become. It's still murky, especially in a few divisions and the wild card races, but we have an idea of which teams will actually push for a playoff spot. The Cowboys are the only team to clinch a playoff berth, but a few others could this week as well.
This list could change a bit each week and while it's not quite the same as power rankings, it should look somewhat similar. This accounts for team's schedules as well as their divisions, so it's not based solely on record. So, here are my projections for the NFL Playoffs after 13 weeks.
AFC:
1. New England Patriots (10-2)
Tom Brady is playing some of the best ball of his career. A loss to Seattle hurts their overall standings, but not in the AFC. I still think they come out on top, especially since they have one of the NFL's easiest schedules the rest of the season. The loss of Rob Gronkowski for the season is a concern for their postseason hopes, but I think they'll survive in the regular season.
2. Oakland Raiders (10-2)
The Raiders have a critical game this Thursday, going on the road to face the Chiefs. If Kansas City comes out on top, they'll have swept the Raiders. That could play a critical role in who gets a bye in the first round of the playoffs and maybe who gets the No. 1 seed. The schedule is tough the rest of the way for the Raiders, as it ranks 3rd toughest in the NFL. Let's see how the respond to it.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
The AFC North will come down to the Steelers and the Ravens. The Bengals are out of it, and the Browns are the Browns. I like the Steelers the rest of the way. I think they're the better team and they have a much easier schedule the rest of the season (Ravens have the 9th hardest and Steelers just the 31st).
4. Houston Texans (6-6)
It's not pretty, but the Texans are still the favorite in the AFC South, thanks to a 3-0 divisional record so far. That could change, but I think the Texans, even with terrible QB play, are the favorites in the South. The Titans and Colts are also 6-6 and still in the mix. The Texans have the easier schedule, checking in at 27th easiest, while the Colts are T-16th and the Titans are 14th.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)
Don't count the Chiefs out of the AFC West race and for a bye. They are an impressive 3-0 in the division. This is a really good defensive team and no division winner will want to play them. They'll be in the postseason. It's just unclear if they'll be as a division winner or have to play a wild card game. Thursday's game against the Raiders will determine that.
6. Denver Broncos (8-4)
The Broncos are once again going to contend on the strength of their defense. Denver isn't perfect, especially on offense, but they're still 7-4 and in position for a playoff spot. The loss to KC hurts, as does a very challenging rest of season schedule. The Dolphins, Bills and Ravens/Steelers will make pushes, but the Broncos still hold the advantage.
NFC:
1. x-Dallas Cowboys (11-1)
Dallas has already clinched a playoff spot, hence the "x" next to their name. If they beat the Giants this week, they'll clinch the NFC East. However, the Giants are the only team to beat Dallas this season. Hell, they can even lock up home field advantage if the Seahawks and Lions lose.
2. Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1)
The Seattle offense has been inconsistent, thanks to their poor offensive line. But this is a very good team and no one wants to play them at home. A tie could affect their seeding, but they have the 28th-easiest schedule the rest of the year.
3. Atlanta Falcons (7-5)
The Falcons remain the top team in the NFC South, although the Bucs are making a strong push for that title. They have some issues on defense, but the league's easiest schedule the rest of the year sets them up perfectly for a playoff spot and maybe even a bye.
4. Detroit Lions (8-4)
Detroit might be fourth, but there isn't much that separates them from the No. 2 seed right now. Matt Stafford is playing lights out and the Lions now have two-game division lead. Unless the wheels fall off, they'll be in the postseason.
5. New York Giants (8-4)
The NFC Wild Card is a cluttered mess right now, with several teams in the mix. The Giants are the one team I feel confident about slotting in one of the spots. I don't totally trust New York, but they are 8-4 and are sitting in good position. The schedule is about to get tough, but I think they'll be able to pick up another win or two and get to the playoffs.
6. Washington Redskins (6-5-1)
As hinted at above, you can take your pick of the contenders here. I'll go with Washington, since they have an easier schedule (30th overall) than all the rest of the playoff threats. The Bucs are the top threat, as they're 7-5 and tied for with the Falcons in the South. But Tampa's schedule is a bit harder and I think they're a year away.