In that graphic, 11-6 is possibly the #7 wild card slot- that's certainly not normal. Most years 10 wins is basically a lock for the post-season.
Its a new reality with the 17-game season of course. But beyond that, I've seen plenty of predictions with an AFC team winning 10 games and missing the playoffs again. The conference is really top heavy yet again, and it wouldn't be a surprise. Unfortunately for the Fins, 10 wins is very much no guarantee of making it. I've done simulations already where two AFC teams are left out with 10.
That's a pretty bold statement seeing how the AFC is the powerhouse conference in the NFL, especially this season. New England, Buffalo and Miami in the east; Indianapolis, Tennessee and potentially Jacksonville in the south; Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and potentially Cincinnati in the north and Kansas City and San Diego in the west. That's 10 to potentially 12 teams out of the 16 in the conference that will be vying for 7 playoff spots. It's conceivable you could have a 10/11 win team miss the playoffs this year. Would that justify the firing of the coach and GM?
