The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have had their respective highs and lows this season. Of late, it's been mostly low.
At one point, both teams were on pace for playoff berths. But 13 weeks in, they face off in a game that will all but eliminate the loser from the playoff conversation.
Gang Green plays host Sunday in the matchup of 5-6 AFC East teams. Both undoubtedly consider it a do-or-die scenario.
The Jets had sole possession of the final Wildcard spot the last two weeks but lost that luxury after putting up a stinker against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, who started the year 3-0 but fell apart in the second quarter of the season, are coming off a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Here's what the playoff picture looks like with five weeks to go:
1. Denver Broncos (9-2): AFC West leader
2. New England Patriots (8-3): AFC East leader
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4): AFC North leader
4. Indianapolis Colts (7-4): AFC South leader
5. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2): Wild card
6. Tennessee Titans (5-6): Wild card
On bubble: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6), Baltimore Ravens (5-6), San Diego Chargers (5-6), New York Jets (5-6), Miami Dolphins (5-6).
The Steelers and Ravens also go head-to-head this weekend, as do the Titans-Colts and Bengals-Chargers. So come Monday, the playoff slate will really start to take shape.
"At this point every game is a must-win," Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson said Monday, via NewYorkJets.com. "These last five games, it's at the end now."
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