As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the race for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft is generating more buzz than the playoff race. A record number of teams have already secured playoff berths, highlighting the stark contrast between the league's contenders and struggling teams.
With seven playoff spots clinched, this season marks the earliest point in NFL history that such a high percentage of postseason berths have been filled with three weeks remaining. The AFC playoff picture could be nearly set after this week's games, while the NFC may see five of its seven spots locked up by the end of Week 16.
