Sunday's 45-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, combined with the Cincinnati Bengals defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-13, puts the New York Jets in basically a must-win situation for the rest of the season.
The only way the Jets (8-6) can make the playoffs is to win out; or if a slip up occurs -- New York's remaining schedule features the New York Giants and at Miami Dolphins, respectively -- hope that the Bengals (8-6) don't win out. Cincinnati hosts Arizona and Baltimore in its final two games. The good news for Gang Green Nation is that they still control their own destiny, which is all you can ask for this late in the season.
AFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders
New England Patriots (11-3) Clinched Division
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) Clinched Playoff Berth
Houston Texans (10-4) Clinched Division
Denver Broncos (8-6)
Wild-Card
Baltimore Ravens (10-4) Clinched Playoff Berth
New York Jets (8-6)
In The Hunt
Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)
Tennessee Titans (7-7)
Oakland Raiders (7-7)
San Diego Chargers (7-7)