Are the Jets eliminated from playoffs? New York's chances and scenarios explored after falling to 3-9

The New York Jets are supposed to be a glamorous and star-studded powerhouse from the biggest media market in the world, yet they have been playing like a small-market team that cannot manage its talent.

On Sunday, that notion only strengthened after they lost 21-26 at home to the Seattle Seahawks for their ninth straight losing record. Aaron Rodgers threw more touchdown passes than Geno Smith, but he also committed an interception and was sacked twice - all from Leonard Williams.

The Jets roster is filled with playmakers like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams, and Sauce Gardner who can explode into true game-changers with the right coaches around them. But until that happens, playoff appearances will be a rarity for them.

However, stranger things have happened. Teams have won their division despite a losing record, so can the Jets pull off a miracle and make the playoffs despite losing more than 50% of their games?

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Jets playoff chances after losing second straight game in Week 13

Sportskeeda's playoff predictor sees only one scenario in which the Gang Green make the playoffs: if they win their next five games, the Los Angeles Chargers lose their next four, and the Indianapolis Colts lose three or all of their next four. But if the Colts win at least two games, they will advance via win-over-the-other rule.

The only plausible playoff scenario that can feature the Jets

But even if that scenario happens, the Jets will have a very difficult task ahead of them. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who tied the Dallas Cowboys for most consecutive seasons without a losing record by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 44-38 on Sunday, have a potent squad on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Russell Wilson has rediscovered his elite form despite missing the first six games with a leg injury. He has been aided by a strong passing cast led by George Pickens, who is on track to hit 1,000 yards for the second straight time in his career.

If the defense tries to shut him down, then the Super Bowl winner has other options in Calvin Austin III and tight end Pat Freiermuth, who each have a team-high three touchdowns.

The latter can especially prove problematic, as he is too strong to be body lock-tackled by the likes of Sauce Gardner (as proven by his failed attempt to do it to the Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride).

And on the defensive side, TJ Watt presents a nightmare matchup for Aaron Rodgers and the offensive line. He has been continuing to register sack after sack and may have a very easy time against an older quarterback whose heavily-covered Achilles injury has all but eliminated his mobility.

Thus, all signs point to either a quick first-round exit - assuming that the miracle above happens. But is likelier that the team will spend January on the couch as ownership prepares for another overhaul.