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Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press

Playoff turnover is a fact of life in the NFL. At least a third of the teams that made the postseason in 2016 won't repeat the feat this winter.

Since the league went to a 12-team playoff format in 1990, four or more participants made the playoffs after missing them the year before, per NFL vice president of communications Michael Signora.

Four is a conservative number, since the minimum amount of turnover occurred only three times in 27 years. At least six or more new teams happened on 13 occasions. On average, six teams didn't return to the postseason after doing so the previous campaign.

This means several of last year's contenders won't play into January. But which ones are the most likely to falter?



Last year's playoffs featured heavy hitters such as the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Something always happens, though. Injuries, Super Bowl hangovers or just poor play feed into this cycle of change.

Five candidates are in the greatest danger of missing the postseason after getting there in 2016.