Only 37 percent of NFL franchises will be participating in the playoffs, leaving the majority of teams and their fan bases on the sidelines.
But, that doesn't mean they can't have a rooting interest in the 2017 postseason.
There's a playoff team for everyone. If your team has been eliminated from January football, here's an easy guide to help you determine who to cheer for:
Elitist
New England Patriots
Can't stand losing? Would you do absolutely anything to be successful? If you're a fan of accumulating hoards of jewelry, consider cheering for the Patriots this postseason.
New England has been the cream of the crop for the better part of two decades and they're, again, the odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl LII. The Patriots could match the Steelers for the most Lombardi Trophies in league history with another triumph.
Sympathetic
Philadelphia Eagles
"Those poor Eagles can't catch a break." If you've found yourself uttering that phrase since Carson Wentz went down with a season-ending knee injury, perhaps you're a closet Eagles supporter.
The Eagles haven't won a championship since 1960 and have lost the only two Super Bowls they've appeared in. Despite posting a league-best 13-3 record, few are convinced this Eagles squad led by a backup quarterback can reach the mountaintop. Philly needs all the support it can get.
Always a Bridesmaid
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh may have the most Super Bowl titles, but this current crop of Steelers can't help but feel like they always finish short.
The Steelers' last championship came in 2008. Since then, they've yet to win anything of consequence despite owning a potential Hall of Fame quarterback, the consensus best receiver in football, and one of the NFL's best running backs.
The Steelers have steadily taken a step further in each of the previous three years, though, finishing in the wild-card round in 2014, the divisional round in 2015, and being eliminated in the conference championship game last season. Is this the year?
Cinderella Story
Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams
Few believed the Rams and Jaguars could reach the playoffs, much less challenge for a Super Bowl. Both rebounded from a dreadful 2016 to end playoff droughts of over 10 years.
It's nearing midnight on the 2017 season, however, and the magic carriages could turn back into pumpkins at any moment.
Root, Root, Root for the Home Team
Minnesota Vikings
If you believe sporting events are better when fans are sent home happy, the Vikings are the team for you.
U.S. Bank Stadium is the home of Super Bowl LII, and the Vikings need only to avoid the Eagles to play every postseason game in Minnesota. They've already clinched a first-round bye and will host a divisional-round contest.
Cheer for the purple and gold to become the first team to win a Super Bowl in its home stadium.
Redemption Story
Atlanta Falcons
It's been done before. The NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from heartbreaking defeat to win the championship a year later in 2016. The Golden State Warriors followed suit in 2017.
The Falcons can redeem themselves from the biggest choke job in sports history by returning to the big stage this year and finishing the job. If there's one thing sports fans love, it's a comeback story.
Underdog
Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills
The Bills and Titans will enter the postseason with the largest odds to reach the Super Bowl. They'll be heavy underdogs in every game they play, but who doesn't love a long shot?
Only 10 wild-card teams have ever reached the Super Bowl, and six went on to win the big game. It's a difficult feat to accomplish, but if either team can muster even one massive upset, space on the bandwagon will be scarce.
Offensive juggernauts
New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs
The Saints and Chiefs represent two of the top five best regular-season offenses in football. New Orleans ranked fourth in terms of scoring points while Kansas City placed sixth on that list. For short, both clubs can score at will.
If offense is your game and you prefer to see the scoreboard lighting up like a slot machine, cheer on the Saints or Chiefs. They'll both begin the playoffs at home, where they can tailor their offenses to cushy environments.
Swag
Carolina Panthers
Finally, if you're looking for the troupe that may have the most fun participating in the playoffs, look no further than the Carolina Panthers. If 2015 MVP Cam Newton is on his game and the Panthers are putting up points, balls will be delivered to fans in the stands at an alarming rate.
Carolina may bring the most eccentric mix of style and panache to the table, which makes for an entertaining watch.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
