The ‘wildcard’ designation does seem quirky, considering:
Dallas 12-4
Green Bay 12-4
Seattle 12-4
New England 12-4
Denver 12-4
Definitely. Also it was said yesterday during the Patriots game (on radio) that had Buffalo beaten Oakland, they would have been playing for a playoff spot with a win yesterday.
Maybe there are tiebreakers like record vs. division opponents etc. Indeed same records but some teams got the byes.