NFL Picks Week 10: Teams Whose Playoff Hopes Will Be Dashed

The NFL season is entering its second half, and there are already teams whose playoff aspirations will end with losses.  These three teams all still have a chance mathematically, but realistically they are all done if they lose.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills losing against the New York Jets at home last week hurts them, and this game is a must-win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.  In a tough AFC East with three teams that are 5-3, the Bills are fighting for the division lead but would settle for a wildcard spot.

However, to do either they probably have to go 11-5, and that's their best-case scenario.

If the Bills lose they will be 5-4 and still have to play the Jets and New England Patriots on the road (two guaranteed losses).  The Bills would have to win at San Diego and twice against Miami, once against the Titans and against the Broncos if they want to make the playoffs.

Even if all that were to happen, six losses would eliminate them, so they have to win this week.  However, they will not be able to contain DeMarco Murray or Tony Romo's attack including Dez Bryant and Miles Austin.  Therefore they will lose and be eliminated.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are only 3-5, yet they still hope to win the desperately bad AFC West.  In order to do that they must beat the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

If they lose they will have six losses, including in division, and they will still have to beat the Jets, Patriots, Bills and the Chargers in San Diego.

The Broncos are out if they lose this week, and I don't see Tebow getting it done in Kansas City.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are 5-3 and host the Detroit Lions this week.  The Bears would compete in any other division, but in the NFC North they must deal with the undefeated Packers and the 6-2 Lions.

If the Bears cannot stop Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best (which they can't) then they are in for a loss at home.

When that happens they will be 5-4 and still have to play San Diego and the Packers.

Because of the strength of their division the Bears have to win this week or else they will not be in the playoffs.