2012 NFL Schedule: Underrated Games That Will Have Major Impact on Playoff Race

After the NFL schedule was released on Tuesday night, every fan looked at their favorite team's slate and played the best-case scenario game. Now that we've had a night to look over all 17 weeks of action, it's time to take a deeper dive.

Let's take a look at three late-season games that likely have been overlooked so far, but will end up playing major roles on the playoff race down the stretch.

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (Week 17)

The Jets lost their final three games last season to miss the playoffs by one game. That will actually help them when fall rolls around because it will keep expectations within reason. They still have more than enough talent to contend for a wild-card spot as long as Tim Tebow doesn't become a huge distraction.

New York's AFC East rival, the Bills have made major strides during the offseason in an attempt to return to the playoffs. Mario Williams and Mark Anderson should boost a previously dreadful pass rush, and they have a high draft pick to address their left tackle need. Don't sleep on Buffalo.

These two teams face off in Week 1 and don't play each other again until the final week. Since the New England Patriots remain the class of the division, the Jets and Bills are likely battling for the same playoff spot. That means their second meeting could very well be a win-and-in scenario.

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (Week 17)

Kansas City has more talent than their 7-9 record from last season would indicate. Jamaal Charles will return to lead an offense with a myriad of playmakers and the Chiefs defense only needs one more pass-rusher to take the unit to the next level. They will surprise some people by contending in the AFC West.

The Broncos have stolen the offseason spotlight by signing Peyton Manning, but a tough schedule means they won't be able to run away with the division. While things start to get easier after the bye week, they will likely need to fight until the final week game against the Chiefs in order to earn a berth.

By Week 17, Manning should have the Denver offense operating at peak capacity, but the Chiefs running game should be good enough to limit his chances. So, not only does the game have the potential to decide who makes the playoffs, it should go right down to the wire as well.

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys (Week 16)

It's been a tumultuous offseason for the Saints due to the bounty scandal. They'll spend the entire season without head coach Sean Payton and it's unclear how the players will react knowing every hit they make will be watched. All that probably means they won't cruise into the postseason like previous years.

Every game will hold a lot of weight for the Cowboys since the NFC East should be more competitive than ever. They will find themselves in a three-way race with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, and at least one team will likely miss the playoffs. Dallas needs to take care of business at home.

Both teams have the talent not only to earn a playoff berth, but to make some noise once they get there. That said, getting in isn't a lock by any stretch. When they battle in Week 16, it will likely be a key game for both teams, leading to an intense battle.