Best, Worst NFL Playoff Seed Scenarios for Every Contending Team

There's a little less than two months remaining in 2013 NFL season, and there are plenty of teams in postseason contention. 

Let's take a look at the best-and- worst-case scenarios from a seeding perspective for each club still very much alive in the race for the playoffs. 

(Obviously, the best-case scenario for every team would be to win its remaining games, and the worst-case scenario would be to lose its remaining games, but let's be reasonable here.)

Dallas Cowboys (5-5)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: Bye

Much needed with injuries on both sides of the football. 

Week 12: at New York Giants

Could essentially close to the door on another late-season comeback by the G-Men in their house. There won't be a shortage of big plays. 

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are lacking talent in key areas, but Terrelle Pryor can be a threatening quarterback, and Oakland's defense can't be overlooked. 

Week 14: at Chicago Bears

Right now, we don't know if it'll be Jay Cutler or Josh McCown for the Bears in this one. But could McCown be a better fit in Marc Trestman's offense? Weather could factor into this one.

Week 15: vs. Green Bay Packers 

Will the Cowboys see Aaron Rodgers in this one? Sean Lee should be back to square off against the Packers offense. 

Week 16: at Washington Redskins

Two teams with playmaking quarterbacks and porous defenses. The Redskins will have the edge on the ground, but Dallas has a more impressive group of pass-catchers. 

Week 17: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Another divisional game to end the season that will determine Dallas' postseason fate?

Best Playoff Seed: NFC East Winner, No. 3 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Washington Redskins

Do the Eagles have the advantage under center with the sizzling Nick Foles? 

Week 12: Bye

Philadelphia isn't dealing with an assortment of injuries, but this late bye week will be welcomed.

Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Not many are noticing the 5-4 Cardinals, a team with a fast and athletic defense and enough talent on offense to put up points on a consistent basis. This game won't be easy for Chip Kelly's club.

Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford has been steady this season, and Calvin Johnson is having an MVP-caliber campaign. Both will test Philadelphia's secondary. 

Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are reeling at 2-7, but as long as Christian Ponder doesn't play horribly, Adrian Peterson can keep Minnesota in games. 

Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears 

Marc Trestman vs. Chip Kelly has the potential to be a lot of fun on the offensive side of the ball. The Eagles should be able to move it with relative ease against Chicago's injury-ravaged defense, although Lance Briggs should be back at this point.

Week 17: at Dallas Cowboys

This very well could decide the NFC East. Huge plays galore.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC East Winner, No. 4 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

New York Giants (3-6)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Giants are getting the Packers at the right time. A win at home against Green Bay would really start to scare the other three teams in the NFC East.

Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys

If New York wants to make another late playoff push, this is an absolute must-win in front of the home crowd. Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee might not play in this one. It would be huge for the G-Men if he didn't.

Week 13: at Washington Redskins

On Sunday Night Football, the loser of this game will all but officially be eliminated. 

Week 14: at San Diego Chargers

Philip Rivers is having a career resurgence in Mike McCoy's offense this season, but San Diego's defense is vulnerable at all levels. 

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks

At least this game isn't in Seattle, but this is probably the toughest test remaining on New York's schedule.

Week 16: at Detroit Lions

If Tom Coughlin's team can hold off the Seahawks at home, they face another scary, balanced team...on the road.  

Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins

One team very well could be playing spoiler in this game, and the other team will likely need some help even in victory to sneak into the playoffs. 

Best Playoff Seed: NFC East Winner, No. 4 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Washington Redskins (3-6)

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Remaining schedule:

Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles

The Redskins love to get Alfred Morris going, but Robert Griffin III will be asked to put on a show against the Eagles' shaky secondary. 

Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers aren't as threatening as they were a season ago, and much of that is due to their below-average pass-catching targets. If Michael Crabtree plays, this game will be much more difficult for Washington.

Week 13: vs. New York Giants

These teams and coaches know each other well. The team that turns it over more will likely be on the losing end. 

Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs defense is no joke, but by this juncture, Kansas City will have played the Denver Broncos twice, so we'll likely have a better gauge of how good they are overall. 

Week 15: at Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are simply not the same without Julio Jones, and the defense is a shell of its former self. If there's ever a time to beat the Falcons in Atlanta, it's this year. 

Week 16: vs. Dallas Cowboys

An obvious must-win at this stage of the season. Sean Lee should be back for the Cowboys by this point, but it's so hard to peg how Dallas will play due to its weekly inconsistency.

Week 17: at New York Giants

If all turns out well until this game, the Redskins will have to beat the Giants in New Jersey to end the season, something they're certainly capable of. 

Best Playoff Seed: NFC East Winner, No. 4 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Detroit Lions (6-3)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers looked like the Steelers of old against the Bills in Week 10, but they aren't dynamic offensively outside of Antonio Brown, and the defense is a step slower than it used to be. 

Week 12: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If the Lions want to capture the NFC North crown, they have to beat the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. It's that simple.

Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Packers would love to get Aaron Rodgers back for this Thanksgiving clash, but if he's not ready, Detroit has to pounce on the opportunity to get a huge win over a division rival. Even if Rodgers plays, the Lions have to like their chances at home.

Week 14: at Philadelphia Eagles

This matchup has shootout written all over it, and the interior trench battle should be a blast. 

Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a schizophrenic team, but at home, the Lions should take care of business.  

Week 16: vs. New York Giants

There's no telling what Giants team Detroit will get this late in the season, but in Detroit, Jim Schwartz's team should be able to stack wins.

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings will be no slouches in this one to end the year. However, the Lions are clearly more talented on both sides of the football and win the quarterback matchup. 

Best Playoff Seed: NFC North Winner, No. 2 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Chicago Bears (5-4)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens

No Jay Cutler, no problem? The Ravens are extremely "beatable," but Josh McCown has to continue his impressive play. 

Week 12: at St. Louis Rams

The Rams defense is rounding into form, and if Tavon Austin continues to get the ball in space, St. Louis will be difficult to beat in front of its home crowd.

Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings

Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall should feast on Minnesota's shaky secondary, regardless of who's throwing them the football.  

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Without Charles Tillman, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten won't be easy to stop.

Week 15: at Cleveland Browns

The Browns defense is for real, and Jason Campbell seems to be a distinct upgrade over Brandon Weeden. 

Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Foles will likely come back to Earth a bit, but Chip Kelly is quite the offensive game-planner. 

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Pack come to town for a do-or-die matchup for both teams? That might be the case.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC North Winner, No. 3 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Green Bay Packers (5-4)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at New York Giants

Suddenly, this game feels like an impending loss. Well, it certainly was a penciled-in victory two weeks ago. Get well soon, Mr. Rodgers.

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

This game should feature plenty of powerful runs thanks to Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy. 

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson at home? Freaky stuff. Rodgers might be back for this huge showdown.

Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Packers should be able to handle the disappointing Falcons at home.

Week 15: at Dallas Cowboys

In JerryWorld, Rodgers and Green Bay's offense should be able to rack up plenty of yards and points. 

Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Regardless of who's playing quarterback, the Packers should win this game at home late in the year.

Week 17: at Chicago Bears

This is how NFL seasons should end. Bears and Packers at Soldier Field. Hopefully we'll get Cutler and Rodgers.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC North Winner, No. 3 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

New Orleans Saints (7-2)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Can the 49ers stop the Saints at home? Doubtful. Drew Brees is on fire.

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

This is typically one of the most entertaining matchups of the entire NFL season. But, now, New Orleans is just better in every phase of the game. 

Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks

This monstrous NFC showdown will likely determine home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. 

Week 14: vs. Carolina Panthers

If the Saints can beat Cam Newton and the Panthers at home in this one, they should all but officially wrap up the NFC South.

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

Brees has run into a buzzsaw in St. Louis in the past, and Robert Quinn has been the best pass-rusher in the league this season. A scary "trap" game. 

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

If the Saints don't win that Week 14 outing, this will be a must-win for Sean Payton's team against the upstart Panthers. 

Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Could New Orleans rest starters in this one? 

Best Playoff Seed: NFC South Winner, No. 1 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Carolina Panthers (6-3)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. New England Patriots

The Panthers are riding a five-game winning streak and get the Patriots at home on Monday Night Football. It's easily the biggest game of Cam Newton's career. Buckle up. 

Week 12: at Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are in disarray amid the Richie Incognito saga. They're far from a horrible team, but their offensive line will have major troubles protecting Ryan Tannehill against Carolina's defensive front. 

Week 13: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Another extremely winnable game for Riverboat Ron's team. 

Week 14: at New Orleans Saints

The Panthers drafted Newton to play in and win huge NFC South games like this one.

Week 15: vs. New York Jets

Rex Ryan is the best defensive mind in the league, so even at home, Carolina will be tested in this one. 

Week 16: vs. New Orleans Saints

Massive game in Charlotte that'll have major NFC South implications. Cam vs. Drew should be a lot of fun.

Week 17: at Atlanta Falcons

Newton has thrashed the Falcons of late. He shouldn't have any problem here.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC South Winner, No. 2 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Seattle Seahawks (9-1)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Teams like the Seahawks shouldn't lose games like this. Oh, and Percy Harvin should return to face his former team. 

Week 12: Bye

If Russell Okung is still out, the Seahawks could use the extended layoff. 

Week 13: vs. New Orleans Saints

This one will likely be for home-field advantage in the NFC and will pose Drew Brees' explosive offense against Seattle's dominant defense. Should be a blast. 

Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers 

This newly formed, blue-collar rivalry has an old-school feel to it, and the Seahawks took it to Colin Kaepernick when these clubs faced off in Seattle earlier in the year. With a win here, Pete Carroll's team will likely finish as the NFC West champs.

Week 15: at New York Giants 

Seattle's physical corners will be tested against Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, but the Seahawks' pass rush should be able to get to Eli Manning.

Week 16: vs. Arizona Cardinals

With Andre Ellington, Larry Fitzgerald and a balanced defense, the Cardinals are a team no one should take lightly. 

Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams are another upstart club, but their quarterback situation is shaky.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC West Winner, No. 1 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

San Francisco 49ers (6-3)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at New Orleans Saints

The 49ers need to fix their offensive woes...fast. The Saints are a well-oiled machine and will score points on their home turf.

Week 12: at Washington Redskins

Michael Crabtree should be full go at this point, and Washington's defense isn't very intimidating. 

Week 13: vs. St. Louis Rams

San Francisco's offensive line will be tested against Chris Long, Robert Quinn and Co., but St. Louis' offense isn't dangerous...unless Tavon Austin can get free. 

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Crabtree and Harvin will likely play major roles in this one. 

Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After four tough games in a row, San Francisco will welcome this game. 

Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons

If Roddy White is fully healthy, the Falcons won't be a pushover, but Mike Smith's defense is atrocious. 

Week 17: at Arizona Cardinals

Quite the interesting season finale against a sleeper opponent.

Best Playoff Seed: NFC West Winner, No. 2 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Arizona Cardinals (5-4)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars got their first win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10, but the Cardinals have more talent overall and should win.

Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Most weeks, Andrew Luck won't be as bad as he was against the St. Louis Rams, but Arizona's secondary could give him problems.  

Week 13: at Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Foles has the Eagles flying high. However, Carson Palmer should be able to move the ball against Philadelphia's defensive backfield.

Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams

The loser here will likely be all but officially out of the NFC playoff race.

Week 15: at Tennessee Titans

No Jake Locker means Arizona has a great chance to pull off this road win. 

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

This one has the looks of a classic defensive battle. Can Arizona limit Marshawn Lynch?

Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Bruce Arians' team will likely have to win this game to get in. 

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Denver Broncos

The game of the year against Peyton Manning almost didn't happen. Record-breaking offense vs. assailing defense.

Week 12: vs. San Diego Chargers

With Philip Rivers' offense coming to town, the Chiefs can't afford to look past the Chargers.

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos 

Win this game, and the Chiefs could get to stay home in January. 

Week 14: at Washington Redskins 

The Redskins can score some points, but their defense isn't threatening. 

Week 15: at Oakland Raiders 

In the past, a few contending teams have had letdowns in Oakland late in the year, but Kansas City's defense should win this game.

Week 16: vs. Indianapolis Colts 

If the playoff seeds aren't locked in at this point, this one should finalize a few of them.

Week 17: at San Diego Chargers

The Chiefs would have liked an easier season-ender than this matchup against the Chargers on the road. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC West Winner, No. 1 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Denver Broncos (8-1)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Want to stay home for the playoffs, Broncos? The three-game stretch to determine if you do so starts now.

Week 12: at New England Patriots 

After the game of the year, Denver travels to New England for a matchup with Tom Brady. No big deal.

Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs 

If Peyton Manning and Co. survive those two games, and they should, the No. 1 seed can all but officially be wrapped up with a win here.

Week 14: vs. Tennessee Titans

After three weeks of super intense football, the Broncos get a relatively easy game at home.

Week 15: vs. San Diego Chargers

The Week 10 game showed that the Chargers can stick with Denver.

Week 16: at Houston Texans 

Don't sleep on the Texans. J.J. Watt hasn't gone anywhere, and Case Keenum is an upgrade over Matt Schaub.

Week 17: at Oakland Raiders 

A sigh of relief to end a magical season for the Broncos. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC West Winner, No. 1 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

San Diego Chargers (4-5)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Miami Dolphins

Two consecutive losses have the Chargers reeling, but they should be able to squeak out a win in Miami.

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs 

If San Diego has any intentions of playing playoff football, this is a must-win.

Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals 

The same goes for this game at home against the inconsistent Andy Dalton and the Bengals.

Week 14: vs. New York Giants 

New York is back in the NFC East race, so it's playing with more confidence. Philip Rivers against Eli Manning should be fun.

Week 15: at Denver Broncos 

Can the Chargers afford to lose this game so late in the season? 

Week 16: vs. Oakland Raiders

San Diego is the better overall team. If Mike McCoy's club is still in it, it can't lay an egg at home against the Raiders.

Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs 

This game could mean something for each club—playoff positioning for the Chiefs and a playoff berth for the Chargers.

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

New England Patriots (7-2)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Carolina Panthers

The Patriots' improved defense will be tested against the multi-faceted Cam Newton in prime time. Nice barometer coming off the bye.

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning is always fun, and New England will have to play a perfect game to win.

Week 13: at Houston Texans

The Texans aren't nearly as intimidating as they once were, but with Case Keenum under center, they can't be overlooked.

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

New England shouldn't have any problem here, although Cleveland has a stingy defense.

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

Traveling to Miami will be a treat for New England, and the Patriots should get another win against Joe Philbin's club.

Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore could be scratching and crawling for the AFC North crown at this point, and they'll be "up" for this one. 

Week 17: vs. Buffalo Bills

Even if Buffalo's pleasantly surprising defense shows up, the Patriots have a distinct advantage on offense. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC East Winner, No. 2 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

New York Jets (5-4)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Buffalo Bills

The Bills are reeling on offense, which should have Rex Ryan licking his chops.

Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens

A homecoming for Ryan. This one should feature a variety of exotic blitz packages, and probably some interceptions. 

Week 13: vs. Miami Dolphins

The loser will likely be eliminated from AFC East contention. 

Week 14: vs. Oakland Raiders

Gang Green cannot suffer a letdown here. This is a game they should win.  

Week 15: at Carolina Panthers

This contest could be an impressive, all-around defensive showing. Lots of talent on that side of the ball for both teams. 

Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns

At home, the Jets should be able to stifle whoever's under center for Cleveland.

Week 17: at Miami Dolphins

Ending the season on the road is not desirable, but this is another game in which New York will be the better club on paper. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC East Winner, No. 4 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Miami Dolphins (4-5)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. San Diego Chargers

At least the Dolphins get the Chargers at a home, a team with a dynamic offense but a defense that needs work.

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers defensive line will give all Miami's offensive line could ask for, and then some. 

Week 13: at New York Jets

Rex Ryan will be sending an array of blitzes Ryan Tannehill's way in this one. Can Cameron Wake and Co. disturb Geno Smith?

Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers aren't as stingy as they used to be, and their offense isn't tremendous, but getting a late-season win in Pittsburgh won't be easy.

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots

Miami matches up well with the Patriots, but Tom Brady still gives New England the advantage.

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills

This game in Buffalo in December won't be a walk in the park for the Dolphins, especially due to the Bills' defensive front. Who knows if Joe Philbin will even be the coach at this point.

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

At least Miami gets the Jets at home to end the year, but if the Dolphins are somehow still in the playoff hunt at this point, they'll need to play one of their best games of the year to win.

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

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Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Cleveland Browns

The Bengals lost to the Browns earlier in the year, but Cleveland doesn't have Brian Hoyer. If Andy Dalton can be just a little bit better than Jason Campbell, Marvin Lewis' club should win.

Week 12: Bye

This bye won't help any major contributors return.

Week 13: at San Diego Chargers

Cincinnati could be involved in a shootout in this one. Can Dalton outduel Philip Rivers?

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts

The same goes for this game at home against Andrew Luck and the Colts, a pivotal AFC showdown.

Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals are a much better team on paper than the Steelers. This needs to be a win.

Week 16: vs. Minnesota Vikings

At home, Cincinnati should take care of a team that gets inconsistent play from its quarterback position on a consistent basis.

Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens could be playing for their playoff lives in this one, but the Bengals could be playing for postseason positioning. Should be a dandy to end the year. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC North Winner, No. 4 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Cleveland Browns (4-5)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals

Coming off the bye will help, but beating the Bengals in Cincinnati is a tough task for any team.

Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the Browns' best chance to beat their bitter rivals.

Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Ray Horton's defense should be able to stymie whichever quarterback is under center for the Jaguars.

Week 14: at New England Patriots

If the Browns can somehow get it to 7-5 by this point, they'll need to play their most complete game of the season to stay in the playoff hunt. 

Week 15: vs. Chicago Bears

At least Cleveland gets Chicago at home. Right now, it's hard to predict which quarterback will be under center for the Bears. Not having to face Charles Tillman should help Josh Gordon.

Week 16: at New York Jets

The Browns can win this game if they're ready for a defensive slugfest against Rex Ryan's team.

Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game could be a role reversal—the Steelers could be playing spoiler to the Browns. 

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Baltimore Ravens (4-5)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Chicago Bears

Is it easier playing the Bears with Josh McCown or Jay Cutler under center? Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall will give the Ravens secondary all it can handle.

Week 12: vs. New York Jets

Another homecoming in Baltimore for Rex Ryan. Joe Flacco and Geno Smith will be tested in this one.

Week 13: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

At home, the Ravens should take care of business here. However, in rivalry games, throw the records out.

Week 14: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson against Baltimore's solid run defense will determine this game.

Week 15: at Detroit Lions

If the Ravens can string some wins together before this showdown in Detroit, they'll need to piece together a nearly flawless performance to beat the Lions to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. 

Week 16: vs. New England Patriots

It won't get much easier against the Patriots the following week, but at least it's at home.

Week 17: at Cincinnati Bengals 

This game could certainly be do-or-die for Baltimore. 

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions 

The Steelers feel much better about themselves after the convincing win over the Buffalo Bills. Now, Megatron comes to town.

Week 12: at Cleveland Browns 

This starts a two-game divisional road trip that will determine the Steelers' season.

Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens 

If Pittsburgh is 5-6 at this point, this game will have major playoff implications for both teams.

Week 14: vs. Miami Dolphins

Which team is better right now?

Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals 

The Steelers must lean on defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to confuse Andy Dalton. 

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers 

If Aaron Rodgers is back for Green Bay, this game could very easily end Pittsburgh's playoff hopes.

Week 17: vs. Cleveland Browns 

Spoiler game for the Steelers? Yikes.

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed

Indianapolis Colts (6-3)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: at Tennessee Titans

Without Jake Locker, the Colts should roll. 

Week 12: at Arizona Cardinals

Andrew Luck will be thoroughly tested against Patrick Peterson and Co. in the desert.

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans 

If Indianapolis struggled a bit with the Titans in Tennessee, it should be able to take care of business at home.

Week 14: at Cincinnati Bengals

Luck was drafted to play in and win huge interconference games like this one. 

Week 15: vs. Houston Texans 

Though the Texans aren't good record-wise, with Case Keenum under center, they aren't a piece of cake.

Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs

A colossal AFC clash for playoff positioning.

Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

It doesn't get easier than ending the season with Jacksonville. 

Best Playoff Seed: AFC South Winner, No. 3 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Tennessee Titans (4-5)

Remaining schedule

Week 11: vs. Indianapolis Colts 

As if the loss to the winless Jaguars wasn't crushing enough, now Andrew Luck visits Nashville.

Week 12: at Oakland Raiders

This is the easiest of the season-determining, three-game road trip.

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts 

Andrew Luck? Again? Damn. 

Week 14: at Denver Broncos 

Luck, then Peyton Manning. Not fair, scheduling gods. 

Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals 

Tennessee will need to play a complete game to upend the upstart Cardinals at home. 

Week 16: at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Titans should be able to enact revenge on Jacksonville the second time around. 

Week 17: vs. Houston Texans 

Not the easiest way to end the season, but this is certainly more winnable than it's been in the past. 

Best Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 5 Seed

Worst Playoff Seed: Wild Card, No. 6 Seed