Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses for NFL's Most Likely Playoff Teams

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

We are in the final two weeks of the 2015 NFL season, and it’s time to get a little more specific when it comes to the teams we will or expect to see vying for a chance to win Super Bowl 50.

While the title may seem a little vague, we actually want to be very clear on what we’re saying here. Listed are the 11 teams that currently sport winning records in the league (yes, that’s all of them)—six of which have already wrapped up division titles or playoff berths.

We’ve also included the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins, both at 7-7 who currently are in first place in their respective divisions. That’s not to slight the other contenders in the AFC South and NFC East, respectively, as well as the 7-7 Atlanta Falcons. CBS Sports will remind you who exactly remains alive for a playoff berth up to the moment.

So what are both the strengths and weaknesses of the 13 teams (listed in alphabetical order) in our piece? Let us continue.

But feel free to unwrap some presents at the same time.

Arizona Cardinals

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2015 W-L Record: 12-2 (Clinched NFC West)

Strengths

The guidance of head coach Bruce Arians and the leadership of quarterback Carson Palmer can’t be underestimated. But this is a talented team that has played well on a weekly basis.

The veteran signal-caller is at the command of the league’s top-ranked offense while only the Carolina Panthers have scored more points this season. Palmer has set a single-season franchise record with 32 touchdown passes (tying a personal high) and has been picked off only nine times.

The running game ranks sixth in the NFL just one year after finishing next-to-last in the league in rushing yards per game. And the Cards have plenty of playmakers on defense as Arizona defenders have taken back four of the team’s 28 takeaways for touchdowns.

Weaknesses

The Arizona defense is ranked seventh in the league these days, and only three clubs in the NFL have allowed fewer yards per game on the ground. However, while the pass rush has been fairly effective it has not posted eye-popping numbers with its 26 sacks. The Cardinals are giving up 242.9 yards per game through the air, ranking 16th in the league in that category.

The recent loss of safety Tyrann Mathieu for the season puts more pressure on a play-making secondary that still has cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Rashad Johnson. But this could be an issue against some of the better passing attacks in the league as the postseason unfolds.

Carolina Panthers

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

2015 W-L Record: 14-0 (Clinched NFC South and first-round bye in NFC playoffs)

Strengths

Obviously we have limited space here but where to begin?

Quarterback Cam Newton is having an MVP-like year, throwing for a career-high 33 scores (10 interceptions) and running for seven touchdowns. The Panthers lead the NFL in scoring and have put 33-plus points on the board in five straight games.

Tight end Greg Olsen is one of the best in the business and veteran speedster Ted Ginn is having a career-year as a receiver. And only two teams in the NFL have run for more yards this season.

The defense is third in the NFL in fewest yards allowed, and the defensive unit has given up only 29 touchdowns in 14 games. The pass rush has come up with 40 sacks while Carolina leads the NFL with 35 takeaways. Defensive tackle Kawann Short, linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly and cornerback Josh Norman are all headed to the Pro Bowl.

Anything else?

Weaknesses

Twice in the last three games the Panthers have given up 35-plus points but still managed to pull out road wins against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. That has to raise some concerns about the defense despite its season-long brilliance. Are teams figuring out the Panthers on this side of the ball?

Perhaps not. But in last week’s win over the Giants, it should be noted the Carolina defenders allowed 161 yards rushing and at times this season, the aggressive Panthers have been burned on the ground. That’s something worth keeping a bit of an eye on.

Cincinnati Bengals

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

2015 W-L Record: 11-3 (Clinched playoff berth)

Strengths

This is arguably the most talented and deepest team in the league these days. Last weekend, the Cincinnati Bengals won at San Francisco without their starting quarterback (Andy Dalton) and tight end (Tyler Eifert). The former remains sidelined with a broken right thumb and may or may not be back in time for the playoffs, where Cincinnati is headed for the fifth straight year.

Marvin Lewis’ efficient offensive unit has produced 44 touchdowns in 14 games, and the team has scored 31 or more points in exactly half of those contests. Cincinnati has allowed only 27 sacks this season, and the Bengals have committed only 14 turnovers all year.

From the team’s formidable offensive line to wide receivers A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu to running backs Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, this team is loaded on this side of the ball.

The club’s pass rush has bounced back after a rough year, totaling 38 sacks in 2015 and after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. A healthier Geno Atkins has helped a great deal.

Weaknesses

Cincinnati sports the league’s eighth-ranked defense and is also ninth in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run. But it appears that teams take advantage of the team’s aggressive front and at times, this unit has been had when it comes to opposing ground games.

It’s far too early to call backup quarterback A.J. McCarron a weakness based on his lack of experience. But this is obviously a less imposing team without Andy Dalton, whose last pass this season was picked off by Steelers defensive end Craig Heyward. Prior to that, the fifth-year signal-caller had thrown for 25 scores compared to only six interceptions.

Denver Broncos

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2015 W-L Record: 10-4

Strengths

The league’s top defense didn’t look the part last week in the second half at Pittsburgh but let’s not kid ourselves, the Denver Broncos are loaded here and it is unquestionably the primary reason the team has won 10 games.

Led by cornerback Aqib Talib, outside linebacker Von Miller and more, the team is No. 1 across the board in both run and pass defense, has allowed only 25 offensive touchdowns in 14 games while totaling 47 sacks and forcing 25 turnovers.

Weaknesses

An inconsistent ground attack, be it by ineffectiveness or choice, remains an issue and that has made life harder for any Broncos quarterback—be it Brock Osweiler or Peyton Manning. The team’s total of 25 turnovers (21 by the quarterback duo) is high for any team looking to make an impact in the playoffs.

And the team has struggled to find an answer at tight end. Veteran Owen Daniels has been better as of late, but the addition of Vernon Davis has been a disappointing one to date.

Green Bay Packers

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2015 W-L Record: 10-4 (Clinched playoff berth)

Strengths

When it comes to the Green Bay Packers, it’s still quarterback Aaron Rodgers and it is once again becoming running back Eddie Lacy. Despite some ups and downs this year, the third-year workhorse has upped his game recently, and he and James Starks provide a nice one-two punch.

As for Rodgers, he’s managed to throw 29 touchdown passes compared to only six interceptions in a “down year.” Yes, his completion percentage is just 60.8 this season, but his supporting cast hasn’t helped him at times. And you can never discount (pun intended) a productive two-time league MVP who knows how to take care of the football.

Weaknesses

Yes, Dom Capers’ unit has 38 sacks, but the Packers have come up with just 18 takeaways in 14 games. That just won’t do when your defense is in the middle of the pack (no pun intended) in terms of yards allowed (17th in the NFL) and ranks 22nd in the league against the run.

Green Bay may need to come up with 2010-like postseason in terms of opportunistic football if it is to challenge the Panthers and Cardinals for NFC supremacy. That season, the Packers forced 11 turnovers in four playoff games (returning three interceptions for touchdowns) on their way to winning Super Bowl XLV.

Houston Texans

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2015 W-L Record: 7-7

Strengths

It has to be a defense that after a rocky start has looked better for the most part. Only three teams in the league have given up fewer total yards per game and only the Denver Broncos have been harder to move the ball against through the air. As usual, defensive end J.J. Watt leads the way with 13.5 of the club’s 36 sacks, but don’t sit on outside linebackers Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney and John Simon.

Unfortunately, quarterback Brian Hoyer remains in concussion protocol, but his play this season has been unsung. Regardless of who is throwing the football, Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (97 receptions for 1,315 yards and 10 touchdowns) has been off the charts this season.

Weaknesses

It has been the team’s lack of consistency that has been arguably its biggest issue. Three times this season the Texans have lost consecutive games.

The club got off to a 2-5 start before going on an impressive run in which they won four straight games and allowed a total of 35 points and two touchdowns in those contests. Teams have found ways to neutralize Watt in recent weeks, although other players have stepped up in his place.

We’re not sure if called upon, this defense can carry this team in the playoffs. And perhaps they won’t have to.

Kansas City Chiefs

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2015 W-L Record: 9-5

Strengths

They don’t get much hotter these days.

The Kansas City Chiefs have won eight straight games following a 1-5 start. It’s been an amazing turnaround but not a shock when you have Andy Reid on the sidelines.

Quarterback Alex Smith has been his usual effective self, completing 65.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,205 yards and turning over the football only four times.

The addition of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has done wonders for a team that did not have a wideout catch a touchdown pass in 2014. It’s somewhat amazing that the Chiefs are eighth in the NFL in rushing but Smith, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware and Jamaal Charles (out for the season) have all run for 300-plus yards.

The defense has been amazing. Kansas City has allowed only 132 points in their last 10 games after giving up 125 points in their first four contests.

Weaknesses

The offense has been steady but far from dynamic, and it makes you wonder what would happen if the Chiefs dug themselves a big hole the next two weeks and/or in the playoffs?

Yes, this is a team that has scored at least 30 points in five of its last seven contests. But it is also a club that has gotten six touchdowns this season from its defensive unit, including two in last week’s 34-14 win at Baltimore. The Chiefs have nearly doubled their takeaway total this season (27) from a year ago but can Reid and Co. count on these big plays from linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson and rookie cornerback Marcus Peters on a regular basis? That’s a tough call.

Minnesota Vikings

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2015 W-L Record: 9-5

Strengths

Veteran running back Adrian Peterson has not had the second-half surge many were expecting, but he still leads the NFL with 1,314 rushing yards and leads the Minnesota Vikings with nine touchdowns.

The defense has been fairly solid and has held its own despite some big-time hits as defensive tackle Linval Joseph, linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith have all missed time recently.

Perhaps this team’s biggest strength is head coach Mike Zimmer, who always seems to push the right buttons and has this club on the verge of its first playoff appearance since 2012.

Weaknesses

You don’t want to label quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as a weakness, and no doubt the Vikings are hoping he performs similar to last week’s four-touchdown pass performance against the Bears, a game in which he also ran for one touchdown. Despite completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 13 scores, he’s turned over the football 11 times in 14 games.

The second-year quarterback has also taken his share of hits this season, sacked 38 times, but also don’t be surprised if he continues to come on strong down the stretch.

“I was asked multiple times this week about Teddy and if I think he’s ‘the guy’ and what does Teddy need to do,” said Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph to Tom Pelissero of USA Today earlier this week. “It’s unbelievable that people put so much into statistics and don’t watch the kid play. It blew my mind.”

“The fight this kid has, the determination, the willpower—I’ve been talking about it all year,” added Adrian Peterson. “These past two weeks, I’ve seen a different look in his eyes.”

Again, Bridgewater is not necessarily the issue. But Zimmer’s team will need more consistency from its offensive unit in general the rest of the year.

New England Patriots

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2015 W-L Record: 12-2 (Won AFC East and first-round bye in AFC playoffs)

Strengths

We would be foolish not to list league MVP candidate Tom Brady right from the get-go. The 16-year signal-caller has once again had an amazing season despite a loss of key offensive personnel along the way, totaling league-bests in passing yards (4,405) and touchdown throws (35) while throwing only six interceptions in 14 games.

Having tight end Rob Gronkowski (11 touchdown receptions) is a big plus as well. And after some growing pains early in the season, the New England defense has emerged as a steady and underrated entity.

Weaknesses

You would be hard-pressed to find a serious shortcoming here with the exception of health, and there is little any team can do about that. The Pats lost running back Dion Lewis for the season and are currently without wide receiver Julian Edelman as well.

Along with Lewis, tackle Nate Solder is out for the year, and he’s been part of an offensive line that has also had its issues. While New England’s 28th-ranked ground game is as much about design as it is about inefficiency, Brady has been sacked 34 times in 14 games this season—13 more times than in 16 games a year ago.

New York Jets

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2015 W-L Record: 9-5

Strengths

You have to give new head coach Todd Bowles and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey the nod. The New York Jets feature one of the more balanced attacks in the NFL, ranking 11th in rushing and 10th in passing. While running back Chris Ivory (951) is on the verge of his first 1,000-yard season on the ground, we’ve seen a lot more of Bilal Powell as of late.

But the big news here has been the emergence of the passing game thanks to newcomers Ryan Fitzpatrick and wideout Brandon Marshall. The latter has teamed with wide receiver Eric Decker and combined for 21 touchdown receptions. Fitzpatrick has thrown for 26 scores compared to only 12 interceptions while a reliable offensive line has allowed only 20 sacks in 14 contests.

Weaknesses

When the defense has been on its game, it has looked like one of the top units in the league. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has 12 of the team’s 35 sacks while cornerback Darrelle Revis (four interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and safety Marcus Williams (six interceptions) have combined for 13 of the club’s 28 takeaways.

Of course, we have also seen the New York secondary picked apart at times as of late and when it comes to that takeaway total, the Jets have forced 26 of those turnovers in their nine wins while totaling only two takeaways in five losses. That’s a little hot and cold to say the least.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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2015 W-L Record: 9-5

Strengths

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ passing attack appears capable of putting up numbers against any defense in the league. And that’s just what we have seen the last month or so. Mike Tomlin’s team has scored 30 or more points in six straight games and over that span, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 300-plus yards five times, totaling 13 scores compared to seven interceptions.

Antonio Brown, Martavis Byrant and Markus Wheaton, as well as veteran tight end Heath Miller, make up a sure-handed receiving corps that has produced a slew of big plays. And don’t sit on veteran running back DeAngelo Williams and the club’s well-schooled offensive line.

Weaknesses

Despite an improved pass rush that has already racked up 40 sacks in 14 games, only the New York Giants have given up more passing yards through the air. The Steelers’ defensive unit has surrendered 33 offensive touchdowns in 14 games, 28 of those via the pass.

Last week’s erratic performance in the first half against the Broncos, as well as the defense’s efforts against the Oakland Raiders (38-35 win) and Seattle Seahawks (39-30 loss) this season in which it allowed a combined 74 points leaves plenty of room of doubt regarding this defense.

Seattle Seahawks

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2015 W-L Record: 9-5 (Clinched playoff berth)

Strengths

These days it’s the arm of quarterback Russell Wilson and the hands of wide receiver Doug Baldwin. The four-year pro has thrown 19 touchdown passes without an interception in his last five outings (all wins), and 10 of those strikes have gone to Baldwin.

The offensive line has gone from shaky to steady. After being sacked 31 times in his first seven games, Wilson has been dropped only nine times in his last seven outings. The running game has taken its share of shots in terms of injuries but continues to produce, while the team’s heralded defense has gotten its act together after a rocky first half. And let’s not forget that the Seahawks are headed to the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Weaknesses

Pete Carroll’s team is clicking on all cylinders these days but at times you have to wonder about that pass defense, one that gave up 458 yards to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger four weeks ago. Will it struggle against some of the better passing attacks in the game?

Fortunately, it looks like kicker Steven Hauschka has bounced back from a recent slump that saw him miss three PATs in a two-game span.

Washington Redskins

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2015 W-L Record: 7-7

Strengths

The steady improvement of fourth-year quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins offense has helped catapult the team into the position it finds itself in this weekend. With a win on Saturday night at Philadelphia, the ‘Skins wrap up the NFC East for the second time in four years.

The fourth-year quarterback has settled in nicely after a shaky start. Cousins threw a pair of interceptions in four of his first six games this season. In his last eight appearances, he’s thrown 16 touchdown passes and been picked off a total of three times. Having a healthy DeSean Jackson back in the lineup has certainly helped as of late.

Weaknesses

The Redskins have a defensive unit that’s hard to get a grasp on. It’s a team that has allowed 23.7 points per game and has already surrendered 34 offensive touchdowns while coming up with just 21 takeaways. Perhaps even more worrisome is the fact that only four teams in the league are allowing more rushing yards per game this season. This could be a concern as opposing teams could control the football and keep the Washington offense off the field.