NFL Predictions: Chances for Every Team to Make the Playoffs Heading Into Week 4
It's been a weird and wacky start to the NFL season this year: The Vikings have struggled, Mike Singletary is on a hot seat, and it seems that the Green Bay Packers are intent on throwing away games due to silly penalties.
But aside from all of that, who would have predicted that the only undefeated teams in the NFL right now would be the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears? I know I didn't.
Yes, this season has had it all, and we're only four weeks in.
However, as every fan prepares for next week's opponent, the thought of postseason football is firmly in the minds of players and coaches as each team looks to post that very next win that could boost them toward the big dance.
So what are the chances that your team is playing playoff football in three months' time?
Well, for some, it's one in a million, and perhaps you'd be better off investing your time in a local lottery. While for others, playoff football is inevitable.
Therefore, here's a look at each team's playoff chances heading toward Week 4 of the season, along with what they need to do to make the playoffs, key games ahead, and whether they will ultimately reach their goal.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Cardinals are a tough team to decipher right now. On one hand they have the best wide receiver in the game, while on the other they have a quarterback who has only thrown for 580 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions this season.
More surprising though is the fact that the Seattle Seahawks are atop the NFC West division right now, and looking like strong favorites to take home the crown.
As for Arizona, they do have a number of tough games to come; however, if they keep holding on to win key games over below .500 opponents, they may be able to sneak a wildcard berth if they are lucky.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Cardinals simply need to win. As basic as that sounds, it is important that they allow an experienced quarterback to gain as much confidence as possible, even if that means placing him in tough situations against bigger and better conference teams.
Other than that, if Arizona are to make the playoffs, they will need to get Larry Fitzgerald going soon, as the standout player has only accumulated 2 touchdowns and 152 yards so far this season.
Key Games Ahead:
@San Diego, vs. New Orleans, @Seattle, @Minnesota, vs. Seattle, vs. Dallas.
Final Prediction:
Arizona are likely to miss the playoffs if their offense continues to struggle a little.
The Cardinals currently rank 25th in overall points in the league, and this isn't a surefire sign of a playoff team.
A wild-card berth could pop up, but right now the NFC West is Seattle's division to lose.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Atlanta Falcons are in perhaps the best position they've ever been in. Matt Ryan and his high-powered offense just knocked off the New Orleans Saints, and now the NFC South is all locked up (if you discount the Carolina Panthers).
To be honest, the Falcons have the momentum right now. They have finally returned to their 2008 ways, and running back Michael Turner is rushing the ball as we have come to expect from a back of his caliber.
Confidence? The Falcons have a bundle, and there is a reason they are soaring high right now in professional power rankings.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Easy: withhold the New Orleans Saints. In 2009, the Saints were allowed to run away with the division, and the Falcons now must take advantage of the lockup and continue to post wins.
No silly slip-ups to weaker teams and, more importantly, dominance in every game. If Atlanta can continue to push New Orleans in the opposite direction, they can take home the crown.
Key Games Ahead:
@Philadelphia, vs. Cincinnati, vs. Tampa Bay, vs. Baltimore, vs. Green Bay, @Tampa Bay, vs. New Orleans
Final Prediction:
It would be a huge upset if the Falcons missed the playoffs this year.
Every player seems to be on the same page, and it appears that even if New Orleans get back on top of the South division, the Falcons are easily a wild-card team.
Mark Atlanta down for playoff contention; they are a threat to keep an eye on.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Ravens have surprisingly been out-muscled by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. But funnily enough, Baltimore have looked good on just about every area of the field.
Firstly, quarterback Joe Flacco has stepped up to the plate in every way, by passing for 664 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Secondly, Anquan Boldin has been red-hot lately, along with the Ravens Ray Lewis-led defense that withheld the New York Jets in Week 1.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The AFC North is perhaps the toughest division this year. With Pittsburgh proving to be impossible to beat right now, and the Cincinnati Bengals still gliding along nicely, Baltimore need to capitalize on every opportunity.
Similar to Atlanta, the Ravens must beat those below-.500 teams, which should automatically be a cakewalk.
To put it simply, the Ravens need to avoid the upset bug this season, as the division that looked like theirs a year ago has gotten that much tougher in the span of 12 months.
The Steelers await Baltimore in Week 4, followed by a number of tough AFC games. It won't be easy, but it is doable.
Key Games Ahead:
@Pittsburgh, vs. Denver, @New England, vs. Miami, @Atlanta, vs. Pittsburgh, @Houston, vs. New Orleans, vs. Cincinnati.
Final Prediction:
I think you'll agree by looking at the above games that the Ravens don't have an easy task ahead of them in the coming months.
Baltimore knew that they had a tough schedule going into the season, and it was never going to be easy in the AFC North.
The final prediction here is hard to make, but right now the Ravens are a wild-card team.
Pittsburgh have found that winning gene that they always muster up, and if Cincinnati crash and burn sometime soon, Baltimore can swoop in for the second spot in the division.
It's a very tough call to make, so we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Current Record: 0-3
Where They Stand Right Now:
Buffalo looked good on the weekend against the New England Patriots.
Even though they went on to lose in a tight affair, new starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick managed to impress coaches and fans by throwing for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Still, the Bills are one of, if not the weakest team in the NFL. They seriously lack a wide receiver threat, and their defense doesn't get much better.
If it weren't for C.J Spiller, this team would be the ultimate failure, no matter how promising Ryan Fitzpatrick looks.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
If, by some off-chance miracle, the Bills are able to turn it all around, they will really need to rely heavily on their quarterback.
With no Terrell Owens deep threat present anymore, Chan Gailey needs to make sure Fitzpatrick is accurate, agile, and ready to make big plays.
Ryan Fitzpatrick showed glimpses of that against New England; but let's be honest, the Bills have no real shot at the postseason right now.
If anything, the Bills can keep their record respectable by beating the other handful of weak teams in the NFL today.
Key Games Ahead:
@Jacksonville, @Kansas City, vs. Detroit, vs. Cleveland.
Final Prediction:
Playoffs, negatory. The Bills have too much to overcome, and realistically they are a good five-to-ten years away from the postseason.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Current Record: 0-3
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Panthers are quite possibly the worst team in the league, even behind the Buffalo Bills. As much talent as there still is in Carolina, the quarterback issues have plagued this team, and rocked the boat way too much for them to put forward any kind of win.
On the positive side, though, Jimmy Clausen is showing a small ounce of potential. With zero touchdowns to his name, but 247 yards and two interceptions, Clausen is at least looking a little better than Matt Moore was two weeks ago.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The answer, a lot. Carolina are struggling right now, even with the simplest of things on the field.
To make matters worse, head coach John Fox is now on a hot seat, and the team is in a real rut considering where they were two years ago.
For the Panthers to make the playoffs, they will need to quickly climb back into the NFC South division.
As it stands, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and New Orleans are having their own match up at the top, while Carolina is left looking sorry below.
The final thing for the Panthers to work on is getting Steve Smith the ball.
For a receiver of Smith's caliber to only have two touchdowns and 163 yards three weeks into the season paints the entire picture of how the Panthers season has played out so far.
Like Buffalo, Carolina need to focus on winning the easy games before they look ahead at tougher opponents.
Key Games Ahead:
@New Orleans, vs. Chicago, vs. San Francisco, @St.Louis, vs. New Orleans, @ Tampa Bay.
Final Prediction:
Two years ago the Panthers were in a playoff position, but now they are miles away from that track.
It was always going to be tough for Carolina to cope with a new quarterback, and with off-field issues plaguing this team, the playoffs are the last thing on John Fox's mind.
To quote Jim Mora, "Playoffs, you're talking about playoffs?," the Panthers will be lucky to win a game in the near future.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Current Record: 3-0
Where They Stand Right Now:
Solider Field was rocking on Monday night at the sight of the undefeated Chicago Bears. Bear Down was playing, and for once, Chicago has started the season just as well as their Super Bowl runner-up year in 2006.
For all of the Bears' issues, they've done extraordinarily well to get this far.
Of course, it is arguable whether or not they are really the best team in the NFC; but one thing is for sure, they've really taken hold of the NFC North.
Lastly, Jay Cutler has looked great. In Weeks 1 and 2 he was passing well, and even though he stumbled a little against Green Bay on Monday night, he came through with the goods at the end of the game.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Stay atop the division. Many people still say that Green Bay are indeed the best team in the NFC North despite their loss to Chicago, and of course Minnesota can't be written off.
The Packers successfully exposed the Chicago defense for what it was, so this is an area Lovie Smith will have to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Chicago have done well to get where they are, but as Steve Young stated following Monday night, "Jay Cutler does well when the Bears are winning, but struggles when they are losing."
The question of when the Bears' true colors will emerge still plagues Chicago.
Key Games Ahead:
@New York Giants, vs. Seattle, vs. Minnesota, @Miami, vs. Philadelphia, vs. New England, @Minnesota, vs. New York Jets, @Green Bay.
Final Prediction:
It's hard to say that the Bears are a shoo-in for the playoffs, yet they should still make the wild card race if everything goes to plan.
Perhaps the Bears schedule is their worst enemy right now, as a melee of big-name games await Jay Cutler and his crew.
Keep in mind if Green Bay surge as expected, the Bears can easily be knocked off the perch.
If this happens, Chicago then need to watch Minnesota, and make sure they don't slip down to the third spot.
This is a storyline that will play out over the next three months, so we'll see if the Bears really are who they look to be right now.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Bengals started off a little shaky against the New England Patriots in Week 1, yet have been able to play more as a team as the season has worn on.
Right now the Bengals offense has been living up to expectations. Carson Palmer has looked good, and Chad Ochocinco finds himself amongst the top receivers in the NFL.
Other than that, the Bengals defense has also coped well, managing to withstand the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Bengals need to leapfrog the Steelers quickly. This is, of course, easier said than done, but it seems that when Cincinnati is at the top of the AFC North, they have that much more confidence in their ability to win.
At the same time, if Pittsburgh continue to remain undefeated and stroll toward the postseason, Cincinnati automatically place their hopes on the wild-card spot.
Not only is this no real improvement from 2009, it would also be a disappointment considering how much talent is on Marvin Lewis' roster.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Tampa Bay, @Atlanta, vs. Miami, vs. Pittsburgh, @Indianapolis, @New York Jets, vs. New Orleans Saints, @Pittsburgh, vs. San Diego, @Baltimore.
Final Prediction:
Given the amount of skill this team has, the Bengals should manage to make the playoffs one way or another.
However, as mentioned in regards to the Baltimore Ravens, the North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, and the Bengals can't afford even one single slip-up.
Hopefully, the entire team is on the same page now, and no diva demonstrations by Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco come into play.
If Cincinnati can stay clean and win, maybe they can jump the Steelers in no time.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Current Record: 0-3
Where They Stand Right Now:
For all of the Browns' promising signs this past offseason, already they have been forced to make a quarterback adjustment by replacing Jake Delhomme with Seneca Wallace.
Not only has this set the team back a peg, it has also interrupted any thought of the Browns potentially winning any games, even though they were certainly within a chance of upsetting the Baltimore Ravens this past weekend.
Aside from the quarterback position, Cleveland have at least looked good on other areas of the field.
Third-year running back Peyton Hillis has stepped up in a big way, and the Browns 11th-ranked rush defense has at least been successful.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
If you're a firm believer in remaining optimistic, the Cleveland Browns are still quite capable of possibly reaching a wild-card berth.
Firstly, there is talent remaining on this team, if only Eric Mangini and Mike Holmgren can sort out the quarterback position.
Secondly, the Browns have had a tough opening schedule, and can still pick up a few games against weaker opponents.
Perhaps this isn't the Browns' year, but they are slowly getting better. They hung in with the Ravens in Week 3, so maybe they can build off of this near-upset.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Cincinnati, @Jacksonville, vs. Carolina, @Buffalo
Final Prediction:
The Browns will be stretched to make the playoffs in the AFC North this year. With a division war going on among the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals, Cleveland are likely to be left out of the picture altogether.
As faithful as I am that the Browns may still slip into the wild-card picture, it isn't realistic. Maybe in a year's time, but for now this 0-3 start is likely to cost the Browns dearly.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
Are the Cowboys really back and ready to start off on the right foot? It would seem that way after a big-time win over the Houston Texans in Week 3.
For the most part, Dallas haven't looked all that bad. Sure they lost to Washington and Chicago consecutively, but the fact remains the same that this team is ever so dangerous even when they are down and out.
The promising signs to come from the Cowboys are on defense. Last week they rattled Matt Schaub and contained Andre Johnson nicely, something they struggled to do against Washington. Not only is this a good sign, Jerry Jones will be wrapped that the physical presence of his team is now back and ready to move forward very soon.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Let's face it, the NFC East is tough. But with that in mind, Dallas can easily topple Philadelphia if they continue to win. With New York and Washington now hurting from two consecutive losses, Dallas must take advantage of the situation, and make sure that Michael Vick doesn't single-handedly run away with the division.
The last point to make here is that the Cowboys must beat the big teams. As much as they've struggled so far with weaker opponents, knocking off the Texans in style was promising, so now they must take down the likes of Green Bay, Minnesota, and New York in upcoming weeks.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Tennessee, @Minnesota, vs. New York Giants, @Green Bay, @New York Giants, vs. New Orleans, @Indianapolis, vs Philadelphia, @Philadelphia.
Final Prediction:
Dallas should make the playoffs, even if they just scrape in. All criticism aside, Tony Romo has looked decent in his 940-yard, four-touchdown and two-interception effort this season.
The Cowboys now have a week off to regroup from their win and set their sights on the rest of the season. Not only is it important for Wade Phillips to inshore criticism in his team, he must also make sure they are motivated, something that Dallas lacked in the opening two weeks.
If Philadelphia win the East, then Dallas should take the wild-card spot. But keep in mind the Cowboys take on the Eagles twice late in the season, two games that could mean the difference between the crown and second place for either team.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Broncos' record makes them appear far worse than they are right now. Sure they lost to Jacksonville and Indianapolis, but on the field some very promising signs have emerged from a team that has been plagued with injuries.
First and foremost, Kyle Orton has looked great. He hasn't been top of the quarterback class, but he is flying under the radar in terms of performance. Secondly, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd found his feet against a tough Colts defense on the weekend, allowing Orton to have that go-to option in the coming weeks.
Perhaps the most promising factors to come out of Denver, though, is the fact that the team ranks second in overall offensive yards, and first on defensive pass yards. These two stats combined should equal wins for Denver if they keep this tough mentality up this year.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Just win, baby, win. Slip-ups against the likes of Jacksonville have cost the Broncos a 2-1 record, and they simply can't let that happen for the rest of the year.
Like many teams right now, the Denver Broncos need to find what works and stick with it, so don't be surprised to see Brandon Lloyd and Kyle Orton become the main theme for the rest of this season. Not only does this duo work, it allows the team to rely on a big-time playmaker, something that the Broncos needed following Brandon Marshall's departure.
Lastly, Denver really needs to play catch-up, fast. The Chiefs are atop the division, and the Chargers look flat, so the Broncos need to make the most of their chances while they can.
Key Games Ahead:
@Tennessee, @Baltimore, vs. New York Jets, vs. Kansas City, @San Diego, @Kansas City, vs. Houston, vs. San Diego.
Final Prediction:
By looking above, many big divisional games await Denver toward the second half of the season. More importantly, the Broncos now hit the road against two of the toughest AFC teams in Tennessee and Baltimore, after which Josh McDaniels could easily see numbers piled up in the loss column.
The playoffs are far from a lost cause for Denver. Kansas City could turn out to be a huge fluke, and San Diego are really struggling right now. The Chargers are notorious for starting out badly, so as already mentioned, Denver needs to pick up games when they can.
Should they accomplish that, the wild-card will become a certainty, if not the divisional crown. The Broncos have been in this position before and have failed to capitalize; let's see if history repeats itself this year.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Current Record: 0-3
Where They Stand Right Now:
Similar to the Denver Broncos, Detroit's record doesn't do the team justice judging by the way they have played recently. From a down-and-out team last year, the Detroit Lions have showed tremendous guts and determination so far, even though they haven't posted a win just yet.
The promising signs that have come from Detroit are simple. Away from Calvin Johnson's brilliance, Jahvid Best has been worth every cent as his rushing and receiving skills have been put to good use in the past three weeks.
With Matt Stafford out injured, though, the team has struggled with starting quarterback Shaun Hill, and as a result now faces an 0-3 hole in a tough NFC North division.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The main problem the Lions have faced is the injury bug. First Matt Stafford went down, and now Jahvid Best is suffering with a turf toe problem that has plagued him since Week 2. As minor as these injuries are, they do enormous things to a team that is still struggling immensely.
In regards to making the playoffs, Detroit really need to kick things off right next week against the Green Bay Packers. This will be tough to do, but you get the feeling if the Lions fall to 0-4, there is no possible way they can play catch-up toward the top of the NFC North division.
Key Games Ahead:
@Green Bay, vs. St. Louis, @New York Giants, vs. Washington Redskins, @Buffalo Bills, vs. Chicago, vs. Green Bay, @Tampa Bay, vs. Minnesota.
Final Prediction:
The NFC North division simply plays against the Lions right now. Chicago are 3-0, and with Green Bay and Minnesota still rallying, there really is no room for Detroit to scrape in anywhere.
The most ideal prediction here for Detroit would be the third spot in the division. Who knows, if they pick up some wins and one team falls completely, Detroit may take home the third seed, which in itself would be a minor improvement.
Give Detroit credit, Jim Schwartz has made this team look great. But the playoffs are a way off yet.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Packers got quite a scare on Monday night at the hands of the Chicago Bears, as Green Bay let what looked to be a comfortable win slip into a late loss due to a ridiculous number of penalties.
But as surprising as this loss was, it may not mean all that much for Green Bay. By looking at the Packers on paper, it's safe to say that one loss shouldn't affect this team all that much.
To get straight to the point, Green Bay carved Chicago's defense up on Monday night. Yes, the penalties were excessive, but Aaron Rodgers once again managed to show an enormous amount of determination on just about every drive.
The standings may say that Green Bay is second in the NFC North, yet most fans feel the Packers are still the favorites. A slip-up exposed Green Bay's problems, so now it is time for Mike McCarthy to return to the drawing board and sort any issues out.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
First, the Packers must reclaim the NFC North. Anything short of top spot will be labeled as a failure, seeing as though Green Bay collapsed last season against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card Game.
Secondly, Green Bay really need to sort their special teams and penalty issues out. For once the offensive line wasn't shaky, yet the number of false starts and poor kick coverage cost the Packers in the end.
If Green Bay can solidify these issues and rely on Rodgers as they should be doing, the playoffs are as good as gold.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Detroit, vs. Miami, vs. Minnesota, @New York Jets, vs. Dallas, @Minnesota, @Atlanta, @Detroit, @New England, vs. Chicago.
Final Prediction:
It's fair to say that Green Bay don't produce bad quarterbacks, and they also don't produce losers. The playoffs were this team's ultimate goal heading into the season, and as poor as they looked against the Chicago Bears, it's nothing they can't fight back from.
With Minnesota down, and Chicago still a long-term question, Green Bay are easily favorites in the division, even though their penalties cost them a 3-0 record that they would love to have back.
Playoffs? Green Bay should make it; the expectations are too high in Green Bay for ultimate failure right now.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Texans have looked great early on this year. They started off 2-0, and even though they struggled against the Dallas Cowboys, are still leading the AFC South division ahead of the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts.
In terms of what has been promising from Houston, it has come from all angles on the offense. We all knew going into 2010 that Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub were going to be a threat, but rookie running back Arian Foster has surprised everybody so far as he leads the league in rush yards.
Finally, the Texans also have some confidence. They've beaten the teams they should beat, and as handy as a Cowboys win would have been, it's nothing too earth-shattering that they can't fight back from.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Texans play has been outstanding, that much we know. But what they must do is win the divisional games that will keep them atop the division and out of harm's way.
As much as people say that that the Tennessee Titans aren't a threat, they can't be taken lightly. Vince Young and Chris Johnson were great against the New York Giants last weekend, and the threat of the Indianapolis Colts is always looming in the darkness.
For Houston to reach the playoffs, they will also need to keep their stats up. Right now the Texans offense ranks fourth in pass yards and seventh in points, much of the reason why they have managed to look so impressive. If Houston plays the numbers well and avoids division losses, they will easily see their first postseason spot.
Key Games Ahead:
@Indianapolis, vs. San Diego, @New York Jets, vs. Tennessee, @Philadelphia, vs. Baltimore, @Tennessee, @Denver.
Final Prediction:
Houston would be unlucky not to see the big dance this season. Everything has been going their way lately, and even though the Colts and Titans are looming, the very least they should be able to accomplish is a wild-card berth.
Barring any slip-ups or unfortunate injuries, there isn't much else to say here, as Gary Kubiak has his team in tip-top shape ahead of Week 4.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Colts have managed to fight back from a loss to the Houston Texans in Week 1 to hand both the New York Giants and Denver Broncos solid losses the past two weeks.
For once, the AFC South doesn't see Indianapolis at the top spot. As good as they have been, that opening-week loss has affected them a little, and could come back to haunt them in the long run if Tennessee and Houston continue to impress.
However, Peyton Manning and Austin Collie have been lighting it up recently, and the Colts pass-yard defense is ranked third in the league.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Funnily enough, the Colts need to do a lot to make the postseason this year. Firstly, they need to avoid the injury bug, as Anthony Gonzalez, Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders, and Pierre Garcon have all fallen lately.
Secondly, the Colts also need to gain their dominance back. Although Indianapolis thumped New York a week ago, they did let the Denver Broncos back into the game this past weekend, something that the Colts aren't all that known for.
Going forward, Indianapolis simply need to outsmart Houston and overcome Tennessee. Should they do that, it will be yet another postseason appearance.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Houston, @Philadelphia, vs. Cincinnati, @New England, vs. San Diego, vs. Dallas, @Tennessee, vs. Tennessee.
Final Prediction:
The Colts have many tough games ahead of them, many of which are divisional games. So it is crucial that Indianapolis regain that world-renowned dominance that they have become so famous for.
In terms of playoff football, Indianapolis could potentially miss out given their division. Yes, this is one of the best teams in football, but Houston and Tennessee have already proven that they can go the distance this season.
It's only early days yet, but maybe this will be the first year in a long time that sees Indianapolis miss out altogether, or at least attain a wild-card berth.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
Jacksonville surprised everybody when they toppled the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Since then, though, the Jaguars have struggled maintain momentum, falling to both San Diego and Philadelphia in rather unimpressive fashion.
To tell the truth, this type of performance was expected. Talent is hard to come by right now in Jacksonville, and although David Garrard's 448 yards and four touchdowns on the year have been well and truly appreciated, not much else has come from a team that ranks both 30th in points and yards on offense.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
If Jacksonville are to stand any chance of reaching the postseason, they will need to win in a hurry. In all reality, they are going to struggle with the top dogs in the AFC, but if they can beat Denver, they may be good for a few upsets this year.
The final point to be made is in regard to Maurice Jones-Drew, as he has had a high number of yards on the season, but is yet to break the plane and score a touchdown. The Jaguars need to get their playmakers going, and it needs to happen now.
Key Games Ahead:
@Buffalo, @Kansas City, vs. Cleveland, @New York Giants, vs. Oakland, vs. Washington.
Final Prediction:
Most Jaguar fans realize it, so the truth must be told: The Jaguars would be extremely lucky to make the playoffs. Talent is far and wide, and even though Maurice Jones-Drew looks good, he alone isn't enough to carry the weight of an entire team.
There is the chance that Jacksonville can make their record respectable by beating the above teams, but the postseason is a major stretch of the imagination.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Current Record: 3-0
Where They Stand Right Now:
There is no tougher team in the NFL to decipher right now than Kansas City. On one hand, you have a 3-0 record, while on the other there is the simple fact that all of this could be a fluke, and the Chiefs will return back to their below-average ways anytime soon.
Still, the fact remains that the Chiefs have looked impressive. Matt Cassel hasn't exactly been Peyton Manning-like, but the team has come together and put forward a pretty impressive effort so far this season.
Give credit where credit is due, Todd Haley has made some great moves in the draft. Tony Moeaki has been a suitable target for Matt Cassel, and Jamaal Charles is coming good again at the right time. We may not hear much from Haley, but he's got this team thinking straight.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Fortunately for the Chiefs, they have it pretty easy. Their division isn't overly tough, and although the San Diego Chargers can still be very strong, they have so far been reasonably flat to start the year.
Therefore, Kansas City needs to keep flying along at this pace. Even if they do slip up to some tougher teams, the AFC West division isn't one that is locked up tightly right now. Other than that, Kansas City needs to remain injury-free, and continue to help Matt Cassel out. If all things go to plan, the Arrowheads may be able to make their dream come true.
Key Games Ahead:
@Indianapolis, @Houston, @Oakland, @Denver, vs. Denver, @San Diego, vs. San Diego.
Final Prediction:
I'm willing to go out on a limb here and say the Chiefs will make the playoffs. The AFC West just has an unstable feeling to it right now, and if San Diego hold off from any kind of comeback, it is Kansas City's for the taking.
Not only is it great to see the Chiefs winning, it would also be exciting to have them in the playoffs. Kansas City are the type of team that could throw a "spanner in the works," and provide a few upsets, as we've seen already this year.
They may not take the first seed just yet, but a 3-0 start is starting to at least spell wild card for the boys in red and white.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
Instead of where the Miami Dolphins stand, it's important to take a look at where the AFC East stands, as the entire division is locked up at 2-1 if you discount the winless Buffalo Bills.
As favorable as this factor appears for the New York Jets or New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins are the type of team that can surprise a few people, even though their upcoming schedule may not allow them to do so.
On the playing field, the Dolphins have looked good. As disappointing as a loss to the Jets was on Sunday night, Brandon Marshall and Chad Henne showed great chemistry, along with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams' two-headed attack that has prevailed so far this season.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Dolphins first must overcome the New England Patriots in Week 4, followed by the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. This is, of course, easier said than done, but fortunately for the Dolphins, they do have home-field advantage against their AFC East rivals.
Considering the circumstances, the Dolphins would be doing well to maintain the second spot in the division. Still, New England struggled with Buffalo at times last week, and the Jets nearly slipped up big-time down in South Beach.
Miami just needs to keep playing consistently, and good things will happen. Chad Henne is developed now, and Brandon Marshall has proven to be a great pickup. Keep the chemistry up, and the Dolphins could sneak in.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. New England, @Green Bay, vs. Pittsburgh, @Cincinnati, @Baltimore, vs. Tennessee, vs. Chicago, @New York Jets, @New England.
Final Prediction:
Miami have a tough schedule ahead, that much we know. So perhaps even top-class play on the field will still find them behind in the division.
However, with the talent that this team possesses both on offense and defense, along with the coaching, Miami can out-muscle New England for the second spot. A wild-card berth may be all that is open in the coming months, but if the Dolphins can take it, they must seize the opportunity.
A prediction? The wild card seems the most likely with the Jets looking good, but there is still a long way to go in the season.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Minnesota Vikings have looked far from their best this season, starting off with an 0-2 record. But perhaps the most unimpressive factor to come from Minnesota is the fact that quarterback Brett Favre looks out of touch with the game, and no longer is as accurate as we had come to expect.
Luckily for Viking fans, Minnesota managed to beat Detroit this past week at home. However, the win was far from pretty, as Favre once again threw two interceptions, and almost missed a wide-open Percy Harvin in the end zone.
Where the Vikings stand right now is questionable. They sit third in the NFC North, and are missing Sidney Rice in the receiving game. There are positives to come from this team still, but it would be nice to have Brett Favre back to his old ways.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Vikings need to clamber back into contention, and grab the Bears while they can. Not only do they have Chicago to worry about, they also have Green Bay to keep an eye on as the favorites in the division.
On paper, the Vikings are still a very good football team. Sooner or later, it is likely that Brett Favre will return to his old ways, and when he does, we all know just how dangerous the Vikings can be.
For now, Minnesota need to get the win streak rolling, and then focus on divisional games against Green Bay in the next month. If they can take the Packers to the house and keep on rolling, the playoffs won't be such a mission.
Key Games Ahead:
@New York Jets, vs. Dallas, @Green Bay, @New England, @ Chicago, vs. Green Bay, vs. Chicago, @Philadelphia, @Detroit.
Final Prediction:
The Vikings are still one of the favorites to make the playoffs. A win this past week over Detroit was vital, and Minnesota more or less saved their season from becoming more and more meaningless. At the same time, Minnesota need to at least reach the second spot in the North, as the division is notorious for being tight toward the end of the season.
If Minnesota are successful in doing so, a wild card is easily attainable, especially if they can pull Chicago or Green Bay back a peg in the win column.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Patriots have had quite a successful start to the season. First they knocked off Cincinnati in impressive fashion, and although they lost to New York in Week 2, the Patriots nearly had their second consecutive victory this year.
But for all of the Patriots' talent, they haven't been at their very best. If it wasn't Tom Brady failing to show up against Rex Ryan's men, it has been Randy Moss' ongoing contract saga, which has affected the receiving game a little.
To make matters worse, New England also got a mild scare from Buffalo this past weekend. The Patriots did hold on to win, but it was not the complete domination that we have come to expect from New England.
New England are steady right now, but could be a little better in certain aspects of play.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Patriots have a tough job ahead of them. Not only do they need to win the AFC East, they also need to push past Miami and New York, who look very promising once again this year. This isn't a scenario the Patriots are unfamiliar with, but it is one that seems to get tougher as each season draws on.
Lastly, the Patriots also need to get Randy Moss back to his old ways. Given that Moss has caught for 139 yards and three touchdowns this season, his confidence has been a little low, and Tom Brady would certainly benefit more from Randy Moss at his very best.
Key Games Ahead:
@Miami, vs. Baltimore, @San Diego, vs. Minnesota, @Pittsburgh, vs. Indianapolis, vs. New York Jets, @Chicago, vs. Miami.
Final Prediction:
This year could very well be the first in many that sees New England miss out all together. Like the Indianapolis Colts, the division rivalries don't favor New England as they have in past years, and with the Jets and Dolphins looking ever so dominant, even a wild-card berth doesn't look to be a certainty.
Things may change in the coming months, but for now the Dolphins may have a slight edge in terms of the second-place spot. Given there is a ton of time left in the season, New England's time is starting to run out a little in the AFC East.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Saints looked very similar to their 2009 form up until their clash with the Atlanta Falcons. Given that New Orleans could have won that game off of a Garrett Hartley field goal, the Saints instead took their foot off the gas a little, and allowed Atlanta to catch them in the NFC South.
When it comes to speaking of the Saints' talent, they of course have the goods. Yet, at the same time, do they have what it takes to out-muscle Atlanta once again and regain control of the division?
Right now, it does seem that momentum is favoring the Falcons a little. However, Drew Brees is playing great football once again in 2010, and New Orleans is sixth in pass yards on defense. For a highly offensive motivated team to feature this statistic, it shows that the Saints are just as good as they were last year.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Game-wise, the Saints don't need to do much to reach the postseason, but mentally they can't allow Atlanta to gain the upper hand in momentum. Not only will this possibly ruin their chances at playoff football, it will also allow Atlanta to stroll into the postseason with the utmost confidence.
Other than keeping the Falcons at bay, New Orleans needs to win the big games this year that they were so dominant in last year. Big-time affairs against the likes of Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Cincinnati await the Saints, and these are the games they must win while the Falcons are playing elsewhere.
If this all falls into place, New Orleans should make a repeat appearance.
Key Games Ahead:
@Tampa Bay, vs. Pittsburgh, @Dallas, @Cincinnati, @Baltimore, @Atlanta, vs. Tampa Bay.
Final Prediction:
It would be more than silly to bet against the Saints right now. One loss shouldn't affect them too much, and Sean Payton will have his team riled up ahead of the Saints' clash with the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.
Maybe a loss was what this team needed to get in touch with reality. At the same time, playoff contention is neck and neck between Atlanta and New Orleans, so it is a battle worth watching all season long.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
Speculation has surrounded the Giants all week so far, on the back of their disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans this past weekend.
In the Giants 10-29 loss at home, Eli Manning looked impressive, yet at the same time running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs looked incredibly flat. When it comes to issues this season, this type of play has plagued the Giants all year.
For the most part, New York are a fairly young team. Eli Manning is now an experienced quarterback, but the receiving corps is young at heart, along with a defense that is trying to find their feet right now in the league.
At the end of the day, though, the Giants sit at 1-2, and don't look to be improving anytime soon.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Giants currently look to be one of, if not the weakest team in the NFC East. Nothing has gone right for Big Blue following their loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and as a result the Philadelphia Eagles have taken over the division.
But as we all know, the NFC East is unpredictable, and no one knows for sure who the clear favorite is until Week 16 of the regular season. Therefore, New York can still make the playoffs, if Tom Coughlin knuckles down and sorts the run game out early.
Perhaps getting rid of Brandon Jacobs is the answer, or better yet, limit his carries to the very bare minimum. This type of distraction is costing the Giants dearly, and they must correct it if they want to reach the postseason this year.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Chicago, @Houston, @Dallas, vs. Dallas, @Philadelphia, vs. Washington, @Minnesota, vs. Philadelphia, @Green Bay, @Washington.
Final Predictions:
Playoffs? I don't think so. New York have too much to overcome this season to reach the promised land just yet, and it really doesn't appear that the run game will be sorted out anytime soon. To add salt to the wound, the Giants offense ranks 20th in points scored, an incredibly low figure for an offense of talent.
Philadelphia and Dallas seem destined to rally for the top spot, and right now it's tough to say that New York even look like a wild-card team.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Jets have started the season reasonably well, considering they lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the opening week. Following on from that unimpressive display, quarterback Mark Sanchez has also excelled at an impressive rate, managing to throw for 550 yards and six touchdowns.
As for where the Jets stand as a team, New York is in a great position to capture the AFC East divisional title. Not only have they already knocked off New England and Miami in the past three weeks, they have also managed to maintain the 12th position in overall points in the NFL.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Jets need to keep this explosive streak going. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is showing highlights of how great he really can be, and when Darrelle Revis returns from a hamstring injury, it will only further add to the list of worries for opposing teams.
If the Jets are successful in reaching the postseason, it will be due to their efforts against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. If New York can beat those two again in the coming months, that will automatically give them the upper hand in the AFC East, and more than likely post them toward the playoffs.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Minnesota, @Denver, vs. Green Bay, vs. Houston, vs. Cincinnati, @New England, vs. Miami, @Pittsburgh, @Chicago.
Final Prediction:
The Jets are prime for the playoffs right now. The team is oozing with talent, and unless the entire team follows Braylon Edwards' footsteps and commits a DUI offense, the postseason seems highly likely.
Credit Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan, they've done well to keep the impressive streak going. The Jets are no longer feared to be one-hit wonders, and they firmly sit above New England and Miami in terms of being favorites for the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Raiders have looked decent for their below-.500 record so far this season. If you look past the quarterback issues that face head coach Tom Cable, running back Darren McFadden and wide receiver Louis Murphy have been the standouts for Oakland.
When it comes right down to it, though, the Raiders are always going to struggle in their division. As big as Kansas City's success story has been, the Raiders seem to struggle to overcome some of the leagues' weaker teams, even if talent is there.
Much of this may change going forward, but it is evident that there are still many issues plaguing the black hole at this point in time.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Raiders need to simply beat the weakest teams in the league. Much like Detroit, Cleveland, and other struggling teams, if Oakland can muster up some wins against lesser opponents, then they can set their sights on a possible wild-card spot.
In the meantime, the quarterback position needs to be sorted out. Jason Campbell appears to be a no-go right now, but Bruce Gradkowski's 417-yard, two-touchdown and two-interception effort isn't much better right now.
There's a ton of talent on this team in the likes of Darren McFadden, and for the most part it has been shining through. Now the Raiders need to get over that last hurdle and find the winning streak.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. San Diego, @San Francisco, @Denver, vs. Seattle, vs. Kansas City, @San Diego, @Jacksonville, vs. Denver, @Kansas City.
Final Prediction:
It appears no amount of talent will boost the Raiders to the playoffs just yet. The AFC West division is wide open, but as long as the Raiders continue to come up short against opponents, the playoffs will become even more distant.
Whether or not Kansas City hold on for the top prize is a question, but the Raiders haven't shown too many signs of reaching No. 1. As long as the season is, it's still a stretch.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Eagles under Michael Vick have looked unstoppable. Philadelphia nearly came back to defeat the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, and since then Andy Reid's men have toppled Detroit and Jacksonville in two away games.
If there is another quarterback in the league that is hotter than Michael Vick now, I haven't found him. On the weekend against Jacksonville, he passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns, as he continues to build a case for the starting role.
To think that Philadelphia were facing a tough year is a distant memory; not only do they look the goods, they can easily take the NFC East crown this season if they can overcome their difficult schedule.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
Philadelphia must first withstand any attack by the Dallas Cowboys, which is sure to come sooner or later. Not only do they have to watch out for Wade Phillips' men, they must also steer clear of the injury bug, which has bitten the team mildly this season.
With Michael Vick looking like his old Falcon self, Philadelphia seem unstoppable. However, no amount of accuracy can overcome the Eagles' tough schedule. Andy Reid is aware of it, and so are the entire team, so everyone must play to their full potential, especially toward the end of the season.
Last but not least, Philadelphia need to defeat division rivals. So far they are yet to play New York, Washington, or Dallas, but that time comes next week against the Redskins. Distance between opponents is key for the Eagles in East.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Washington, vs. Atlanta, @Tennessee, vs. Indianapolis, @Washington, vs. New York Giants, @Chicago, vs. Houston, @Dallas, vs. New York Giants, vs. Minnesota, vs. Dallas.
Final Prediction:
Looking at the Eagles' schedule, luckily they have a three-game homestand before the postseason. This should alleviate any pressure on Michael Vick's shoulders, and should also give the Eagles an opportunity to slip into the Wild Card Round if the scenario should play out.
As of now the Eagles look to be playoff bound. The team looks flash, and for once, there are no issues surrounding the team off the field. Michael Vick has the starting role, and the team is in good hands. If only the Eagles had known this at the start of the season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Current Record: 3-0
Where They Stand Right Now:
If you'd told me that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be 3-0 with the absence of Ben Roethlisberger at this point in the season, I probably would have laughed at you. But here we are three weeks in and, boy, have the Steelers made a statement.
In regards to where Pittsburgh stand right now, they looked to be unbeatable. Not only have they ticked Atlanta and Tennessee off of their schedule, they also manhandled the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Saturday.
So where have the Steelers looked good on the field?
Why, on defense of course. The dominant factor is back in the Steel City, and much of that is due to Troy Polamalu. While Pittsburgh does rank 32nd in overall pass yards on defense, the Steelers rank third in rush yards stopped, meaningful in its own right.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
There's a certain feeling that comes when the Steelers are rolling along this way. Unlike most teams, when Pittsburgh gets a full head of steam, they are unstoppable and manage to make the postseason quite comfortably.
Last season, we didn't see this from Mike Tomlin's crew, as they stumbled against teams like Cleveland and Kansas City. This time around, the offense looks great, and with Ben Roethlisberger returning in two weeks, you can't help but say they are a certainty for postseason action.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Baltimore, @Miami, @New Orleans, @Cincinnati, vs. New England, @Baltimore, vs. Cincinnati, vs. New York Jets.
Final Prediction:
If there are favorites for the postseason, the Steelers top that list. They have looked nothing but dominant the past three weeks, and by knocking off the Titans and Falcons, they look to be the real deal.
Some tough games await the Steelers in the coming months, and don't be surprised if they lose a few. Still, with Roethlisberger back and ready, the Steelers should be back where they belong in January next year.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Chargers are in a familiar position early on, as they once again have started the season poorly. Most people would have predicted this situation due to past history, but no one could have predicted losses to both Kansas City and Seattle so far.
As for the positives in San Diego, Philip Rivers is at least passing well. Currently Rivers is one of the few quarterbacks to break the 1,000-yard mark, as he sits with 1,087 to his name and seven touchdowns.
Unfortunately, though, the news hasn't been all good, as promising running back Ryan Matthews has been a dud so far, having rushed for only 104 yards and no touchdowns.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
As mentioned, Chargers running back Ryan Matthews has struggled. But the feeling around San Diego is mutual in regards to the Chargers needing to get him up and firing. Sure, Mike Tolbert has been a decent replacement; however, the Chargers rely on a run game heavily toward the end of the season.
The other factor that remains for San Diego is simply winning. The question always lingers as to whether or not they can fight back from their slump? Or will this be the year they truly fall flat on their face?
A lot is left to be discovered about the Chargers, so we'll wait and see. For now, some wins are needed, as the team stats aren't overly bad.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. New England, vs. Tennessee, @Houston, vs. Denver, @Indianapolis, vs. Kansas City, vs. San Francisco, @Cincinnati, @Denver.
Final Prediction:
Chances are the Chargers don't like seeing the Chiefs atop the division. Not only are San Diego familiar with top spot, they won't like being labeled as second best out West.
Testy games lay ahead for Norv Turner, especially in the likes of Houston and Indianapolis. Looking at the Chargers first-rank yardage offense, you could say that they have the goods, even though San Diego really haven't found that winning gene.
We've all written this team off before, so I'll play it safe and say the Chargers are still a playoff team. This year though, the wild card may be their best friend.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Current Record: 0-3
Where They Stand Right Now:
Where do the 49ers stand right now? Easy—in no man's land.
First and foremost, San Francisco have struggled to hit the ground running. For a team with this kind of expectation heading into the season to play this poorly is simply embarrassing for Mike Singletary and his team.
Secondly, the 49ers are struggling in most areas on the field. Currently they rank 31st in points scored, a stat that you wouldn't dream of when looking at this team on paper.
It's very fair to say that the 49ers have some issues, and their 0-3 record tells just that.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
For San Francisco to reach their goal set at the beginning of the year, first they have to beat the easy teams. It's quite odd to see San Francisco compete with New Orleans one week, but then be totally outplayed by the Chiefs the very next.
This has been the story of the 49ers season. Next, San Francisco have to get the offense going. Give the ball to Frank Gore and let him run it, and then place the ball in Alex Smith's hands and see if he is really eligible to be the starter.
It may not be what San Francisco fans want to hear right now, but the only way they can return from this hole is by resorting to the drawing board.
Key Games Ahead:
@Atlanta, vs. Philadelphia, vs. Denver, vs. Tampa Bay, @Green Bay, vs. Seattle, @San Diego.
Final Prediction:
It may be too little too late for the 49ers. Now that head coach Mike Singletary is on a hot seat, San Francisco face an uphill task of climbing back into the thick of things.
To make matters worse, Seattle surprisingly sits atop the division, which would be a bitter pill for the 49ers to swallow. Things may turn around quickly, but if that is to happen, San Francisco will have to start by beating the red-hot Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome this Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
One of the bigger stories to come out of the season so far has been the Seattle Seahawks' determination, that has surprisingly payed off in the form of a 2-1 record.
Entering 2010, Seattle seemed to be overloaded with talent. As much of a question as Matt Hasselbeck was, Leon Washington, Earl Thomas, and Golden Tate were always going to be players to watch out for this season.
Luckily for the Seahawks, all things have gone right so far. Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 600 yards, and Seattle's offense ranks ninth in points scored.
There's a long ways to go yet, but boy, Seattle look like a big-time sleeper pick in the West.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Seahawks need to keep winning. They have a small amount of distance with other teams in the division, and with any luck, Arizona will drop away sometime soon.
Better yet, Matt Hasselbeck needs to continue to be the leader for this time. So far, he's stepped out of his poor form of last season, and although he's thrown five interceptions already this year, he's providing a veteran voice for his team.
Lastly, Seattle need to keep Leon Washington going. When number 33 plays well, as he did against San Francisco, good things happen, so it's vital Pete Carroll recognizes that.
Key Games Ahead:
@Chicago, vs. Arizona, vs. New York Giants, @Arizona, @New Orleans, vs. Kansas City, @San Francisco, vs. Atlanta, @Tampa Bay.
Final Prediction:
The Seahawks should make the playoffs comfortably at this rate. San Francisco are also likely to surge in the coming weeks, but that isn't to say Seattle can't keep winning in the future.
Fortunately, there are only a handful of really tough games for Pete Carroll to deal with, and although the divisional games are important, they certainly don't discount Seattle in any way. We won't write San Francisco off at all, but even a wild-card chance would be a big positive for the Seahawks.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Rams have looked solid lately, even though they face a 1-2 start. Sam Bradford has been passing the ball well, and even though running back Steven Jackson has gone down injured, has started the season reasonably well.
For the most part, these improvements have been well and truly positive for the Rams. Unfortunately, though, only one win has been posted in St. Louis, and Steve Spagnuolo once again retreats to the drawing board to muster up a new plan.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Rams need to keep sticking with it. Sam Bradford has 655 yards and four touchdowns on the year, and St. Louis' young but potentially talented offense hasn't looked all that bad.
If St. Louis stick to their guns and keep trying, these one- and two-points losses should start to become wins. No one in their right mind expected Sam Bradford to perform miracles this year, however the Rams now find themselves in a Detroit Lions-style position, looking good and determined, but still below .500.
If the injury bug stays at bay and St. Louis beat some weaker teams, they can at least top their record from 2009.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Seattle, @Detroit, vs. Carolina, @Arizona, vs. Kansas City, @Seattle.
Final Predictions:
The playoffs are clearly a no-go for the Rams, but that isn't to take away from the progress they've made. Maybe in the next five years we will see Sam Bradford lead the Rams all the way, but a 1-2 start won't do them any favors this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
The Bucs stand in a very favorable position right now. Not only are they tied with Atlanta and New Orleans in the NFC South, their offense is also looking impressive.
Some may say that Tampa Bay are merely a fluke. However, even though they did lose to Pittsburgh on Sunday, they have still come a long way from their form in 2008. As it stands, Josh Freeman has thrown for 544 yards and four touchdowns in the year, and this is a reason for the Bucs to celebrate.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
There's no doubt a tough task awaits Tampa Bay. They are in a deadlock with two of the toughest teams in the league, so they will need to win just about each and every week if they are to continue in the hunt for the top spot.
Still, the playoffs aren't totally a big stretch for this team. It appears that this year no single team will run away with the division, and Tampa Bay could slip into second spot ahead of either New Orleans or Atlanta if neither are careful.
Key Games Ahead:
@Cincinnati, vs. New Orleans, @Atlanta, vs. Carolina, @Baltimore, vs. Atlanta, @Washington, @New Orleans.
Final Prediction:
It seems that the odds are still against Tampa Bay no matter how good they may look. I'll once again play it safe and say that they will just miss out, but don't expect it to be by a huge margin.
Even if Tampa Bay fall short this year, an above-.500 record would say a lot about this team's future. It's a very young team, and sooner or later the Bucs are going to break that barrier; it's just a question of when, rather than how.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Current Record: 2-1
Where They Stand Right Now:
Tennessee have hit the ground running so far this season. With a 2-1 record, the Titans sit locked in second place, below the Houston Texans and above the Indianapolis Colts, in the AFC South division.
As we all expected, Chris Johnson and Vince Young have been great. But what has been more promising is the fact that the Titans offense ranks fifth in overall points, and their run defense has been almost inpenetrable.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Titans no doubt have a task ahead of them in withstanding the Colts and Texans, but they can achieve this goal if they win all divisional games.
This upcoming week, Tennessee are set to take on Denver in a game that could place them atop the division. However, with Indianapolis and Houston still a threat, every win is of course as vital as the last.
On the field, Tennessee need to keep Vince Young rolling and Chris Johnson running. Obviously, Chris Johnson is a given, but Vince Young needs to maintain consistency, something he struggled with last year. If Tennessee can maintain balance all year long, they can win the division, or come second best.
Key Games Ahead:
vs. Denver, @Dallas, vs. Philadelphia, @San Diego, @Miami, @Houston, vs. Indianapolis, vs. Houston, @Indianapolis.
Final Prediction:
The playoffs? Not this year. It's unfortunate to say, but with Houston so intent on reaching their first-ever appearance in their history, and Indianapolis always a massive threat, there is no room for Tennessee to make a move just yet.
Talent is there, though, and maybe if they get lucky, Tennessee can squeeze in. The Titans still haven't been tested just yet, and unfortunately the bigger games come toward the end of the season, when they are of course the most meaningful.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Current Record: 1-2
Where They Stand Right Now:
It's funny to look at the NFC East standings and see a 1-2 team in second place, but this fact only further displays how topsy-turvey this season has been in the opening three weeks.
As for the Redskins on the field, Donovan McNabb has looked surprisingly accurate. Ahead of his homecoming clash with the Washington Redskins, McNabb has stepped up in every way possible, passing for 833 yards and two touchdowns.
Unfortunately, though, not all of the Redskins team has looked this solid. On defense, Washington has struggled to maintain the run, ranking 28th in rush defense. It is only early days yet, but the defensive side of the ball is Mike Shanahan's biggest concern right now.
What They Need To Do To Make The Playoffs:
The Redskins need to distance themselves from New York and Dallas, and keep up with Philadelphia. Even if the Eagles get out to a big-time lead in the East, as long as the Redskins hold on to the second spot, they can at least rely on the wild card.
This may be easier said than done with Dallas looming and looking to explode off of the bye week, but Washington at least have some confidence going, which needs to last the remainder of the season if they are to stand a chance.
Key Games Ahead:
@Philadelphia, vs. Green Bay, vs. Indianapolis, @Chicago, @Detroit, vs. Philadelphia, @Tennessee, vs. Minnesota, @New York Giants, @Dallas, vs. New York Giants.
Final Prediction:
At the present time, the Redskins could be labeled as a wild-card team, but they have struggled against weaker opponents. To use an example, Washington slipped up against St. Louis this past weekend, and may stumble in the future.
There upcoming games are questionable, along with the playoffs, so we'll have to wait and see this season.
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