NFL Week 10 Predictions: Power Ranking 15 Teams on Playoff Life Support
NFL Week 10 predictions is hot off the presses.
This time around I'm looking at the infirm and feeble.
These are the teams that need to be taken off life support soon. We rank them from those most likely to make the playoffs to those that are a razor's edge from being ousted this early.
It will take a miracle for a group of these teams to get into the playoff hunt. Well maybe there is a little magic out there for some.
I am sure that some of you in Dallas and Minnesota are holding on by a thread right now.
No. 15: Miami Dolphins
1 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Dolphins are the victim of a very tough schedule. I have contended before that this team is a good but not great one. Their defeats have illustrated that point. They have key losses to the Patriots, Jets, Steelers and Ravens. All of their wins come against much lesser opponents.
This Week:
The journey does not get any easier this week. They may be playing at home, but it is to the well rested Tennessee Titans. The Titans look playoff bound and just acquired Randy Moss, in case you were stuck in a cave for the past week.
Prediction:
Titans 27, Dolphins 24
Panic Scale:
Three.
There are still plenty of games to be played. Even if the Phins do drop this Sunday's game, the schedule does get remarkably easier for them, save that Pats game to finish off the season.
No. 14: Oakland Raiders
2 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Raiders were not supposed to make the playoffs before the season started. So, let's not jump all over these guys for what they haven't done. Instead, the Raiders have had a couple weeks of great football. Jason Campbell is showing that he was a wise investment. We will see where this story takes us with Bruce Gradkowski's return.
This Week:
BYE
Prediction:
There will be an influx of information from the Raiders camp on who the starter will be against Pittsburgh in Week 11.
Panic Scale:
Three.
There should not be much to worry about as the playoffs would be gravy. But now that you are in the playoff hunt, you are going to want to stay in it.
No. 13: Houston Texans
3 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The AFC South is a tight knit group. First and last place are only separated by one game. The Texans let two games get away from them. If they could have the Chargers and Cowboys games back, they could easily be in first. How does one lose to the Cowboys anyway? Please, Jason Garret wants to know.
This Week:
Nothing like an AFC South division rivalry game to get the blood going. The Texans travel to Jacksonville and hope to side step slipping into last place.
Prediction:
Texans 24, Jaguars 17
Panic Scale:
Four.
Their schedule does not get any easier after this weekend. They still have to face the Titans twice. They also face the Jets, Eagles and Ravens.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 12: Chicago Bears
4 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
For a while there, the Bears' line was letting anyone and their mother come in and sack their quarterback, Jay Cutler. Then came last week and Cutler's solid game in Buffalo. Granted the Bills have a soft defense but any positive signs from Cutler should be noticed. The Bears will live or die by his arm.
This Week:
This week the Bears take on the Vikings at home. They absolutely must win this game. Not only is it a division game, it comes against a team that is ready to burst open at any time.
Prediction:
Vikings 24, Bears 27
Panic Scale:
Four.
The Bears should be fine. Just as long as their offensive line does not get their QB killed any time soon.
No. 11: Washington Redskins
5 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Redskins cannot cover the pass. They are ranked 31st in the league in opposition passing yards. It is the reason they dropped winnable games against St. Louis and Detroit. If they had someone who could mark a receiver, they might be neck and neck with the Giants.
This Week:
This week they get a much needed home game. A team on the ropes can always use some home cooking. Too bad they are welcoming Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles to dinner.
Prediction:
Eagles 27, Redskins 17
Panic Scale:
Five.
I only see four games left that the Redskins should win easily. That does not leave a lot of room for error.
No. 10: Seattle Seahawks
6 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Seahawks are a bipolar team. Just when you think they are a mediocre team, they dominate for two weeks. So, then comes the talk of them and the playoffs and they subsequently drop two games. If this team were in any other division they would be planning for the off season right now.
This Week:
Seattle shares the garbage game of the week award with the Arizona Cardinals.
Prediction:
Seattle 17, Cardinals 14
Panic Scale:
Five.
The Seahawks are in such a bad division that staying at .500 will most likely net you first place.
No. 9: Jacksonville Jaguars
7 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Jags were another team that was supposed to be out of it by now. But on the coattails of Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville finds them in a tough divisional race. I think they drop this week's game to the Texans. That will not deter this tough gritty team. They will stick around until the end to fight for a spot in the playoffs.
This Week:
AFC South grudge match. The loser gets last place all to themselves.
Prediction:
Texans 24, Jaguars 17
Panic Scale:
Five.
The problem with being a mediocre team is that the schedule seems insurmountable. It will take a lot from QB David Garrard for the Jaguars to finish with a winning record.
No. 8: San Diego Chargers
8 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Chargers would be the best team the NFL has ever seen, if we decided not to take into account turnovers and special teams. San Diego's worst enemy has been themselves. Perennial slow starters are finding it very difficult to get back in the race.
This Week:
BYE
Prediction:
They play on the 22nd against Denver. They should win that one. Then again they should have won many of their games. There is no telling where this team will sink to next.
Panic Scale:
Five.
The only saving grace is that they play in a bad division. Despite a horrible start, they are only a couple of games from ruling the AFC West.
No. 7: Arizona Cardinals
9 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
They came this close to extinction by fielding a bad team. It is as simple as that. It bothers me that a team that plays little to no defense and still has no idea who their QB is, can still make the playoffs. Parity is good and all, but his this is ridiculous.
This Week:
As I previously mentioned, the Cards will take on Seattle. If the NFL makes me watch this thing by including it in my zone I am going to scream.
Prediction:
Seattle 17, Cardinals 14
Panic Scale:
Six.
I think panic is a bad word for the Cardinals. Maybe acceptance. Yes they should learn to accept they are a bad team.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns
10 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
Last week I would not have even included the Browns on this list. There was simply no way I could see them in a playoff race. Then they had their second stunning victory in a row. The Browns have knocked off two of the best in the NFL in the Saints and Patriots. I guess anything is possible.
This Week:
They have a home game this week against the Jets. Should be easy for them considering their recent successes.
Prediction:
Jets 24, Browns 10
Panic Scale:
Six.
There is just not enough magic in the world to keep this train going. If they do win this week, I will gladly eat my words.
No. 5: Cincinnati Bengals
11 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
I had the AFC North pegged as one of the toughest divisions before the season started. I thought it was going to be a three team race right down to the wire. I, like many of you, were enamored with the Bengals' offense and the potential that it had. As we have found, you need more than two great receivers to win ball games. The Bengals don't run very well and they have no defense. That is a problem.
This Week:
The Bengals get to travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts.
Prediction:
Bengals 17, Colts 35
Panic Scale:
Seven.
Remember when I said they have no defense. Yeah, that will come into play this Sunday.
No. 4: San Francisco 49ers
12 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The 49ers should thank the Cowboys and Vikings. Without them, San Francisco would be by far the NFL's biggest let down of 2010. The 49ers started off the season with five straight losses. That is never good, even in a garbage filled division like the NFC West.
This Week:
It's division rivalry time against the Rams. The 49ers need this one desperately.
Prediction:
Rams 24, 49ers 17
Panic Scale:
Eight.
This is a make or break week for the 49ers. If they win this game they are back in the hunt. If they lose, they close the door even further on their chances to make the postseason.
No. 3: Denver Broncos
13 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Broncos cover the pass fairly well, it's just too bad that most NFL teams like to use this thing called a running back. They are horrid at covering that part of the game. Coincidentally the Broncos could use one of those running back players if you see an extra one lying around.
This Week:
They play the division leading Chiefs at home. A win here could get some momentum going.
Prediction:
Chiefs 21, Broncos 10
Panic Scale:
Eight.
The Broncos are hanging by a thread. They are the worst team in a bad division. If they are going to make a move, now would be the time.
No. 2: Minnesota Vikings
14 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
The Vikings started the season 1-2. Then they hit the panic button and signed Randy Moss. They then got rid of the panic button and used the much worse we are screwed button. It is never good when our head coach is working week to week. That is the exact position Brad Childress finds himself in. This ship is sinking fast.
This Week:
This week the circus travels to Chicago. I don't see this ending well for the Vikings.
Prediction:
Vikings 24, Bears 27
Panic Scale:
Nine.
There is still hope. But the light at the end of the tunnel is very faint and not many people can see it.
No. 1: Dallas Cowboys
15 of 15
How They Got This Close To Extinction:
No one knows how this happened really. Experts claim that the new Cowboys stadium is built on an Indian burial ground. Okay, I made that up. But really there is no reason this team should have only one win. I hate to even include them here, but as I looked at their record I noticed that they could still end with nine wins. They have the talent to do something like that, however unlikely it might be.
This Week:
Jason Garrett's first game as head coach will be against the very talented New York Giants.
Prediction:
Cowboys 24, Giants 35
Panic Scale:
Ten.
Every week has been a must win for the Cowboys. This is the week that it is mathematically a must. Sadly, I see them losing. Then Jason Garrett will enjoy his first post game interview while sitting on the hot seat.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")