NFL Playoff Scenarios: Teams Still Alive and What They Have To Do To Get In
Even with five weeks remaining in the regular season, the debates begin on NFL Playoff Scenarios.
Just to remind everyone, six teams from each conference make the playoffs. The four division winners seeded one through four and then the two remaining Wild Card spots go to the non-division champs with the conferences best win-loss percentages.
So, which teams are still in the chase, who is on the bubble and what teams will be eliminated?
Who are the contenders and what do they need to do to get in?
AFC: Miami, East, 6-5 -- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs
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Miami, East, 6-5-0
Miami’s on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Too many teams are ahead of them and the Dolphins have no chance to win the AFC East. That is their only spot because in the AFC, the Wild Card spots are taken.
Playoff Prediction: Miss playoffs.
Jacksonville, South 6-5 -- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs Entirely
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No. 4 Jacksonville, South 6-5-0
Jacksonville controls its playoff hopes entirely. They are tied with the Indianapolis Colts in record but possess the tiebreak with the Week Four win over Peyton Manning at home. The entire AFC South race comes down to the game in three weeks in Indy. Unfortunately, the Colts will take that game and expect the Jaguars to slip up somewhere else along the way. It could come before that matchup or definitely afterwards. Either way, Jacksonville occupies the top spot in the South only temporarily.
Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs entirely.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Tennessee Titans
@ Tennessee (5-6)
1:00 pm EST
Prediction: Loss. The Jaguars will mis-step in Tennessee.
Sun, Dec 12
Oakland Raiders
vs Oakland (5-6)
1:00 pm EST
Prediction. Win, but barely.
Sun, Dec 19
Indianapolis Colts
@ Indianapolis (6-5)
Prediction: Loss. This will squash the Jaguars playoff hopes.
Kansas City, West, 7-4-- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs Entirely
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Kansas City, West, 7-4-0
Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs entirely.
Kansas City controls their own playoff destiny as thy sit in the driver seat in the AFC West. But, both San Diego and Oakland are in the Chiefs rearview mirror. And, the Chargers are closing. They beat Peyton Manning and his Colts this weekend and it looks like Philip Rivers is remaining the league’s hottest quarterback. The Chiefs Matt Cassell played extremely well this week but it won’t be enough to matter.
I expect the Chiefs to fall from the top spot in the West. That could also mean they miss the playoffs entirely as they will be on the outside looking in on the record department. Both the Jets and Steelers will garner the five and six wild card spots. Sorry, Kansas City.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Denver Broncos
vs Denver (3-8)
Prediction: Win. Chiefs will get by Denver at home.
Sun, Dec 12
San Diego Chargers
@ San Diego (6-5)
Prediction: Loss. This is the big game for the Chiefs and they will lose to the red hot Chargers. Especially since a road game. This will allow San Diego to move ahead of Kansas City in the race for the AFC West title.
Sun, Dec 19
St. Louis Rams
@ St. Louis (5-6)
1:00 pm EST
Prediction: Loss. Rams are better than their record and will give their close by neighbors another loss in back to back weeks, all but closing the door on the Chiefs playoff hopes.
Sun, Dec 26
Tennessee Titans
vs Tennessee (5-6)
Prediction: Loss. Home game will go a long way for the Chiefs to take this win. But, where will their morale be if they have already been eliminated from a Wild Card spot?
Sun, Jan 2
Oakland Raiders
vs Oakland (5-6)
Prediction: Win. By this last game of the season, expect both the Chiefs and the Raiders to have been eliminated from playoff contention. This game will be a throw-a-way.
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Pittsburgh, North, 8-3 -- Playoff Prediction: AFC Wild Card Team
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Pittsburgh, North, 8-3-0
Pittsburgh is setup to be a Wild Card team. It all comes down to the game next week versus the Baltimore Ravens. But, expect that bitterly contested game to go to the Ravens and push the Steelers into the Wild Card chase.
Playoff Prediction: Wild Card team.
Sun, Dec 5
Baltimore Ravens
@ Baltimore (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. The battle of rivals will be a close one, as usual. But expect the Ravens to win this tight one at home and take control of the AFC North title for good.
Sun, Dec 12
Cincinnati Bengals
vs Cincinnati (2-9)
Prediction: Win. Steelers need to keep winning to retain Wild Card spot.
Sun, Dec 19
New York Jets
vs NY Jets (9-2)
Prediction: Win. This will be a battle of defenses but Steelers need to win this home game even more than the Jets. And, they will.
Thu, Dec 23
Carolina Panthers
vs Carolina (1-10)
Prediction: Win.
Sun, Jan 2
Cleveland Browns
@ Cleveland (4-7)
Prediction: Win.
N.Y. Jets, East, 9-2 -- Playoff Prediction: AFC Wild Card.
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N.Y. Jets, East, 9-2-0
The Jets right now lead the AFC East but it won’t last. Their schedule over the remaining regular season is tough, outside a final game versus the Buffalo Bills.
Playoff Prediction: AFC Wild Card. Jets get Wild Card spot and lose race to the Patriots for East title.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Mon, Dec 6
New England Patriots
@ New England (9-2)
Prediction: Loss. Big Monday Night Football game against East rival the Patriots. Expect close game but for Tom Brady and his Patriots to take this game at home.
Sun, Dec 12
Miami Dolphins
vs Miami (6-5)
Prediction: Win. This will be a tight one but look for the Jets to get by the Dolphins at home.
Sun, Dec 19
Pittsburgh Steelers
@ Pittsburgh (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. Steelers at home take this game. Both teams will be fighting for playoff spots but give Pittsburgh the edge.
Sun, Dec 26
Chicago Bears
@ Chicago (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. Many consider the Bears the worst 8-3 team in the league but their defense gets them through anything and when their offense clicks, like yesterday versus the Philadelphia Eagles, this is a contender. Look for the Bears to win as both teams will have playoff seedings on the line.
Sun, Jan 2
Buffalo Bills
vs Buffalo (2-9)
Prediction: Win. As much fun as it would be to pick the Bills to play spoiler, won’t happen. Even though the Bills have no quit in them, look for the Jets to take the season ender at home.
Indianapolis, South, 6-5 -- Playoff Prediction: AFC South Division Winner
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Indianapolis, South, 6-5-0
The Colts have struggled this year and haven’t found that rhythm they are famous for. There has been no long win streak this season and that is why Indy is fighting for its playoff survival. There is only one spot for them this year and that is to take the AFC South. It will all come down to the battle in three weeks against the Jaguars. Expect Peyton Manning and his Colts to win that one and make the playoffs
Playoff Prediction: AFC South Division Winner. No bye and will play first round of playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Thu, Dec 9
Tennessee Titans
@ Tennessee (5-6)
Prediction: Win. Indy can’t afford any slip-ups so they will go down to Tennessee and pull this one out. Expect a close one.
Sun, Dec 19
Jacksonville Jaguars
vs Jacksonville (6-5)
Prediction: Win. It will all basically come down to this game for the AFC South. Expect a hard fought game, not as high scoring as you’d expect but Peyton Manning will prevail to get his team into the playoffs.
Sun, Dec 26
Oakland Raiders
@ Oakland (5-6)
Prediction: Win. Oakland’s season will be over at this point so expect Indy to take this one. The Colts still have to win games to stay ahead of Jacksonville for the South title. Expect they will.
San Diego, West, 6-5 -- Playoff Prediction: AFC West Division Winner
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San Diego, West, 6-5-0
The Chargers are red hot coming off the impressive win this week against the Colts. And, San Diego has the Kansas City Chiefs in their sights. They will not only catch them but surpass the Chiefs.
Playoff Prediction: AFC West Division Winner.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Oakland Raiders
vs Oakland (5-6)
Prediction: Win. This will be a tight one as it always is between these two great rivals. But the Chargers prevail at home.
Sun, Dec 12
Kansas City Chiefs
vs Kansas City (7-4)
Prediction: Win. AFC West title is on the line. Philip Rivers goes crazy time in this one to make push to playoffs.
Sun, Jan 2
Denver Broncos
@ Denver (3-8)
Prediction: Loss. Denver hates the Chargers and although the Broncos season will be long over, expect them to play for pride.
New England, East 9-2-- Playoff Prediction: AFC East Division Winner
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New England, East 9-2-0
New England will surprise everyone who thinks that the New York Jets will take the AFC East title. On the surface, it appears that the Patriots have the more difficult schedule compared to the Jets. But Tom Brady is hitting massive stride on the offensive side of the ball and Coach Belichick defense is finding an identity and making stops.
Playoff Prediction: AFC East Division Winner
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Mon, Dec 6
New York Jets
vs NY Jets (9-2)
Prediction: Win. New England seizes its playoff destiny and beats the Jets at home. This will be a better offense beating a great defense. And, New England’s young defense will make some plays of their own to seal the deal.
Sun, Dec 12
Chicago Bears
@ Chicago (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. The Bears will have home field advantage and their vaunted defense. However, expect a higher score than projected.
Sun, Dec 19
Green Bay Packers
vs Green Bay (7-4)
Prediction. Win. The Packers will be fighting for their playoff lives in this game, just like the Pats. Won’t matter. The Pats know what is at stake. They have to win as many games as possible to stay ahead of the Jets. They will in this home game.
Baltimore, North, 8-3 -- Playoff Prediction: AFC North Division Winner
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Baltimore, North, 8-3-0
Playoff Prediction: AFC North Division Winner.
Right now, the Ravens sit on top of the North as a result of their win over Steelers in Week 4. These two bitter rivals will battle it out next weekend in Pittsburgh. Winner takes all, including the AFC North and probably a first round playoff bye. Big game. Other than the Saints game on Dec. 19th, the Ravens should cruise into the playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Pittsburgh Steelers
vs Pittsburgh (8-3)
Prediction: Win. These two teams don’t like each other. That’s because they are the elite teams year after year in the AFC. This looks and feels like Baltimore’s year to take the crown. Expect another defense oriented game but the Ravens to take this one at home to seal their playoff fate.
Sun, Dec 19
New Orleans Saints
vs New Orleans (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. Home game but expect the Saints to be nearing playoff level of execution. This will pit offense of Saints against defense of Ravens. Won’t be as high scoring as expected and even though in Baltimore, New Orleans will take this one as the game will be more important for the Saints to win than Ravens.
NFC: Seattle, West, 5-6-- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs.
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Seattle, West, 5-6-0
Seattle’s only chance to make the playoffs with a losing record is to take the West. Won’t happen. The St. Louis Rams are simply better and will back their way into the Super Bowl chase by winning this division.
Playoff Prediction: Miss playoffs.
Tampa Bay, South, 7-4-- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs
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Tampa Bay, South, 7-4-0
Tampa Bay is the odd team out in the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints look to battle for the division crown. With games remaining against both teams, that will push Tampa Bay out of playoff contention.
Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Atlanta Falcons
vs Atlanta (9-2)
Prediction: Loss. Atlanta will roll into Florida and take this most important game.
Sun, Dec 26
Seattle Seahawks
vs Seattle (5-6)
Prediction: Loss. Seattle will still think it has a chance to win the NFC West and will be all in for this game. Expect a surprise loss for the Bucs.
Sun, Jan 2
New Orleans Saints
@ New Orleans (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. In case their was any hope left alive for the Bucs to make the playoffs, it will all come to an end in New Orleans as the Saints win this one handily.
N.Y. Giants, East, 7-4-- Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs
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N.Y. Giants, East, 7-4
The Giants look strong but are in a death locked battle with the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East title. But the Eagles have the easier schedule and should prevail. That will make the Giants in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
Playoff Prediction: Miss Playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 19
Philadelphia Eagles
vs Philadelphia (7-4)
Prediction: Loss. The Giants got beat by the Eagles once and will lose again, ending their hopes for the Division title.
Sun, Dec 26
Green Bay Packers
@ Green Bay (7-4)
Prediction: Loss. This will be the fight for the Wild Card spot and look for the Pack to win this one at home, knocking the Giants out.
Atlanta, South, 9-2 -- Playoff Prediction: NFC Wild Card
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Atlanta, South, 9-2-0
Atlanta sits atop the NFC South, for now. The Saints are one game back and closing. But, Atlanta does control its playoff life. Win and they can take the division. Lose and they might miss the playoffs entirely. But, that is an outside possibility only, because of their record still puts them in Wild Card contention if they slip up.
Playoff Prediction: Wild Card.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
@ Tampa Bay (7-4)
Prediction: Win. This game will go a long way to clarifying the AFC South picture. It’s a must win for both teams. Atlanta wins on the road, they all but seal the deal and take the division. Expect a close one but wow, hasn't’ Atlanta been overlooked all year?
Mon, Dec 27
New Orleans Saints
vs New Orleans (8-3)
8:30 pm EST
Prediction: Loss. Big Monday Night game with all kinds of playoff scenarios on the line. Expect the Super Bowl Champs to win this tight one.
Green Bay, North, 7-4-- Playoff Prediction: NFC Wild Card
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Green Bay, North, 7-4-0
Green Bay will battle the Bears down to the wire for both the NFC North and the Wild Card spot. And, while it appears that the Pack have the slight edge in schedule, Green Bay will lose out to the Bears for the division title. The Pack simply hasn’t been clicking full throttle and put together the season everyone expected.
Playoff Prediction: Wild Card.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 19
New England Patriots
@ New England (9-2)
Prediction: Loss. In an important game for both team’s playoff hopes and positioning, Tom Brady and his Pat’s will best Aaron Rodgers and his Pack.
Sun, Dec 26
New York Giants
vs NY Giants (7-4)
Prediction: Win. Big game at Lambeau for both teams. Expect the Pack to take this in a low scoring affair, probably in the snow.
Sun, Jan 2
Chicago Bears
vs Chicago (8-3)
Prediction: Win. While the Pack will beat their division rival, it still won’t get them the NFC North title. The Bears will hold onto that one because of quality wins versus the Patriots and Jets. But, this win for the Pack will propel them into the Wild Card spot.
New Orleans, South, 8-3-- Playoff Prediction: NFC South Division Winner
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New Orleans, South, 8-3-0
Look for the Super Bowl Champs to be firing on all cylinders. With Reggie Bush back in the lineup, the offense will be clicking. And, the defense has gotten them through to this point. Now, the Saints kick it up a notch and run down Atlanta. New Orleans takes the division.
Playoff Prediction: NFC South Division Winner.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 12
St. Louis Rams
vs St. Louis (5-6)
Prediction: Win. Important game for the Rams but more important for the Saints.
Sun, Dec 19
Baltimore Ravens
@ Baltimore (8-3)
Prediction: Win. Great game and Ravens are capable of slowing Saints offense. But, New Orleans needs to win this one more than Baltimore, and will.
Mon, Dec 27
Atlanta Falcons
@ Atlanta (9-2)
Prediction: Win. Massive Monday Night game. Saints will use big game experience against young Atlanta team to take this all-important game for playoff positioning.
Sun, Jan 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
vs Tampa Bay (7-4)
Prediction: Win. Home game will seal the fate for the Saints and knock the Bucs out of any playoff contention.
St. Louis, West, 5-6 -- Playoff Prediction: NFC West Division Winner
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St. Louis, West, 5-6-0
Surprisingly enough, someone has to win the NFC West. And, believe it or not, looks like it will be the Rams. It will all come down to the final game of the season against Seattle. And, even though a road game, the Rams will take this one and squeak into the playoffs. They beat the Seahawks in Week Four and expect it again.
Playoff Prediction: NFC West Division Winner. No bye and play first week of playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 12
New Orleans Saints
@ New Orleans (8-3)
Prediction: Loss. Super Bowl Champs need to win this one too, and will.
Sun, Dec 19
Kansas City Chiefs
vs Kansas City (7-4)
Prediction: Loss. KC will take this one and it will be closer than you think. Probably an offensive shootout.
Sun, Jan 2
Seattle Seahawks
@ Seattle (5-6)
Prediction: Win. The NFC West will come down to this game.
Philadelphia, East, 7-4 -- Playoff Prediction: NFC East Division Winner
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Philadelphia, East, 7-4-0
Despite the loss to the Bears this past Sunday night, Philly is still in holds all the cards to take the NFC East. And, their remaining schedule appears to be a cake walk. It will all come down to the away game versus the New York Giants in Week Fifteen. The Eagles win that and they win the division. That simple.
Playoff Prediction: NFC East Division Winner.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 19
New York Giants
@ NY Giants (7-4)
Prediction: Win. Look for Michael Vick and his Eagles to beat the Giants again, this time on the road. This will capture the NFC East Division for the Eagles.
Chicago, North, 8-3 -- Playoff Prediction: NFC North Division Winner
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Chicago, North, 8-3-0
The Bears control the NFC North and look to hold on to this spot to close out the season. Chicago has a tough remaining schedule but two the key games are at home against both the New England Patriots and New York Jets. The Bears D can always be counted on but now, so can its offense. This is a playoff team.
Playoff Prediction: NFC North Division Winner. Bye first week of playoffs.
Key Games over Remaining Schedule:
Sun, Dec 12
New England Patriots
vs New England (9-2)
Prediction: Win. This game will go a long way to prove the Bears are actually a real playoff team Expect them to win a close one.
Mon, Dec 20
Minnesota Vikings
@ Minnesota (4-7)
Prediction: Win. Brett Favre’s last game in Chicago will be a loss.
Sun, Dec 26
New York Jets
vs NY Jets (9-2)
Prediction: Win. Two weeks after beating New England, the Bears will take out another AFC powerhouse and seal Chicago’s playoff fate.
Sun, Jan 2
Green Bay Packers
@ Green Bay (7-4)
Prediction: Loss. At Lambeau, expect the Pack to beat the Bears in a close one in the snow.
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