NFL Playoff Picture: Odds for Each Contender To Make the Playoffs

The NFL playoff picture is far from being established, but we're starting to get a better idea of who we'll most likely see in this years' postseason.

With four games to go, the jockeying for playoff positioning is in full swing and the Wild Card spots are certainly up for grabs.

It's going to be a dramatic ending to what's been a parity-filled season in the NFL.  

Here's a list of playoff contenders and the chances they have to make the NFL's second season...

Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 05: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated t

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 35%

Remaining Schedule: @San Francisco, vs. Atlanta, @Tampa Bay, vs. St. Louis

The Seahawks are already behind the eight-ball at 6-6, and games against the Falcons and the Bucs won't be easy. Marshawn Lynch had a career day against the lowly Panthers, but the defenses they face in their final four are stout.

San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-1

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 45%

Remaining Schedule: vs. Kansas City, vs. San Francisco, @Cincinnati, @Denver

We thought we were in for another Chargers late season run, then they lost to the Raiders at home. Two games behind the Chiefs in the AFC West, it won't be easy, but if they can beat KC next weekend, Chargers fans will like their team's chances in the final weeks.

Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts pitches the football against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cowboys defeated the Colts 38-35 in overtime. (Photo by Sco

Odds Team Makes Playoffs 45%

Remaining Schedule: @Tennessee, vs. Jacksonville, @Oakland, vs. Tennessee

We haven't seen the Colts at 6-6 in a long time, and Peyton Manning hasn't struggled like this since his rookie season. With all the injuries taking their toll, the lack of a running game and Manning being out of sync with his receivers, it's very realistic that the Colts could miss out on the 2010 postseason. 

Oakland Raiders

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-

Odds Team Makes Playoffs 45%

Remaining Schedule: @Jacksonville, vs. Denver, vs. Indianapolis, @Kansas City

I'm not sure if they can catch the Chiefs, but if they do, they quite possibly could own the tiebreaker. They're built for the month of December with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, but they're basically out of the Wild Card race.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 50%

Remaining Schedule: @Washington, vs. Detroit, vs. Seattle, @New Orleans

The Bucs could be haunted by their loss to the Falcons this past week as they now are a full two games behind the second-place Saints in the NFC South. They do have a more favorable schedule than most, but a Week 17 match-up in the SuperDome could decide their fate.  

St. Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams walks off the field following the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the C

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 55%

Remaining Schedule: @New Orleans, vs. Kansas City, vs. San Francisco, @Seattle

They hold the tiebreaker with Seattle, having beat the Seahawks in Week 4. I really like what I've seen out of Sam Bradford of late, and the defense is better than many think. The Rams have a chance to be 8-8 or worse and win the NFC West. The division is that bad.

Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

Odds Team Makes Playoffs 65%

Remaining Schedule: @Detroit, @New England, vs. New York Giants, vs. Chicago

The Packers could still win their division and are definitely alive for that last Wild Card spot. Games against the Pats and the Giants won't be easy, and they get Chicago at home to end the year, a classic NFC North game that could be for the division crown.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks away from Chris Hope #24 of the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars won 17-6. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 65%

Remaining Schedule: vs. Oakland, @Indianapolis, vs. Washington, @Houston

The Jaguars are the weakest of the division leaders right now but have gained loads of confidence winning four of their last five. Maurice Jones-Drew is the ideal bad-weather back you can rely on, and although they have trouble defending the pass, the defense has made stops when needed. The Colts will be on their tail, but they always seem to play Indianapolis tough. 

New York Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 65%

Remaining Schedule: @Minnesota, vs. Philadelphia, @Green Bay, @Washington

The Giants have quietly moved to 8-4, but with only one home game left, they won't be able to cruise into the postseason. However, if Brandon Jacobs gets going and their receiving corp gets healthy, watch out for the G-Men.

Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 70%

Remaining Schedule: vs. New England, @Minnesota, vs. New York, @Green Bay

The Bears have miraculously reached the 9-3 mark, and have rattled off five straight. Their defense is back to its old ways, and Jay Cutler has cut down on the turnovers. The last four games are brutal, and the final game against the Packers could decide the division, with the loser possibly missing out on the playoffs all together. 

Philadelphia Eagles

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with team mate Mike McGlynn #77 after throwing his teams first touchdown against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo b

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 75%

Remaining Schedule: @Dallas, @New York Giants, vs. Minnesota, vs. Dallas

Mike Vick is leading one of the more multi-faceted offensive attacks in the NFL. They're tied at 8-4 with the Giants but hold the tiebreaker. They should win the NFC East, playing their last two games at home against "lesser" opponents, but it won't be a walk in the park for Andy Reid's team. 

Baltimore Ravens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 75%

Remaining Schedule: @Houston, vs. New Orleans, @Cleveland, vs. Cincinnati

They split with the arch-rival Steelers and are a game behind Pittsburgh, but Baltimore is basically a lock to find one of the Wild Card spots. The Ravens are a complete team, and their schedule isn't too difficult.

Kansas City Chiefs

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against Aaron Curry #59 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 80%

Remaining Schedule: @San Diego, @St. Louis, vs. Tennessee, vs. Oakland

With the Chiefs' explosive and punishing run game, they should have no problem moving the ball and scoring points in winter weather. The defense isn't a star-studded unit, but they're very disciplined and get off the field in big situations. The schedule isn't terrible and they finish out with two home games. With the cushion they've created for themselves, they should win the AFC West. 

New Orleans Saints

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Dree Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 80%

Remaining Schedule: vs. St. Louis, @Baltimore, @Atlanta, vs. Tampa Bay

The Saints aren't getting nearly the amount of publicity the reigning Super Bowl champion usually gets, and after a rather disappointing 4-3 start, the Saints have won five straight. Their final three games are treacherous, but you can at least pencil them in as the Wild Card.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Running back Isaac Redman #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 90%

Remaining Schedule: vs. Cincinnati, vs. New York Jets, vs. Carolina, @Cleveland

The Steelers stole one from the Ravens in Baltimore on SNF and now are on the fast track to the playoffs. They're battling a few injuries but their remaining schedule is relatively easy, and even if they trip up, they should find themselves as one of the two Wild Card teams. 

New England Patriots

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots congratulates teammate Deion Branch #84 after a fourth quarter touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. New England defea

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 90%

Remaining Schedule: @Chicago, vs. Green Bay, @Buffalo, vs. Miami

Tonight could determine the AFC East title, but the Patriots have found their new identity, and their defense has become one of the more underrated groups in the NFL. You can never count out Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and even if they get swept by the Jets, they'll host a first-round game as the top Wild Card.

New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks to throw a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bengal 26-10.

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 95%

Remaining Schedule: vs. Miami, @Pittsburgh, @Chicago, vs. Buffalo

The Jets have narrowly escaped defeat more than a few times this season, and their 9-2 record makes them about as close to a lock for the playoffs as you can get. The competition is stiff in December but even if they stumble a bit, they should have no issue wrapping up the Wild Card. Would like to see if Sanchez can repeat last season's performance in December and January.

Atlanta Falcons

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Running back Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a first quarter touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Im

Odds Team Makes Playoffs: 98%

Remaining Schedule: @Carolina, @Seattle, vs. New Orleans, vs. Carolina

The Falcons look like the most complete team in the NFC and have Matt Ryan to lead them in the clutch. They play Carolina twice and get the Saints at home. The Falcons are going to the playoffs and are a force to be reckoned with.