NFL Playoff Picture: Which Contenders Have Toughest Paths to Super Bowl?

The NFL playoff picture is coming into focus.

With nearly every playoff spot still up for grabs, it's time to focus on the remaining schedule of each remaining team in the playoff race.

Now, I know that technically the Browns, the Buccaneers, the Dolphins and the entire NFC West are still in the playoff hunt, but for this list, we will just be looking at the top two teams from each division.

Who has the toughest road to the playoffs and more importantly, how will they finish?

Read on and let us know what you think.

16. San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers speaks to his teammates in the huddle during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Don

Current Record: 8-6

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 26 @ Cincinnati, Jan. 2 @ Denver

The Chargers remaining schedule is a joke, the only problem is will winning out be enough to make the playoffs? Stay tuned.

The Bolts will need the Chiefs to lose in order to drop out of the playoffs, which doesn't look like a sure bet. The real question is does Norv Turner keep his job if San Diego is kept out of the playoffs? I can think of some good coaches that would do wonders with this roster.

How They Finish: Win at Cincinnati, win at Denver.

Final Record: 10-6

15. New England Patriots

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks for a receiver against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Current Record: 11-2

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. Green Bay, Dec. 26 @ Buffalo, Jan. 2 vs. Miami

Patriots are playing better than anyone else in the NFL right now. They already were going to make short work of pretty much any team they played the last few weeks of the season, but this schedule makes it almost a certainty that they win 14 games.

Green Bay might be without Aaron Rodgers, Buffalo has little to no chance and Miami has been disappointing all year. Pretty easy remaining schedule.

How They Finish: Win vs. Green Bay, win at Buffalo, win vs. Miami

Final Record: 14-2

14. St. Louis Rams

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Brandon Gibson #11 of the St. Louis Rams is tackled by Malcom Jenkins #27 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Current Record: 6-7

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. Kansas City, Dec. 26 vs. San Francisco, Jan. 2 @ Seattle

Fairly easy road here, but all three teams they play need to win out to get a chance at the playoffs. Getting Kansas City at home is huge for a Rams team that plays much better at home than on the road.

If the Rams win that one, they will win out.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Kansas City, win vs. San Francisco, win at Seattle

Final Record: 8-8

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to teammate Rashard Mendenhall #34 during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ja

Current Record: 10-3

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. NY Jets, Thu Dec. 23 vs. Carolina, Jan. 2 @ Cleveland

Not a real tough ending for the Steelers. The Jets have been reeling since their loss to the Patriots and they haven't scored an offensive touchdown since Thanksgiving.

Carolina would be stupid to try for a win in the last three weeks. They have a chance at the no. 1 pick and a win would ruin that for them. Cleveland is a good team and playing in Cleveland will not be an easy task. But the Steelers are not going to be surprised by anyone.

How They Finish: Win vs. NY Jets, win vs. Carolina, win at Cleveland

Final Record: 13-3

12. Atlanta Falcons

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Current Record: 11-2

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ Seattle, Mon. Dec. 27 vs. New Orleans, Jan. 2 vs. Carolina

The game against New Orleans is the toughest here, but they flank that with a game in Seattle against a team that needs to win out to make the playoffs. Atlanta will put them out of their misery this week.

It seems unfair that Carolina is in a division with Atlanta, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay. That's two free wins for each of those teams.

How They Finish: Win at Seattle, win vs. New Orleans, win vs. Carolina

Final Record: 14-2

11. Baltimore Ravens

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13: Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens during action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on December 13, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-4

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. New Orleans, Dec. 26 @ Cleveland, Jan. 2 vs. Cincinnati

The Ravens remaining schedule is pretty easy. New Orleans provides a great matchup of offense against defense. If the Baltimore defense isn't too tired after a wild Monday night game, they will win.

The first time the Ravens played Cleveland, it was Peyton Hillis' breakout party. Now that the Ravens know who Hillis is, they will not give up the same kind of yardage as last time. Cincinnati has a chance to get a top-2 pick if they don't win again. I think there is no way they try to win this one.

How They Finish: Win vs. New Orleans, win at Cleveland, win vs. Cincinnati

Final Record: 12-4

10. Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 12: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-4

Remaining Schedule: Mon. Dec. 20 @ Minnesota, vs. Dec. 26 vs. NY Jets, Jan. 2 @ Green Bay

The game against Minnesota is a little hard to predict because the venue might change depending on the state of the field in Minnesota. The Jets might go into desperation mode by this point, as well they should.

The Green Bay game will be the real fascinating one. The Packers need to win out to get a chance to make the playoffs. If the Bears drop a game or so, this one could be for the division title.

How They Finish: Win at Minnesota, loss vs. NY Jets, loss vs. Green Bay

Final Record: 10-6

9. Kansas City Chiefs

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Thomas Jones #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Current Record: 8-5

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ St. Louis Rams, Dec. 26 vs. Tennessee, Jan. 2 vs. Oakland

This week at St. Louis is a much tougher game than it looks. Throw in the fact that the Rams are fighting for a playoff berth and are good at home and this will be a very entertaining game.

Tennessee is reeling and Oakland can only play role of spoilers. Which I think they can do.

How They Finish: Win at St. Louis, win vs. Tennessee, loss vs. Oakland

Final Record: 10-6

8. Philadelphia Eagles

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-4

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ NY Giants, Dec. 26 vs. Minnesota, Jan. 2 vs. Dallas

The game against the Giants is the tough one. I wonder if the Giants defense will employ the same scheme that the Bears employed a few weeks back. With the division crown up for grabs, I expect a great game.

Minnesota is out of it and they might be without Brett Favre yet again. The game against Dallas is also interesting just from a division rivalry standpoint.

How They Finish: Win at NY Giants, win vs. Minnesota, win vs. Dallas.

Final Record: 12-4

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates following the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Current Record: 8-5

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @Indianapolis, Dec. 26 vs. Washington, Jan. 2 @ Houston

With a win over Indianapolis, the Jags will clinch the AFC South. The real reason they are ranked this low as far as remaining schedule has everything to do with that game. Winning in Indianapolis isn't an easy task, but the running game featuring Maurice Jones-Drew will do some damage.

Playing Washington and Houston will be inconsequential if they win in Indy. 

How They Finish: Win at Indianapolis, win vs. Washington, loss at Houston

Final Record: 10-6

6. Inianapolis Colts

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts won 30-28. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Current Record: 7-6

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. Jacksonville, Dec. 26 @ Oakland, Jan. 2 vs. Tennessee

For Indianapolis it is all about winning against Jacksonville, if they do that then they still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs as the AFC South champs.

At Oakland will be a tough one for the Colts, but if they beat Jacksonville, they will be in playoff mode. The final game of the season against Tennessee should be an Indy win.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Jacksonville, loss at Oakland, win Tennessee

Final Record: 8-8

5. NY Giants

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants tries to outrun the tackle of E.J. Henderson #56 of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-4

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. Philadelphia, Dec. 26 @ Green Bay, Jan. 2 @ Washington

The Giants control their own fate and can take a lead in the NFC East with a win over the Eagles this week. Things don't get any easier next week with a game at Green Bay.

However, if the Giants take the division lead, the game against Washington will be a nice rest week before the playoffs.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Philadelphia, win at Green Bay, win at Washington

Final Record: 11-5

4. NY Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-4

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ Pittsburgh, Dec. 26 @ Chicago, Jan. 2 vs. Buffalo

The Jets need to be in desperation mode if they want to make the playoffs this year. A game at Pittsburgh is really tough for a Jets team that is really in need of a win.

Things don't get any better in Chicago a week later. The last game of the season against Buffalo is the only real gimme.

How They Finish: Loss at Pittsburgh, win at Chicago, win vs. Buffalo

Final Record: 11-5

3. Seattle Seahawks

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 12: Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Current Record: 6-7

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 vs. Atlanta, Dec. 26 @ Tampa Bay, Jan. 2 vs. St. Louis

The Seahawks need to win out to get a chance to make the playoffs, with their remaining schedule looking like it does, it doesn't look good for Seattle.

I could see them really going 0-3 in their last three games.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Atlanta, loss at Tampa Bay, loss vs. St. Louis

Final Record: 6-10

2. New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Malcom Jenkins #27 of the New Orleans Saints runs onto the field before playing the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Current Record: 10-3

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ Baltimore, Mon. Dec. 27 @ Atlanta, Jan. 2 vs. Tampa Bay

The Saints remaining schedule is really tough. They could end up going 0-3 or 3-0 depending on a few things.

Baltimore is a tough game for the Saints because of their defense. Atlanta is the best team in the NFC and Tampa Bay is still fighting for a playoff spot.

How They Finish: Loss at Baltimore, loss at Atlanta, win vs. Tampa Bay

Final Record: 11-5

1. Green Bay Packers

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers throws a fourth quarter pass while playing the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Current Record: 8-5

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 19 @ New England, Dec. 26 vs. NY Giants, Jan. 2 vs. Chicago

The difficult schedule the Packers is impacted by the fact that Aaron Rodgers is struggling with a concussion. He is questionable against New England this week, but his status is up in the air.

Things don't get any easier against the Giants next week or the following week against Chicago.

How They Finish: Loss at New England, loss vs. NY Giants, win vs. Chicago

Final Record: 9-7