NFL Playoff Picture: Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Teams That Need Some Help

With two weeks left in the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is becoming more and more clear.

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have established themselves as the best team in the NFL, leading a strong AFC playoff race with a 12-2 record.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons look like the best team in the NFC, but Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are close behind.

The biggest game in the race for an NFC wild card slot will take place at Lambeau Field this weekend when the Green Bay Packers take on the New York Giants. The winner will likely take the sixth seed in the NFC and the loser will likely go home.

Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping for a tie in that game, as they don't control their own destiny. They'll need some help if they want to be playing in January.

Here are five teams that don't control their own playoff destinies.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers straight-arms safety C.C. Brown #39 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Im

The Buccaneers overtime loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday was devastating to their playoff chances.

Now, they need to root against the Giants this weekend and root for the Giants and Packers to lose in Week 17.

Oh, and the Bucs would need to win next week at home against the Seahawks and on the road in New Orleans in Week 17.

That's a tough task for a young team.

4. Green Bay Packers

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

The Packers can make it to the playoffs by winning their next two games against the Giants and the Chicago Bears.

But, if they want to host a first-round playoff game, they'll need a little help from the Vikings tonight or the Jets next weekend.

They need the Bears to lose at least one more game before Week 17, when the Bears and Packers play.

If that happens, Green Bay can win the NFC North with a win over the Bears.

3. Oakland Raiders

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs for yardage during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The Raiders are 5-0 against AFC West foes this season.

But, they stand at 7-7 now and are long shots to make the playoffs.

There is a chance the Raiders could play in January though, but they'll need some help from the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans must beat the Chiefs and the Raiders must beat the Colts in order to set up a showdown for the AFC West title in Week 17.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Maurice Jones-Drew #32 against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

With their loss at Indianapolis on Sunday, the Jaguars lost control of the AFC South.

Now, they have to win both of their remaining games and hope either Oakland or Tennessee manages to knock off the Colts along the way.

But, the Jaguars have a very favorable schedule remaining, with games against two of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in the Redskins and Texans.

They could finish at 10-6, but it won't matter if the Colts don't lose.

1. San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers reacts to a penalty during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

The Chargers can still win the AFC South, but they'll need to win out and get some help from either the Titans or Raiders.

San Diego has two road games remaining on their schedule, but they are against the Bengals and the Broncos, two very winnable games.

If the Chargers win those games, it'll keep pressure on the Chiefs to win the rest of their games or else face the possibility of not making the playoffs.