NFL Playoff Picture: Six Teams on the Outside Looking In

There are a number of teams in both conferences that are in dire need of help to make the playoffs.  Some of them were in prime position to win their divisions throughout the season but have since faltered.  Among them are the Green Bay Packers, whose playoff hopes died with Aaron Rodgers' concussion last week.  A loss to New England last night pretty much ended their season.  

The NFL Playoff Picture is now starting to clear up but remains fuzzy in some areas.  It's rather been "surprise" teams that have taken the place of some playoff regulars this season.  Presently, it appears that the only clear-cut Super Bowl favorite has to be New England.  Although, on both sides, there are a number of viable contenders.  

In what could be the last NFL season for a short while, (2011 strike on the horizon) it's sure been interesting.  These final few weeks will now decide a lot.  Ultimately though, all will be decided on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. Until then, the remaining two-week slate will determine who gets the privilege to play in the playoffs.

Here are some teams that will need help to get into the playoffs. 

AFC: 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 Oakland Raiders have been one of several "surprise" teams this season.  Darren McFadden has powered the Raiders and kept them right in the AFC West hunt for most of the season.  Now two games out though, they will need loads of help to make the playoffs.

The Raiders are two games out of the division lead and in third in the division currently.  They'd have to win out and the Kansas City Chiefs would have to lose out.  In addition to this, the San Diego Chargers would have to go 1-1 at best.  This would make them all stand at 9-7 and in that case "DA RAIDAS" (Chris Berman voice) would win the AFC West.  

To their own credit, they're a remarkable 5-0 in their division, unfortunately though, they're 2-7 against their other opponents.  At this point, it would be their divisional record that would get them into the playoffs. 

NFC: Seattle Seahawks

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Running back Justin Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks is lifted by center Chris Spencer #65 as they celelbrate his four yard touchdown carry against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadiu

Seattle has stayed on the heels of division rival St. Louis all season.  Finally, this will come to a head on the final day of the season in Seattle where the "12th Man" could win them the division.  This up-and-down season for both of these teams will see them be able to at best finish the season at .500.  This is puzzling considering the teams that will win 10 and 11 games yet will be watching from home.  

Seattle simply needs to continue to keep pace with St. Louis for another week.  Then, the division will be on the line in the final week where the Seahawks boast the home-field advantage.  They will then look to avenge a Week 4 loss in St. Louis. 

Their a mediocre team at best but somehow might be able to host a playoff game in the first round.  Seattle would certainly be a tough place for any opponent to come into and "steal" a playoff win.  They're 4-3 at Qwest Field and definitely will be using it to their advantage if they get into the playoffs.  

AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars dives against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 34-24. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty I

Jacksonville has been led by MVP candidate Maurice Jones-Drew.  With a win this past weekend, they could've sealed the AFC South up.  In a major turn of events though, the Jags now can't control their own destiny.  Suddenly, they're rather the squad on the "outside looking in."  

They do have the opportunity to finish strong by closing with two sub-.500 teams in Washington and Houston.  At times, the Jags have looked "dreaded" this season.  For the most part though, they've looked like a playoff-worthy team that could win their division.  

To do what Peyton Manning's done with the talent around him is extraordinary.  He's clearly still in the game's elite and has a lot left in him.  Manning alone could've just spoiled the Jags' playoff hopes yesterday.  Though the Colts and Jags split the season series and are now tied at 8-6, all signs point to the Colts escaping to the playoffs.   

NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 and receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate Blount's touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida

The Detroit Lions have been the top spoiler this season.  Last week, they pretty much put both Aaron Rodgers' and the Green Bay Packers' seasons away.  Then, they follow that up by dealing the Tampa Bay Bucs a great blow yesterday.  The "surprise" Bucs are still alive and breathing but nothing more.  Josh Freeman and LaGarette Blount have been the mainstays for this team and nearly willed them to the playoffs.

Tampa will now need a plethora of help if they are to participate in the playoffs.  The road is difficult enough in playing Seattle and New Orleans in the final weeks.  As if that weren't already enough, they're a full game behind the New York Giants for the desired 6th spot in the NFC playoffs.  

Tampa must win their final two games to even have a shot.  In addition, they will need the New Orleans Saints to lose out.  In this case, they'd claim the tiebreaker over the Saints and kick the defending champions out.  

AFC: 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 won't need as much help making the playoffs though they are still out as of now.  The Chiefs' win yesterday certainly made matters worse for the Chargers going forward.  They remain a full game behind and will need to win their final two games.  Also, they need the Chiefs to lose at least one of their games, both of which are at home.  The Chiefs are a remarkable 6-0 at Arrowhead Stadium.  

Phillip Rivers' magnificent, MVP-worthy season could go to spoils if the Chargers fail to make the playoffs.  They still are young in the backfield but will need them to develop rapidly to help Rivers.  The absence of Ladainian Tomlinson has been the reason why the Chargers have thrown the ball so much.  Rivers may exceed 4,800 passing yards this season.   

NFC: Green Bay Packers

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Safety Patrick Chung #25 of the New England Patriots tackles wide receiver Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The

The Green Bay Packers' hopes dashed with Aaron Rodgers' injury last week.  They can still win the NFC North but this is a giant order as the Bears have the chance to clinch tonight with a win against Minnesota.  Matt Flynn did all that he possibly could last night but it wasn't enough to defeat the New England Patriots.  Not having Rodgers in the crunch still hurt though and the Packers suffered.  

A wild-card spot is still possible but unlikely.  They are more so aiming for the division title.  A spot in the playoffs, more particularly the division, seemed to be where Green Bay was headed.  An unfortunate turn of events may keep one of the game's most talented teams out of the playoffs though.  

With victory against the Giants this week, they might be able to still sneak into the playoffs.  They'd have the tiebreaker over them and would be in.  It may be easy to take advantage of a lifeless Giants team this Sunday.