NFL Playoff Picture: Which Contenders Have Toughest Path To the Super Bowl?

There are still a lot of questions relating to the NFL playoffs this year.

We do know a few things right now. We know that the Patriots and Steelers are in for the AFC. We know that the Bears and Falcons are in for the NFC.

With Week 16 getting ready to go into full effect Sunday, we could have a lot more answers for the postseason depending on how some things shake out.

Some teams, while mathematically alive, were not considered for this list because there are far too many things that would have to happen in other places for them to get in (sorry, Raiders fans).

So which teams have the toughest road to the playoffs?

How will each team finish the 2010 season?

Keep reading to find out.

17. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterbacks Tom Brady #12 and Brian Hoyer #8 of the New England Patriots run out to the field during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won t

Current Record: 12-2

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

The Patriots have already clinched a playoff spot. One win, or a Jets loss, and the Patriots will get the top seed in the AFC.

Buffalo has been playing very well this year, even if they don’t have the victories to show for it. It’s doubtful that they can score with the Patriots, even in crappy weather.

Miami has underachieved this season, but with the Pats likely having everything already wrapped up, their regulars may not play much.

How They Finish: Win at Buffalo, Loss vs. Miami

Final Record: 13-3

16. Chicago Bears

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears is congrtaulated by Greg Olsen #82 after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockma

Current Record: 10-4

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

The Bears might be the quietest division-winning team in football this year. No one mentions that in the midst of the whole Brett Favre thing on Monday the Bears clinched the NFC North. They can clinch a first-round bye with two more victories.

They play the Jets, and Mark Sanchez is having shoulder issues, so he may not be effective. On the other hand, the Jets can ride that wave of momentum that they got against Pittsburgh last weekend.

In the final week at Green Bay, the Packers could be playing for everything, and it will be in a place where the Bears don’t have a lot of success.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Jets, Loss at Green Bay

Final Record: 10-6

15. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the game on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Ima

Current Record: 11-4

Remaining Schedule: Jan. 2 @ Cleveland

The Steelers got a nice victory over a horrible Carolina team on Thursday night. Now they can win their division and clinch a first-round bye if the Ravens lose Sunday.

They end in Cleveland with a Browns team that was showing life a few weeks ago but has fallen off a cliff the last couple of weeks.

How They Finish: Win @ Cleveland

Final Record: 12-4

14. 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

On paper the Chargers have a very easy path to get to the playoffs. Denver and Cincinnati are a combined 6-22, but West Coast teams that play in cold-weather cities don’t always fare well.

That said, it would be a shock if the Chargers don’t win out and put all the pressure on Kansas City.

How They Finish: Win @ Cincinnati, Win @ Denver

Final Record: 10-6

13. Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates the Ravens victory after the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo

Current Record: 10-4

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

The Ravens, much like the Chargers, have an easy road to get in the playoffs. Sure, the Browns beat the Ravens earlier this year, but Peyton Hillis is banged up and likely won’t be as effective as he was in the first game. Cincinnati is a disaster, and they won’t be a problem for Ray Lewis & co.

How They Finish: Win @ Cleveland, Win vs. Cincinnati

Final Record: 12-4

12. Philadelphia Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Current Record: 10-4

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 26 vs. Minnesota, Jan. 2 vs. Dallas

The Eagles got their biggest win of the season last week against the Giants. That gave them the inside track on the division, and they still have a chance at a first-round bye if they finish with a better record than the Bears.

Minnesota doesn’t have a chance against them. Dallas has been playing well of late, but they can’t contain Michael Vick for a whole game.

How They Finish: Win vs. Minnesota, Win vs. Dallas

Final Record: 12-4

11. Atlanta Falcons

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons audibles to Jason Snelling #44 during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Current Record: 12-2

Remaining Schedule: Dec. 27 vs. New Orleans, Jan. 2 vs. Carolina

The Monday night game against New Orleans will be the Falcons' chance to show what they are all about to the national audience that might not believe what the standings have shown.

Even if they lose to New Orleans, if (when) they beat Carolina, they wrap up the NFC South and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

How They Finish: Loss vs. New Orleans, Win vs. Carolina

Final Record: 13-3

10. St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams rushes against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Current Record: 6-8

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 vs. San Francisco, Jan. 2 @ Seattle

The Rams have defied expectations already by winning six games. If they win their final two, they win the NFC West.

Watch for Sam Bradford. He has hit a rookie wall, it seems, and if he continues to struggle, so will the Rams.

How They Finish: Loss vs. San Francisco, Loss @ Seattle

Final Record: 6-10

9. San Francisco 49ers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Current Record: 5-9

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 @ St. Louis, Jan. 2 vs. Arizona

With a win this weekend at St. Louis, the 49ers will have the inside track to win the NFC West. The revolving door at quarterback has opened back up for Troy Smith this weekend. Let’s see if he can hang on to it for more than one game.

How They Finish: Win @ St. Louis, Win vs. Arizona

Final Record: 7-9

8. Kansas City Chiefs

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Current Record: 9-5

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 vs. Tennessee, Jan. 2 vs. Oakland

The Chiefs have been a really solid team all season long. Their running game has been the reason that Matt Cassel has been able to shine this year.

They do get their final two games at home, which works to their advantage, but don’t be surprised if they slip in one of these games.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Tennessee, Win vs. Oakland

Final Record: 10-6

7. Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Current Record: 8-6

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 @ Oakland, Jan. 2 vs. Tennessee

The Colts got control of the AFC South once again when they defeated the Jaguars last weekend. They lost Austin Collie for the year to a concussion, and he was Peyton Manning’s most consistent threat this season.

The Colts' receiving corps is decimated, and the Raiders have a good secondary. Look for an upset.

How They Finish: Loss @ Oakland, Win vs. Tennessee

Final Record: 9-7

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Current Record: 8-6

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 vs. Washington, Jan. 2 @ Houston

The Jaguars are a lot like Charlie Brown. Every time you think that they are going to break through, they shoot themselves in the foot. They did it last week against the Colts, and they will do it at least once in the next two weeks and miss the postseason.

How They Finish: Loss vs. Washington, Loss @ Houston

Final Record: 8-8

5. New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets runs for a touchdown during the game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

Current Record: 10-4

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 @ Chicago, Jan. 2 vs. Buffalo

The Jets got a much-needed victory against Pittsburgh in week 15. There has been a little controversy that has come out involving Rex Ryan and his wife. I look for the Jets to rally around their coach and finish the season strong going into the playoffs.

How They Finish: Win @ Chicago, Win vs. Buffalo

Final Record: 12-4

4. New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 and Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated t

Current Record: 10-4

Remaining Games: Dec. 27 @ Atlanta, Jan. 2 vs. Tampa Bay

The Saints' loss last weekend to Baltimore took a little shine off this Monday’s game versus Atlanta because this would have been for first place. It’s still a compelling matchup that could go either way. Atlanta’s dangerous at home, but Drew Brees is finding his game once again.

How They Finish: Win @ Atlanta, Win vs. Tampa

Final Record: 12-4

3. Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Current Record: 6-8

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 @ Tampa Bay, Jan. 2 vs. St Louis

The Seahawks go into a pivotal game against Tampa Bay with Charlie Whitehurst likely to be their starting quarterback. Matt Hasselbeck has been bad this year, so maybe they can find a spark.

If they do get into the playoffs, they can win a game because Seattle is a difficult place to play. Those fans are insane.

How They Finish: Loss @ Tampa Bay, Win vs. St Louis

Final Record: 7-9

2. New York Giants

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giantscalls the huddle against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Ima

Current Record: 9-5

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 @ Green Bay, Jan. 2 @ Washington

The Giants blew a golden opportunity against the Eagles and are now in a must-win situation. They go into Green Bay this weekend with a chance to redeem themselves for last week and clinch a wild-card spot in the process.

Do they have enough mental toughness to bounce back from such an agonizing defeat?

How They Finish: Loss @ Green Bay, Win @ Washington

Final Record: 10-6

1. Green Bay Packers

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 12: Aaron Rogers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 12, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Current Record: 8-6

Remaining Games: Dec. 26 vs. New York, Jan. 2 vs. Chicago

The Packers' playoff season starts this Sunday against the Giants. Win and they get the inside track to a wild card. Lose and they are officially eliminated.

Without trying to oversimplify things, if Aaron Rodgers plays this weekend (and it looks like he will), you have to like their chances. If for some reason he doesn’t, they are in trouble.

How They Finish: Win vs. New York, Win vs. Chicago

Final Record: 10-6