NFL Fact or Fiction: Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers Make Playoffs

The 3-5 Philadelphia Eagles are undoubtedly the biggest disappointment in the NFC; by the same token, the 4-4 San Diego Chargers are the biggest disappointment in the AFC.

With QBs Michael Vick and Philip Rivers having underwhelming season, fans of both franchises must be wondering whether the season is salvageable.

Can either team rebound from a lackluster start to the 2011 NFL season to make the postseason?

Fact: The San Diego Chargers Haven't Beaten Anyone Good

The San Diego Chargers's four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 10-22, while they have lost all three contests against teams with a winning record.

The Chargers have yet to produce a marquee win to prove that they are a quality team.

The Bolts have four upcoming games against winning teams. They will likely need to win one of those games in order to punch a playoff ticket.

Fiction: There Is a Good Team in the AFC West

The Chargers are currently tied atop the AFC West with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. With a 3-5 record, the Denver Broncos sit a game behind.

Remarkably, every team has been outscored by its opponents thus far.

The worst offenders are the Chiefs, who have been outscored by a whopping 70 points. Despite boasting a .500 record, Kansas City is a far below average team that was destroyed by the previously winless Miami Dolphins. Look for them to fade down the stretch.

The Denver Broncos are flying high after a 38-24 win at Oakland. However, Tim Tebow is simply not a reliable NFL staring quarterback; his team won't be a serious contender in the division.

Not long ago, the Oakland Raiders figured to be the Chargers's biggest challenger. They still might be, but shaky quarterback play may derail their season. Acquired after Jason Campbell's season-ending injury, new starter Carson Palmer has thrown six interceptions in as many quarters. It's possible that the former star has nothing left in the tank.

Fact: Thursday Night's Game vs. Oakland Is Huge

The Chargers will face off against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 10, in a game that will set the tone for the AFC West title race.

If the Chargers prevail, they will take a one-game lead over their main competition. Even better, they'll enter an easy portion of their schedule, with winnable games against Chicago, Denver and Jacksonville.

A win Thursday will allow them to take command of the AFC West.

Fact: The San Diego Chargers Will Win the AFC West

The Chargers simply aren't an outstanding team in 2011. But, in a weak division, they don't have to be.

Their record will be a less than stellar 8-8 or 9-7, but it will be enough to outpace the division. A No. 4 playoff seed awaits them.

Fact: The Philadelphia Eagles Have Had a Brutal Schedule so Far

The Eagles's five defeats look more defensible in context. In fact, all five losses have been to teams with winning records.

As proven by its positive point differential, Philadelphia is much better than its record shows. The Eagles have been more than competitive all year, but they haven't been able to finish off stronger opponents.

Fact: Their Remaining Schedule Is Much Easier

The Eagles have four easy victories left on their schedule. Two are against NFC West lightweights Arizona and Seattle. The others are against the hapless Miami Dolphins and the offensively anemic Washington Redskins.

They also have the fortune of playing difficult games against New England and the New York Jets at home.

Fiction: The Eagles Can Win the NFC East

The Eagles currently sit three games behind the New York Giants in the NFC East.

It's true that the G-Men have an unbelievably tough schedule in the second half of 2011. However, their win at Foxboro proves that New York is up to the task.

Philadelphia will lose Nov. 20's road game against Eli Manning and company, ending any hope of a division crown.

Fact: The Eagles Will Not Make the Playoffs

The Philadelphia Eagles will bounce back somewhat from their unremarkable first half. Ultimately, they will finish around 8-8, perhaps 9-7 with a couple of upsets.

That will not be enough to overtake the Giants in the NFC East. As far as the wild card berths, they will finish behind the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons.