NFL: 5 Teams That Can Spoil Playoff Hopes for the Contenders

I feel the need to make it known that the teams on this list aren't necessarily completely out of contention, but their shot is mostly gone. Despite that misfortune, the teams that fit into that category can certainly make some noise against the big boys.

We all wrote off Miami weeks ago as a team that may not win more than a couple games. They've won three of four games, and have lost their last three games by a combined seven points. This is the beauty of the NFL—you can never predict with certainty who will win ball games.

Which brings me to the point of the list: there are a lot of teams who aren't playing for the postseason anymore, but most of them still play hungry football. With so many teams still fighting for a playoff spot, these teams can destroy hopes for some of the contenders.

Seattle Seahawks

On paper, it's hard to believe that the Seattle Seahawks have won even five games this season. When you look at some of their victories, it becomes even more shocking.

They own an 11-point road victory against the Giants, a home victory against the first place Baltimore Ravens, and a recent domination of the Philadelphia Eagles. Say what you want about the Eagles, but you'd think that team would put the Seahawks to shame.

Marshawn Lynch has been one of the focal points for the offense this year, though that's not saying much for an offense that lies near the bottom of the league. The defense has been far better, mainly in maintaining the run. 

Chicago and San Francisco lie ahead for the Seahawks. The game in Chicago has suddenly become not so lopsided due to the absence of Jay Cutler for the Bears.

As for the San Francisco game, it's true that the 49ers are almost a foregone conclusion to be in the playoffs. Right now, they've got a firm grip on the second-seed and a first-round bye.  However, when it comes to Week 16, Seattle could stun the Niners for loss three (or four; San Francisco still has a game against Pittsburgh). 

While that still makes for a good season, the New Orleans Saints will be chomping at the bit for that first-round bye.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It's been extremely difficult to watch this young team collapse in 2011. After going 10-6 last season and starting 3-1, Tampa Bay has struggled in every aspect of the game.

There have been bright spots, such as the victory over New Orleans or the one against Atlanta. Still, the issue with the Bucs all season long has awful defensive play.

They're 31st overall in the league. That doesn't help a young team in a division that is loaded with offensive talent. In addition to massive defensive problems, Josh Freeman hasn't been nearly as impressive as he was in his 2010 campaign. 

However, we have to consider that there was a reason this team was so highly touted coming into the year. They played well against Green Bay at Lambeau a couple weeks ago, so I don't think they're ready to roll over and die yet.

They've got a key game coming up against Dallas in Week 15. The Cowboys have clearly been the better of the two teams this season, but the game is in Florida, where the Bucs play better. Dallas may still be dealing with the Giants in the NFC East race at that point.

Moving on, the Bucs travel to Atlanta in Week 17 for a showdown with the Falcons. The Falcons are currently in prime condition for a playoff spot, but they'll be battling the Giants, Bears, and Lions down to the wire. Tampa Bay could knock Matt Ryan and the Falcons out of contention with a Week 17 victory.

Buffalo Bills

It's no question that this team has disappointed more people than any other team in the league aside from Philadelphia. The Buffalo Bills have dropped six of eight games after starting the season 3-0. 

Attribute it to whatever you want, but the biggest indication of an over-hyped team is if that team overpays a career backup quarterback. That's all Ryan Fitzpatrick is—and that's all he ever will be.

Fred Jackson missing out is also not helping the cause in Buffalo.

Despite the collapse, the team is still showing signs of life after a close contest with the Jets last week. The defense will have to step up over the coming weeks if the Bills want to at least finish the season on a respectable note. 

The Tennessee Titans will march into Buffalo tomorrow afternoon in a big game for the AFC South. With Matt Schaub going down to injury in Houston, Tennessee has an opening, so you can expect them to come ready to play. Buffalo will not be an easy win, so the Bills could potentially fire a fatal bullet into the Titans this weekend.

In Week 16, the Bills get Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. It's hard to say whether or not the Broncos will still be in it by then, but you can bet it'll be close. The Buffalo offense will be up against the nasty Broncos' pass defense, so it will be a physical game. A win against Denver could stop the cinderella run in its tracks.

Finally, the Bills finish the season in New England. I expect that the Patriots will not only have won the division by then, but clinched one of the top two seeds. However, if that's not the case, this would be a game just to place where the Patriots will wind up. The Jets could make a late-season run towards a division title, and a Bills' victory could knock the Patriots down to a wildcard.

Maybe a Bills' win knocks the Pats simply into a lower-seeded home game. Regardless, the Bills definitely can have the most impact on the postseason without being in it.

Miami Dolphins

There is nothing in particular that sticks out about the 2011 Miami Dolphins. They're pretty average (or below) in just about every aspect of the game.

Still, you can't argue what they've been able to do in the last few games. I mentioned in the opening slide that their last three losses came by a combined seven points. Plus, those losses were against good teams (Dallas, New York Giants and Denver). 

The offensive line has been tremendous in guarding Matt Moore recently, and Reggie Bush has seemingly become a passable starting running back, if only for now. Plus, the defense has stepped up its game as well.

Miami had a good victory in Kansas City, which isn't very impressive, but Miami was the first loss that really sent the Chiefs down the tube. In addition, they beat up on Buffalo in Week 11, effectively putting an end to any belief in the Bills.

This week, Miami faces Oakland at home, where they've been downright dominant lately. In the coming weeks, the Dolphins will get the Patriots in New England and more importantly, the Jets at home in Week 17. That game against the Jets could be the ultimate spoiler for Rex Ryan.

Philadelphia Eagles

Given how bad things have gone in Philadelphia over this season, I wouldn't be shocked if some of you are laughing at this thought. While the "Dream Team" has now turned into a pure nightmare, there are still a lot of versatile weapons for the Eagles.

Nothing has gone right in the city of Brotherly Love in 2011, but they do own an impressive 34-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, who currently sit atop the NFC East.  While I understand what a season it's been in Philly, we can't ignore that the team can still play.

First of all, they've got another game against Dallas coming up. They could spoil a division title run for Dallas if they can win.

Plus, they get the New York Jets at home. That game is going to be a matchup of two under-achieving teams. The Jets, however, are still very much alive in the AFC race.

A loss in Philly to the Eagles could devastate the Jets' hopes for a Super Bowl.