NFL Power Rankings: Examining Each Team's Playoff Chances

With the conclusion of Week 13, we now have only one quarter of the 2011 regular season left to play.

At this point, the playoff race in both conferences is taking a clear shape. Early hopefuls like the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills all but eliminated, while other teams are starting to get hot at just the right time. 

Some teams that looked like locks for the playoffs a few weeks ago (looking at you Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears) have fallen hard and are now in a fight to stay alive. 

Here, in our Week 14 Power Rankings, we'll be examining each team's shot at the playoffs (if any) with four games to go.

32. Indianapolis Colts

This is one sad story. Dan Orlovsky may have had a good statistical game on Sunday, but he is still the harbinger of the 0-16 season. Just ask the 2008 Detroit Lions.

Peyton Manning should win honorary MVP this season. 'Nuff said.

Playoff Chances: Playoffs?!!

31. St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams were preseason favorites to take the NFC West on the back of second-year pro Sam Bradford after his sensational rookie season.

Instead, thanks to injuries, Josh McDaniels and a sophomore slump, they are 2-10, and the San Fransisco 49ers literally ran away with the division.

Drafting some real offensive linemen is a good next step. 

Playoff Chances: Dead

30. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns didn't have much hope going into the 2011 season as far as playoffs, but we were hoping and expecting to see something good out of second-year pro Colt McCoy and apparent one-year wonder Peyton Hillis.

These things, sadly, did not happen. Peyton Hillis is on his way out, likely to a team badly in need of a running back—maybe Indianapolis. Colt McCoy will be lucky to retain the starting job into the 2012 season.

Put 2011 in the books for Cleveland...between LeBron and this, it's been ugly.

Playoff Chances: LOL

29. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings were considered early contenders because of their roster strength and a possible Donovan McNabb revival. They lost many key players, and that McNabb thing didn't happen.

Luckily for them, Christian Ponder has been very promising, but this team is a total waste of Adrian Peterson's talent. He has to be pissed he signed that extension.

Playoff Chances: Dead

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars organization finally got on some semblance of the right track when they fired Jack Del Rio. With the sale of the team, they could finally be on their way to a proper rebuilding. 

Don't expect Blaine Gabbert to get many chances past midway through the 2012 season, if that. This team could be eyeballing Matt Barkley. 

Playoff Chances: Long dead

27. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins came flying out of the gate in 2011 following Rex Grossman's bold prediction that they would win the NFC East. 

For two games, it looked like Grossman was on to something. Then, we realized that was never the case. Crazy old Mike Shanahan drove this low-rent team right into the ground.

They should look into Robert Griffin III and a new head coach for 2012. They literally need a miracle to make the postseason. 

In order for that to happen, they'd have to win out, while the Cowboys and Giants drop three games each.

(If the Giants lose out, the Redskins could top them with two wins, but the Cowboys would, by extension, have nine wins, eliminating them anyway.)

Playoff Chances: Mission Impossible

26. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have run headfirst into the buzzsaw that is football karma. In 2011, this organization learned important lessons:

1. This isn't the NBA, and you can't buy a bunch of "superstars" and get to the championship automatically.

2. Don't ever call yourselves the "dream team." If your washed-up backup quarterback pulls a stunt like that, things are going to go bad. Teams will come at you guns blazing.

3. Immature players that deserve a time-out more than a contract extension should be cut (DeSean Jackson).

4. You aren't going to get very far with a $100 million quarterback who is constructed out of wet toilet paper. 

Funnily enough, this Eagles squad has a chance to make the playoffs, albeit they need the same miraculous set of circumstances as the Washington Redskins, so don't expect a sudden turnaround. If they lose one game, it is all over. 

Playoff Chances: Pipe "dream"

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One year and 10 wins ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like a very dangerous young team. Many people, including myself, had them pegged for a playoff berth. 

Thanks to a toothless defense and Josh Freeman hurting his hand at the gun range, they find themselves sitting at a lowly 4-8 with basically no hope for the postseason.

Raheem Morris has some explaining to do.

Playoff Chances: Dead

24. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals traded the farm to get Kevin Kolb. They succeeded in getting Larry Fitzgerald to sign an extension, but failed in all other respects.

The Cardinals have some rebuilding to do if they want to hold any relevance going forward. As of now, they could be the worst team in the abysmal AFC West. 

Playoff Chances: Dead

23. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs were cursed this season, starting out 0-3 and losing Eric Berry, Tony Moeaki and Jamaal Charles. But through all this, they had a glimmer of hope with a four-game winning streak.

The loss of Matt Cassel and Tyler Palko's terrible play have killed playoff hopes at Arrowhead.

Playoff Chances: Dead

22. San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers completely squandered a 4-1 start and now sit at 5-7. With the Broncos and Raiders well out in front of them, the Chargers will need a near-miracle to make it into the tournament as the AFC West champions. 

Norv Turner's fate is sealed; even a miraculous playoff berth won't save him there. They will have to win out if they want to see the postseason—a seemingly unlikely occurrence. 

Playoff Chances: Barely there

21. Buffalo Bills

After an amazing 3-0 start, the Buffalo Bills have dropped to a very depressing 5-7, fulfilling our preseason expectations and eliminating themselves from playoff contention.

They have a good core on offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and Stevie Johnson, and also on defense with Marcell Dareus and Nick Barnett. There is hope for the future in Buffalo.

Playoff Chances: Dead

20. Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks decided they didn't want Andrew Luck. They could, instead, end up with Matt Barkley, Robert Griffin III or Landry Jones. Either way, this team is a little better than we all thought at first. 

They should do whatever they can to re-sign Marshawn Lynch because "Beast Mode" is running like a man (beast?) possessed. 

Playoff Chances: None 

19. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton is well on his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. On Sunday, he broke the single-season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns and smacked the once-good Tampa Bay Buccaneers into last place in the NFC South. 

This team has a lot to be proud of from 2011. Watch out for them next season. 

Playoff Chances: None

18. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are not playing for anything other than pride and perhaps head coach Tony Sparano's job. Even then, they are playing like they mean it.

Their current hot streak of four wins in five games has them feared by all playoff-hopeful teams.Their one loss was a one-point heart-breaker in Dallas on Thanksgiving. That is a moral victory.  They have embraced the role of spoilers and are not a team that anyone wants to be facing right now. 

Playoff Chances: None

17. Chicago Bears

Just three weeks ago, the Chicago Bears appeared to be locks for a Wild Card spot. Then, they found out Jay Cutler would miss two to four weeks.

No problem. They had Matt Forte and a defense, and Caleb Hanie was thought to be serviceable.

Three weeks later, none of that remains true. Cutler is gone for the season, Forte is out two to six weeks with an MCL sprain, Hanie is throwing three picks per game, and the defense hasn't looked great. Decent, yes, but not good enough to carry an incompetent offense.

The Bears are 2011's very late victim of the injury bug, but it has killed them. They will need serious help to still make the playoffs.

Playoff Chances: Low

16. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have ridden Matt Hasselbeck's arm this entire season to remain in playoff contention. They still are up for a wild card or improbable AFC South title—no thanks to Chris Johnson (well except recently). 

They are unlikely to catch Houston for the division, meaning a wild card is what they are hoping for. Given the cluster of teams vying for essentially one spot (fifth seed is Steelers' to lose), the Titans simply don't have the strength to pull it off. 

Playoff Chances: Low

15. Oakland Raiders

Going from being a team that was going to run away with the AFC West to a team fighting for survival cannot have been easy on these young Oakland Raiders. 

The loss of Darren McFadden is really starting to hurt them offensively, as Michael Bush is beginning to wear down, and it showed in their destruction at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. They will need to get their running game back on track if they hope to keep the AFC West away from the red-hot Denver Broncos. 

If Rolando McClain's gun incident results in suspension, it could be over for the Raiders' 2011 season. 

Playoff Chances: Low to moderate

14. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals looked badly de-clawed in their 35-7 drubbing at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Luckily for them, they remain in the wild card driver seat. 

Finishing strong is an absolute must if this team wants to retain the wild card and not lose it to the New York Jets or Oakland Raiders. 

Playoff Chances: Moderate

13. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys were red-hot in November, streaking through the month and winning four straight; they brought Tony Romo's November record to 19-2.

However, with Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Romo's December record is suddenly 7-11. Not a good month for him, normally. 

Still, they currently own first place in the NFC East. They need to win the Sunday night battle against the New York Giants to keep it. Overcoming their recent loss and Romo's December woes will be a good start. 

Playoff Chances: Moderate 

12. New York Giants

A four-game losing streak doesn't normally warrant a ranking this high, but the New York Giants made the Packers fight for their lives on Sunday, giving us one of the best games of 2011. 

Interestingly enough, the last time the Giants took a perfect team to the brink, they also lost 38-35, just like last game. That was 2007 against the New England Patriots. They went on to win that Super Bowl.

This team is riding a serious emotional wave after nearly knocking off the NFL's best team. They only play well when their backs are against the wall, and if they hope to have a chance, they have to play like that again this week. 

Playoff Chances: Moderate

11. Detroit Lions

Despite their recent series of collapses and bad play, the Detroit Lions remain one of the most talented teams in the NFC, and nothing they do can match the terrible collapse of the Chicago Bears. 

The Lions are cold, but remain in the hunt for the NFC Wild Card.

If Matthew Stafford's index finger gets back to 100 percent, this team will be deadly. If Ndamukong Suh can keep his head straight when he returns in Week 15, they'll be a serious force to get past for the playoffs. 

Playoff Chances: Moderate

10. New York Jets

The Jets have gone from panic mode to playoff mode in a real hurry. Winners of two straight comeback games, they are riding their emotions right to the sixth seed in the AFC.

They've got the schedule needed to secure a 9-7 or 10-6 record, which should get them into the playoffs over the Bengals and Titans. However, they'll need help to stave off the Raiders and Broncos, who both own tiebreakers over New York. 

Playoff Chances: Moderate

9. Denver Broncos

After spending the vast majority of the season at the bottom of these lists, the scrappy Denver Broncos have ridden their defense and "Tebowmania" to the driver's seat of the AFC West. 

Since taking over the starting job from Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow has led Denver to a 6-1 record, including a five-game winning streak. 

The defense deserves most of the credit, but make no mistake, Tebow is the emotional leader of that team on either side of the ball. When he was drafted, myself and many others predicted that Tebow would win many ugly games for the Broncos. So far, that is exactly what he has done. 

Tebow has improved on a weekly basis, with Sunday's victory over the Vikings being his best statistical game as a passer since he was drafted in 2010. 

The way Denver is playing, they are looking at a playoff berth, which will make them extremely dangerous given their defensive prowess and underdog status. 

Playoff Chances: Solid

8. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have not quite earned the No. 8 spot for themselves. It is more a case of "nobody else in the league deserves it" kind of thing.

With the utter collapse of the Chicago Bears from a health standpoint and the mental chaos engulfing the Detroit Lions, the Falcons are in the driver's seat for a wild card berth.

It will take some luck to wrestle the NFC South away from New Orleans, but crazier things have happened before. 

Playoff Chances: High

7. New England Patriots

These guys just win and win. That's all there is to it...at least in the regular season.

I'm fairly convinced at this point that this team will not play more than one playoff game. Not after they let the cursed Dan Orlovsky throw for nearly 400 yards against them.

The AFC East is theirs to lose, but they'll need help for anything beyond that. 

Playoff Chances: Certain

6. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans do not cease to amaze. Down to their fifth-round draft pick and third-string rookie quarterback, they continue to win games, and they'll do it with or without Andre Johnson and without Mario Williams.

This defense is as dominant as any we've seen in the past decade. Wade Philips has to be assistant coach of the year for 2011 (if there was such an award). They held Matt Ryan to the lowest completion percentage of his career. 

T.J Yates looked like a five-year veteran rather than a raw and untested rookie. With their bruising running back tandem led by Arian Foster, this team has plenty of potential for a good playoff run. 

They just have to stave off the Titans. Leave a trail of money heading away from the field, and that should take care of the Chris Johnson threat. 

Playoff Chances: Very high

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Just when it looked as if the Cincinnati Bengals were making themselves into a real contender, the Pittsburgh Steelers went and threw a monkey wrench the size of Pennsylvania into their collective confidence. 

Quietly, the Steelers have kept themselves in the AFC North race and own enough tiebreakers in the AFC that a wild card berth is all but assured—even if they fail to unseat the Baltimore Ravens.

Playoff Chances: Bet on them

4. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints haven't just been beating their opponents of late, they've been demolishing them. Drew Brees and his team are a well-oiled machine and look unstoppable on the offensive end.

Teams can't seem to find an answer for Jimmy Graham, and that alone is helping the Saints win games handily. 

If their running back trio can continue the traction they've gotten recently, it will be interesting to see a playoff rematch between Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

Playoff Chances: Near-certain

3. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers cemented the NFC West with their shutout win over the hapless St. Louis Rams on Sunday. 

They will spend the final quarter of the season battling with the New Orleans Saints for the NFC's No. 2 seed. 

Is a Harbaugh Bowl possible?

Playoff Chances: In

2. Baltimore Ravens

Despite garnering very questionable losses by dropping games to losing teams, this is perhaps the most dangerous Baltimore Ravens team of the Joe Flacco era. 

In tacking on a defeat of the San Francisco 49ers to their sweep of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens are sending the league a message that they aren't going away easily this postseason.

Playoff Chances: Certain

1. Green Bay Packers

Seriously? Do we have to keep talking about it? 

A team hasn't looked this poised for a repeat since John Elway's Denver Broncos. 

It's going to be very tough to prevent 16-0 now. 

Playoff Chances: In