NFL: 7 Teams That Are Holding on to Contention for Dear Life

With only four weeks left in the 2011 regular season, there's a lot to still be decided in both the AFC and NFC. 

While we know that teams like Green Bay, San Francisco and New England are all locks, there are teams like the New York Giants and Jets that are on the cusp.

It becomes even more interesting when you consider that we've got some amazing games in the coming weeks.

That being said, these teams are hanging on in the playoff race by only a thread.

AFC Locks (or Most Likely)

New England Patriots

The Patriots are a win and a New York Jets' loss away from clinching the AFC East. Barring an epic collapse, they'll be hosting at least one home game.

Baltimore Ravens

At 9-3, they're tied for the top spot in the AFC North. It appears John Harbaugh has his team back on track after it suffered embarrassing losses at the beginning of the season. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are the team tied with Baltimore at 9-3. Unfortunately for them, the Ravens own the tiebreaker. Either way, the Steelers are in a three-way tie for the best record in the AFC, so it's very likely they'll be in.

These three teams are the biggest locks in the conference, especially given the schedules they have left. With these three teams being the powerhouses, they're going to lockup three of six playoff spots.

NFC Locks (or Most Likely)

Green Bay Packers

They're 12-0 and have already clinched the NFC North.  The top seed in the NFC seems to only be a couple of wins away.

San Francisco 49ers

Perhaps the year's most shocking team, the 49ers will enter Week 14 with a 10-2 record. They also have the distinction of being the NFC West Champions.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are 9-3, and while the Atlanta Falcons are nipping at their heels, it'd be hard to believe the Saints would collapse at all. As it looks now, a win for the Saints coupled with a loss by the Falcons would basically give the Saints the division.

Just like the AFC, the NFC has three powerhouse teams that are the favorites to go to the Super Bowl.  Three slots in the NFC will be taken by these teams.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are 5-7 and would have to receive an incredible Christmas miracle to make it into the postseason.

This is saying a lot considering the (still) abysmal quarterback situation in Arizona. In addition, the defense has been atrocious for most of the season.

The main catalyst for the season has been Beanie Wells, who has finally begun to shine as the team's main running back. On the year, Wells has nine touchdowns and 916 yards.

For the Cardinals to make it in, they would have to win out, which is difficult in and of itself. They've got to play the Browns at home in Week 15, which can be won.

However, they'll be playing the 49ers this week, the Bengals (in Cincinnati) in Week 16, and go home to face Seattle in Week 17. None of those are going to be easy wins, and they must win all of them.

They'll also need quite a few losses by Detroit and Chicago, which is also possible. Regardless of Arizona's track record, I've got both of those teams (as well as Atlanta) finishing 9-7 or worse.

Playoff Life: On life support

Seattle Seahawks

Another 5-7 NFC West team, the Seattle Seahawks would need a lot of help to get into the postseason, just like the Cardinals. To have even a shot, they must win out.

However, I think it'll happen.

Before I expand on that, let's think about the team. They've been able to get victories on the road against the New York Giants and at home against the Baltimore Ravens.

They also played the Atlanta Falcons in a game the Falcons won 30-28. Seattle gave them a scare.

There have certainly been downfalls and reasons not to believe in them. However, they seem to be getting on a roll after their domination of the Philadelphia Eagles. Plus, their schedule is in their favor.

Seattle will play St. Louis in Seattle next Monday night. That should be a win. Following in Week 15 will be in Chicago, which is suddenly a very winnable game. It's not expected that Jay Cutler or Matt Forte will be back from injury by then.

They'll finish in Week 17 in Arizona, which can be won. However, Week 16 will be the difference. They play San Francisco at home that week. I'm putting my faith in this team. They've been giant killers in 2011, and I think they have another huge victory left in them.

By winning out, the 'Hawks are 9-7. They would need the Giants to lose at least one of their final four games (assuming they don't win the NFC East; if the Cowboys finish 9-7 and don't win the East, Seattle is out), as they own the tiebreaker with them. Plus, based on conference record, Seattle should get the tiebreaker against the Lions.

The Cowboys, Falcons and the Seahawks themselves will be the main teams to watch for Seattle.

Playoff Life: Life support, but improving

San Diego Chargers

Despite the abysmal season it's been in San Diego, they still have a small shot, even if they are 5-7 and at the bottom of the AFC West barrel.

Like the previous teams they need to win out. That'll be difficult enough with Baltimore coming into town in a couple weeks, and then they have games on the road against Detroit and Oakland. Those are three tough games down the stretch.

However, let's assume that Phil Rivers and the Chargers' defense gets on their game and win those. Let's examine all the help they need.

Denver would have to drop at least three of their final four games. The Broncos own the tiebreaker between the two teams. Denver's remaining games include Chicago, Buffalo, New England and Kansas City. I don't have faith that Tim Tebow will drop three of those.

Still, even if they do, Oakland must also drop two games at least. What the Chargers need to hope for is that the Raiders lose at least one of the next three games. Week 17 is a matchup between the two, and if Oakland wins that game (and the win results in a tie between them), they win the West.

Let's break it down again: Chargers win out, Broncos drop three, Raiders drop at least one and Week 17 against San Diego.

Playoff Life: Brain dead

Buffalo Bills

The schedule isn't getting any easier for the Buffalo Bills after they've dropped five consecutive games.

To have a shot at the playoffs, it'd have to be by way of the AFC East. They would need the Patriots to lose out, so I'm going to waste no more time on this.

Playoff Life: Pull the plug

Chicago Bears

No matter who you're a fan of, you almost have to feel for the Chicago Bears. First, they lose their star quarterback, and now their star running back is out.

Nothing is going right in Chicago. While they are 7-5 and in good shape at the moment, it's going to get worse. Caleb Hanie will not lead this team to victories over Green Bay, Seattle and Denver.

With help, the Bears can get in with only two victories down the stretch. While Seattle is not a horrible contest, it's not cakewalk. Then, the Bears finish in Minnesota. By winning these two and seeing Detroit lose three of four games, Chicago sneaks in.

If the Bears can get in, it's possible they get both Cutler and Forte back on the field. Still, it's not very likely.

Playoff Life: Fair condition, but fading fast

New York Giants

Yet again, the New York Giants are collapsing down the stretch. Eli Manning continues to have a good season, but that seems to be the only thing going right these days.

The defense has completely collapsed, moreso than anything else. While that's the case, they're only one game out of the NFC East at 6-6. 

Dallas is coming into December at 7-5 and sitting atop the NFC East. However, we all know the history behind that, and it's very possible to happen this year. The Giants and the Cowboys have two meetings in four remaining weeks. Those will be very telling.

However, should the Giants lose one of those, they'll have to beat Washington—whom they've already lost to this season—and the New York Jets. Even if that happens, the wild card looks unlikely for the Giants.

They lose tiebreakers to Seattle, Atlanta and Detroit. To get the wild card, they'd need at least two of those teams to finish worse than 9-7. It's NFC East or bust for the Giants.

Playoff Life: Good condition, time will tell

Cincinnati Bengals

At 7-5, the Cincinnati Bengals are one of the biggest question marks in the league.

I was a believer for so long—and then Week 13 happened. Cincinnati was demolished in Pittsburgh, mainly the defense that has been solid all season.

In addition, the offensive line showed what I believe to be its true colors. I've been doubtful of that line all season.

Back to the defensive issue, that part of the squad is suffering some incredible injury bugs. Leon Hall is already out for the year, Carlos Dunlap missed his third game in Pittsburgh, Nate Clements didn't play, and Pat Sims and Domata Peko were hurting. That's a massive part of the Bengals' defense.

It's unclear if Dunlap and Clements will be back this week. They'll need both of them.

Cincinnati has two games against St. Louis and Arizona in the coming weeks. That should get them to nine wins. However, the other two games are against top opponents—Houston and Baltimore (in Cincinnati, Week 17).

Houston is suddenly a winnable game. T.J. Yates is the quarterback and Andre Johnson is hurt again.  It really leaves their running game as their primary weapon, and theirs is best in the league. However, this Cincy defense, if it's healthy, can be formidable for opponents.

If the Bengals win out, they're in, no questions asked. With a loss to either the Ravens or Texans, they'll need help. Tennessee will need to lose at least one game and for the Broncos/Raiders feud to result in at least one of them being 9-7. If the Bengals drop two games, count them out.

Playoff Life: Fading

Conclusion, Teams That Are Okay Right Now

Atlanta Falcons: 7-5 right now; own most tiebreakers in the NFC

Detroit Lions: 7-5, and in second in the NFC North; begging to fade, but not panicking yet

Houston Texans: Didn't want to classify them as a lock, but they're very close to it.

Tennessee Titans: Currently 7-5, with a rough schedule remaining. Closest thing on this slide to panic mode.

New York Jets: I've seen this show before. They're not in great shape, but they're okay right now.

Dallas Cowboys: They're in first place, but we all know about the late-season Romo collapses.

Denver Broncos: Denver is in first and has a great schedule down the stretch. They'll likely be the AFC West champs.

Oakland Raiders: Unlike the Broncos, the Raiders can earn a wild card berth as well as the AFC West title. They'll be in it until the end.