NFL Playoff Scenarios 2012: Week 1 Matchups as of Dec 12

As we close the book on Week 14 in the NFL, the playoff matchups saw some changes. Three new teams earned their way into playoff position, while two more teams (the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints) joined the playoffs for sure.

Four teams now have clinched the playoffs.

• Green Bay, 13-0
• San Francisco, 10-3
• New Orleans, 10-3
• Houston, 10-3

With three more weeks left in the season, some contests might come down to the last game of the season.

No. 6 New York Jets vs. No. 3 New England Patroits

Because of tiebreakers, New England would get stuck playing at home against division rival New York Jets. 

I do not see a different outcome here, as the Patriots offense is a juggernaut. New England won the two previous meetings this year.

The Jets have played better as of late but are still that up-and-down squad.

Final Score

New England 31, Jets 17

No. 5 Pittsburg, vs. No. 4 Denver

Denver's Tim Tebow and their no-name defense keeps getting it done.

Right now, the Broncos will win the AFC West and earn the right to host a playoff game.

Sadly, that means Pittsburgh comes to town.

The Steelers are simply one of the best teams in football, and because of losing the tiebreaker to the Ravens, they will have to battle on the road.

This should be a good game for first half, but Pittsburgh is too strong not to prevail.

Final Score

Pittsburgh 24, Denver 13

No. 6 Detroit vs. No. 3 New Orleans

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are rolling right now and deserve the No. 2 seed, but we all know tiebreakers stink, so they get stuck playing Detroit at home.

Detroit has made its way back into playoff picture with a win and a Chicago loss.

The Saints should have no problem picking apart the Lions defense. This game will not be close long.

Final Score  

New Orleans 34, Detroit 17

No. 5 Atlanta vs. No. 4 New York Giants

Both of these teams struggle at times and other times look great.

Atlanta comes in with a better record, but I like the Giants at home in this game. 

New York blocked a last-second field goal to be here, while Atlanta came from way behind to stay in the playoff picture.

This should be a great game.

Final Score  

Giants 24, Atlanta 21