NFL Playoff Picture: Seattle Seahawks and More Late Charges That Will Fall Short

There are only three weeks left in the NFL regular season. Although plenty of teams are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, only a select few of them will find an avenue to sneak in. That will leave several squads, including the three resurgent ones below, on the outside looking in come wild-card weekend.

Seattle Seahawks

Remember when Marshawn Lynch rumbled over the entire New Orleans Saints defense in last season's playoffs? Well, “beast mode” is back, and he's led the Seahawks back into contention. At 6-7, they would have to win out to have a chance, though.

Seattle has won four of its last five games, including back-to-back blowouts over the Eagles and Rams. It's at times like this, however, that the Seahawks are probably kicking themselves for losses against the lowly Browns and Redskins.

None of the team's three games left on the schedule are gimme victories, which makes running the table a long shot.

San Diego Chargers

Even though the Chargers are infamous for their late-season runs, it appears San Diego's midseason swoon dug them too deep of a hole. After starting 4-1 thanks to a favorable schedule, they lost six straight games.

The Chargers have bounced back with wins over the Jaguars and Bills, but their remaining slate isn't nearly as easy. It starts with a Sunday night home game against the Ravens, who are fighting for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Philip Rivers has looked more like his usual self in recent weeks, so that's one less worry heading into the offseason. But it's an offseason that will begin much earlier than anticipated.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are riding a three-game winning streak and have won five of their last six games following a brutal start. It's mostly due to a defense that hasn't allowed more than 23 points since their streak began. They gave up at least 30 in four straight games before that point.

You have to wonder if the front office is second guessing its trade for Kevin Kolb. The former Eagles signal-caller has struggled to stay healthy and has been less than impressive when he does play. More consistent contributions from him would have Arizona in a much better place right now.

Alas, they are still two games out with three to play. Too many things would need to fall in their favor for them to qualify for the playoffs.