NFL Playoff Scenarios: Pittsburgh Steelers and More Teams That Must Win Out

The 2011 NFL regular season is almost over, but there's still time left for teams to right the ship and make the playoffs. However, these teams have to win out to in order to put themselves in the best possible situation. 

It's been a crazy season this year, as a few teams lost a number of games they had no business losing. Since there are only two games left, the focus must be on the present and not about the past games. 

This is crunch time now, and it's when the real teams step up and do what is necessary to help their chances in the playoffs.

With that said, here are a few teams that must win out to ensure things are perfect for the playoffs. 

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ben Roethlisberger and company have a crucial game on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, and with a win the Steelers will be in a great position. 

Since the Ravens were demolished by the San Diego Chargers last night, the Steelers moved into first place on the AFC North. 

By winning out, Pittsburgh will claim the division and likely a first-round bye. Being able to get further rest after the season is over is extremely important for a team that has been dealing with big injuries all season long. 

After Monday, the next two games for the Steelers are against the St. Louis Rams and the Cleveland Browns, so winning out is a high possibility. 

However, they have to make sure they don't push Roethlisberger to hard or he may end up missing the playoffs. 

Detroit Lions 

Currently in sixth place in the NFC, the Lions have a challenging road ahead as they have to battle the Chargers and the Green Bay Packers to close out the season.

I don't see the Lions leaping the Atlanta Falcons, which means they'll either stay at No. 6 or drop out and miss the playoffs. 

If the Lions win out, though, it greatly increases their chances of playing postseason football for the first time since 1999. 

It's not going to be easy, but there's still a chance for Detroit if the passing game continues to perform at a high level. 

New York Jets 

With the big loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jets allowed the New England Patriots to lock up the division, which means the Jets are once again fighting hard for a wild-card berth. 

At 8-6, the Jets are in the running with several other teams, so winning out is a huge necessity for New York. 

If the Jets don't win out, there's a strong chance that the Cincinnati Bengals or Tennessee Titans take their place. 

To finish out the year, the Jets will play the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins, so ending on a great note is very likely. However, this team has gone back and forth all season, which is why these last two games are so very important.