NFL Playoff Picture: Who's Nudging In, Who's Dropping Out After Week 15?

Through 15 weeks of play, we see teams like New England, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh have clinched playoff berths. In addition, the 49ers, Packers, Texans, and Saints all have spots, leaving the NFL with five playoff spots left to claim.

So, here are two teams nudged in and two others dropping out.

Nudging In

Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

Thanks to the New York Giants choking at home to the Washington Redskins, the Dallas Cowboys once again stand atop the NFC East. And with a home game versus Philadelphia this week while the Giants play the Jets, it's possible the Cowboys can win the division next week.

Thing is, we've seen both sides of each team this season, and the Cowboys and Giants are literally exact replicas of one another. The Eagles are well aware of Dallas' playoff implications and are on fire after pummeling the Jets last week.

To that end, don't be surprised if Philly upsets Dallas and the Giants beat the Jets. The way 2011 has gone, the Cowboys may be nudged in at the moment, but they're on thin ice heading into Week 16.

New York Jets (8-6)

As mentioned, the Jets have the Giants this week in what's basically a must-win game. Despite the Eagles destroying them last week, the Jets are still the AFC's No. 6 seed and we've seen this before from Rex Ryan and Co.

Unfortunately for Gang Green, after the Giants are the Dolphins, and with Miami being 5-2 since starting 0-7, that won't be a cakewalk either. So, it's safe to say that New York's AFC franchise has its work cut out.

That being said, the Giants are a vulnerable bunch this week, and the Cincinnati Bengals (who sit right behind the Jets) play host to surging Arizona and then Baltimore. Hence, the pressure is on both teams, however the Jets do have the easier path.

Based on the past two seasons, Green is primed for another No. 6 seed in January.

Nudging Out

Chicago Bears (7-7)

Unfortunately the Bears have been plagued by injuries, and everything came crashing down against Seattle on Sunday. For one, it was the Bears' fourth consecutive loss after sitting nicely at 7-3 and two, it has virtually cost them a playoff spot.

Both Atlanta and Detroit sit at 9-5, two games up on Chicago, and with games left against Green Bay and Minnesota, the way the Bears are playing now that will be two more losses. The pass defense has been horrendous all season, and without a multidimensional offense when healthy, Chicago has underperformed when possessing the rock.

Now, the Monsters of the Midway are technically still alive, as they have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Atlanta and could potentially finish with a better NFC conference record than the Lions.

However, winning out is imperative, because one more loss and it's over. And since they have to travel to Lambeau Field, the season is over for a team with injuries costing them games.

Oakland Raiders (7-7)

In Oakland, it's not so much injuries hurting them as it is a weak defense and lack of chemistry on offense. The only thing that gave the Raiders a chance this season was their stout ground game, and Michael Bush has kept it going.

Unfortunately for Oakland, they've lost three straight games because of an inconsistent passing offense and not having played a full 60 minutes. Both the Dolphins and Packers ran them off the field, and the Lions simply outplayed them to the end.

Heading into Week 16 the Raiders sit at the No. 9 spot in the AFC and have to play at Kansas City and home to San Diego the next two weeks. Neither are guaranteed as the Chiefs are rolling with confidence after beating Green Bay, and the Bolts have won three straight.

On top of all that, the Raiders need the Broncos, Jets and Bengals all to lose at least once more for any shot at the No. 6 seed or to win the AFC West. Based on recent production, The Silver and Black will be fortunate to finish 8-8.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27