NFL Playoff Scenarios: New York Jets and More Dangerous Sleeper Teams

With the NFL playoffs right around the corner, it's time to start getting prepared for the postseason. Even though all 12 teams that earn a berth will have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy, only a select few teams have a legitimate opportunity to make it happen.

That includes the three sleeper teams below that shouldn't be counted out too quickly.

New York Jets

A blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles has a lot of people losing faith in the Jets, but it seems like every time they are counted out, they rise to the occasion. It's happened in each of the last two seasons and it could very well happen again.

Shonn Greene has come to life in recent weeks, which has taken a boatload of pressure off the shoulders of Mark Sanchez. Prior to Sunday's two interceptions, Sanchez had thrown just one over the previous three weeks while tossing seven touchdowns.

If the defense can find its elite form over the next couple weeks heading into the playoffs, the Jets could end up peaking at the perfect time.

Atlanta Falcons

After entering last season's postseason as one of the favorites, the Falcons will assume a new role as the underdog this time. They've won four of the their past five games, and the offense is finally starting to produce like the elite unit everybody expected.

Matt Ryan has been trying to strike the perfect balance with Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Julio Jones while also not becoming one-dimensional. Judging by the 72 points over the last two weeks, he's getting close to perfecting the formula.

The only concerning part about Atlanta is the team's lack of big wins. The Falcons came up short against the Packers, Saints and Texans, but get a chance to turn things around with another game vs. New Orleans on Monday night.

NFC East Champion

Since the NFC East is such a mess, none of them teams involved have been getting much respect on a national level. When they do, they proceed to lose the following week. One thing all three contenders have is a competitive talent level, which is always a good start.

Talent doesn't always translate into wins, as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles have found out, but it's a starting point. Whichever team is left standing once the dust settles after Week 17 won't be an easy out.

The Cowboys currently hold a one-game edge with a game against the Giants looming. Tony Romo receives a lot of unfair criticism. Should he fall short of the playoffs, he'll be the focus of negativity once again despite having a really good season.