NFL Playoff Predictions: Which Teams Will Have Playoff Dreams Dashed in Week 16?

There are still several teams battling for the final few playoff spots, which means a handful of them will be eliminated over the next two weeks leaving only 12 to fight for the championship. Sadly, Week 16 will mark the end of the road for the following three teams.

Chicago Bears

A season that contained so much promise when the Bears were 7-3 has been decimated by injuries—most notably, those to offensive stars Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Chicago's defense, which has been the team's calling card for a long time, just didn't round into form quickly enough to make up for the losses.

The Bears travel to Lambeau Field for a Christmas Day clash with the Green Bay Packers. A loss will eliminate Chicago from playoff contention. Even though the Kansas City Chiefs showed that Green Bay is not unbeatable last week, the Bears don't have enough firepower to make it two in a row.

Prediction: Packers 31, Bears 17

Oakland Raiders

There was a point in time back around Thanksgiving when it appeared the Raiders were going to run away with the AFC West. Three straight losses later combined with the Tim Tebow-led resurgence in Denver have left Oakland to hang on by a thread. That's not exactly how they planned it out.

The loss of dynamic running back Darren McFadden really disrupted the team's offensive rhythm. Michael Bush has been an adequate replacement, but lacks the game-changing ability of “Run DMC.” It's a fault that will rear its ugly head once again on Saturday against the Chiefs. That, combined with the Broncos' likely victory against Buffalo Bills, will end Oakland's hopes.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Raiders 20

New York Giants

After being on top of the NFC East just one week ago, the Giants are now in peril after a loss to the Washington Redskins. Their lack of consistency paired with a rash on injuries on defense have made things tough to handle for Giants fans, who have ridden a roller coaster of emotions this season.

Things don't get any easier on Sunday against the rival Jets, who are also fighting to stay alive in the postseason race. The Dallas Cowboys, whom the Giants are attempting to keep within reaching distance before next week's game, have an easier matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. In other words, hope for the best and prepare for the worst if you're a Giants fan.

Prediction: Jets 20, Giants 17