NFL Playoff Picture: Cowboys, Eagles and Other Improbable Contenders

Think back to the 2010 NFL season, and as it wound down, teams like the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets were some improbable contenders.

Well, there's definitely some of those teams in 2011 as we near the postseason in January. With two weeks left and lot still to be determined, here are four improbable contenders for the NFL playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys

Although they've been quite inconsistent once again, the Dallas Cowboys control their own destiny atop the NFC East with an 8-6 record.

However, with games left at home against Philly and at the Giants, the road to get into the playoffs is by no means a cakewalk. But thanks to Tony Romo leading one the NFL's best passing attacks and a defense that's excellent at stopping the run, the Cowboys have a shot.

The biggest question is if they can remain consistent. Having already lost to Philadelphia and New York is a concern, as well as the inconsistent run game. Also, they have one of the worst pass defenses around.

Any team getting in a shootout with Dallas can win as the Giants proved a few weeks ago. Only until the Cowboys prove they can shut down offenses while not turning the ball over will they then emerge as a legit NFC contender as opposed to an improbable contender.

Philadelphia Eagles

Based on how much individual talent residing on the Eagles roster, the fact that they are an improbable contender is significantly disappointing.

They were dubbed the paper champions, failed to live up to the hype, and then have made a late-season surge thanks to the Cowboys and Giants slipping up. Nonetheless, Philly is still a threat, as the offense remains explosive enough to score on anyone and the pass defense can lock down receivers.

Add in Trent Cole leading the pass rush and the Eagles are capable of upsetting Dallas and then stealing the NFC East from the Giants if they happen to fall once more.

Much like the Cowboys, however, the concern is their consistency. Philly proved their worth in wins over Dallas and both New York teams. However losses to Seattle, Buffalo and Arizona have plagued their opportunities.

Seattle Seahawks

If you're a Seahawks fan, you must give thanks to the Lions and Eagles for keeping your playoff hopes alive. Detroit may have won two straight however, they haven't locked up a wildcard over Seattle just yet.

And because of their home win over Philly, Seattle kept itself alive and has won five of six. Now, if Detroit does beat San Diego in Week 16 it's all over and the comeback disperses. But, if the Lions lose out while Seattle wins out, The Great Northwest slides in as the NFC's No. 6 seed.

After beginning the year 2-6 it was for certain that all was lost. Nonetheless, Seattle began rolling behind the beastliness of RB Marshawn Lynch and a suffocating defense led by pass-rusher Chris Clemons.

Make no mistake about it, Seattle is a legitimate team. 2012 will perhaps have increased expectations; however, with 2011 still alive, no one wants to face them in the postseason.

Cincinnati Bengals

They're led by a rookie QB and WR in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. You would think that a team in the AFC North like the Bengals would struggle to win in 2011 with rookies, since they couldn't win in 2010 with veterans.

Well, thus has not been the case and Cincinnati sits at 8-6 and on the fringe of the postseason. This week the Bengals host Arizona who's also surging, so the Cardinals won't go down easy. Now the Bengals do need help from either the Giants or Dolphins, since the Jets are tied with them at 8-6.

One loss by Gang Green and Cincy controls their own destiny. The offense may not be stellar, but they're effective enough to produce and the defense has played consistently well all year. Their Week 17 game is hosting the Baltimore Ravens.

Although it's not an easy game, we've seen Balty slip on the road four times (Titans, Jaguars, Seahawks and Chargers). If those teams can beat the Ravens, then so can Cincinnati. So don't count out the Bengals just because of their young starters and having just two weeks left to catch the Jets.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @Sportswriter27