NFL Playoff Picture: 5 Teams Whose Hopes Are Fading Fast or Dead

With 16 weeks in the books, the following five teams are fading fast from the 2011 NFL playoff picture:

New York Jets (8-7)

Of the remaining teams in the playoff field, the Jets might have the hardest path to sneak in. After losing to the New York Giants on Sunday, the Jets have to beat the Dolphins in Miami and then get some help. They need a win plus a Bengals and Titans loss, or a win plus a loss from either the Broncos or Raiders.  

Dallas Cowboys (8-7)

They've seemingly been in control of the NFC East for the majority of the second half, but they find themselves in a must-win situation in Week 17 vs. the Giants. Can they go to East Rutherford and pull out a win, possibly with a still-recovering Tony Romo? It's not impossible, but the cards are stacked against Dallas right now. 

San Diego Chargers (7-8)

I really thought the Chargers had a chance to make some noise in the AFC West. It needed to start with a win over the Lions on Sunday, however, and that didn't happen. The Chargers are now mathematically eliminated. 

Tennessee Titans (8-7)

The Titans need a win and some help to crack the playoffs. Beating Houston is first on the docket, then it gets messy. Tennessee would win a two-team tiebreaker against the Jets at 9-7, and a three-game tiebreaker against the Bengals and Raiders. 

Chicago Bears (7-8)

The Bears had a sliver of hope, especially with a tiebreaker in hand against the Falcons. They needed to beat Green Bay last night, however. At 7-8, the Bears are mathematically eliminated. 

Current Playoff Picture

NFC 

1. Packers (14-1)

2. 49ers (12-3)

3. Saints (11-3)*

4. Giants (8-7)

5. Lions (10-5)

6. Falcons (9-5)*

AFC

1. Patriots (12-3)

2. Ravens (11-4)

3. Texans (10-5)

4. Broncos (8-7)

5. Steelers (10-4)

6. Bengals (9-6)

*Play Monday night.