NFL Playoff Scenarios: Dallas Cowboys and Contenders Destined to Fall Short

With the NFL playoffs just a week from being set, it’s time to start projecting the team that will sneak in and the teams that will fall out of contention.

ESPN offers a playoff scenario machine that allows the fans to play football god for the moment. I recommend it to all NFL fans.

All of the following teams were thought to be serious contenders either at the beginning of the season or as it progressed, but sometimes things don’t unfold as they should.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are supposed to win the Super Bowl every season if you listen to Jerry Jones, but it won’t happen this year either.

With overrated quarterback Tony Romo nursing a hand injury, the Cowboys game against division rival New York Giants in Week 17 is by the biggest game of the season for both teams.

At the end of the day, the Giants will win the game outright and steal the NFC East division crown from the cowboys. Too bad neither team is the real division champs, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Denver Broncos

While Tim Tebow may be an international sensation, he won’t be able to grow his brand this season because the Broncos are not making the playoffs.

The Bronco played amazing under Tebow, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a tough start to the season and an even tougher finish.

With a loss this week to the Kansas City Chiefs and a win by the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos would have outside the playoffs looking in.

New York Jets

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets would be Super Bowl champs if all you had to do was talk your way to the big game.

With a disappointing year that has resulted in what could be the worst season since Ryan took the helm behind them, it’s time for the team to build for the future. That means get rid of Mark Sanchez.

With more proof that he can’t cut it at the biggest moments, the Jets need to weigh all of their options and see if they can trade Sanchez to the Seattle Seahawks for some first-round picks.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NFL Page to get your fill of all things football.

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