NFL Playoff Picture: Denver Broncos and Teams That Must Reach Postseason

The final game of the 2011 NFL regular season is fast approaching, and several teams are still fighting for a playoff spot. Some of those teams have no choice but to get to the playoffs or else they're in for a ton of criticism and major changes. 

Winning is everything, and if a few teams fail to reach the playoffs their 2011 season will be viewed as a failure. 

After 16 weeks, we've seen a lot happen in the NFL. Week 17 should be just as crazy as the rest of them. There are a number of different playoff scenarios for teams still competing for a postseason berth, as well as those who have made it but are still fighting for a top seed. You can view all the situations here. 

With that said, here are three teams that desperately need to reach the postseason. 

Denver Broncos 

One of the more puzzling teams of 2011, the Broncos are one victory away from winning the AFC West. All they need to do is beat the Kansas Chiefs. 

Thanks to surprise comeback victories by Tim Tebow, the Broncos appeared to have the division locked up, especially as their rivals continued to struggle.

Unfortunately, an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills (who had lost seven straight games prior to facing Denver) allowed the Oakland Raiders to be in contention once again. 

Tebow's late game heroics gave life to this team, as well as excitement. However, it could all come crashing down if Denver fails to win the division. There will still be positives to take away from this season, but if the Broncos miss the playoffs the negative talk of Tebow will surface once more. 

Of course, if Denver wins and hosts a playoff game, the national Tebow praise will continue on, which is something Denver definitely needs as it tries to return to the glory days.

New York Jets 

Long before the season started, Rex Ryan guaranteed the Jets would win the Super Bowl. With one game left, the Jets are in danger of missing the playoffs, which makes Ryan look like an idiot. 

Of course, he can somewhat save himself if the Jets are able to get in, but they'd need a lot of luck in order to do so. 

First, the Jets have to beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, which isn't as easy and once perceived. The Dolphins are playing much better football than the last time the Jets saw them in October. 

If New York does win, it will then need the Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders all to lose. 

The Jets must reach the playoffs or Ryan will be facing a ton of heat for his remarks about a Super Bowl win. Plus, New York would be forced to consider making a number of changes regarding the roster and coaching staff.

New York Giants 

If Tom Coughlin wants to remain head coach of the Giants, then they have to beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. 

The winner will be the NFC East champ, and end up hosting a playoff game. If the Giants fall to the Cowboys, who will be led by a banged up Tony Romo, then the 2011 season is a huge bust.

It will be the third straight year the Giants missed the playoffs, and Coughlin would likely lose his job. That's not certain, but its something that should happen because the team is failing with him.

A division championship would save his job, and give the Giants a great deal of confidence heading into the playoffs.

However, should they lose, the Giants will be in need of some big changes moving forward.