NFL Playoff Race: Who will grab the last wildcard spots? - Mparas1432's Blog

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Mparas1432's Blog

NFL Playoff Race: Who will grab the last wildcard spots?

Posted on November 30, 2012 at 03:18 PM.

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With the Saints� loss to the Falcons Thursday, New Orleans playoff chances are pretty much over.

Two losses in a row has put them at 5-7 that makes it almost impossible to earn the last wildcard spot in the NFC. However for three other teams in the NFC, the last playoff spot is still very much alive.

In the AFC, the last wildcard spot will also be a close battle with the Steelers and the Bengals eyeing the last spot.

Here�s a look at five teams sitting on the edge of a playoff birth

Pittsburgh Steelers

Current Situation: At 6-5, the Steelers appear to be in free fall without Big Ben. Not only have they lost two in a row but their offense has failed to get going. The three man rotation of Mendenhall-Dwyer-Redman hasn't worked well enough to bail out Charlie Batch.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. While he may not return this week, Ben Roethlisberger should return soon. Also wide receiver Antonio Brown returns, which helps their passing game as well.

Projected Record using ESPN�s Playoff Machine: 9-7

Will they make it?

No. Big Ben�s injury was too crucial. The Bengals are also playing a lot better football right now.

Cincinnati Bengals

Current Situation:

Where have these Bengals come from? Sure they started off 3-1, but both sides of the ball are clicking at the right time. Ever since their win over the Giants, Andy Dalton has overcome his sophomore slump. The defense is playing well too, only allowing 14 points per game in their last three wins.

Projected Record: 10-6

Will they make it?
Yes. The Bengals are hitting their peak at the right time and are also benefitting from the Steelers being banged up.

Minnesota Vikings

Current Situation

Coming off a crucial loss the Bears, the Vikings don�t look they are a playoff team just yet. While they are 6-5, Critisian Ponder could really use the return of Percy Harvin. This team can�t survive on Adrien Peterson alone.

Projected record: 8-8

Will they make it?

The Vikings have a brutal schedule coming up. Of their five remaining games, only one team, the Rams, have a record below .500. No playoffs this year for the Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current Situation

Under Greg Schiano, the Buccaneers are a reborn team. Josh Freeman�s confidence is back along with a strong run game from Doug Martin. Vincent Jackson has given Freeman a primary passing target, which has also made room for the re-emergence of Mike Williams.

The Bucs are 6-5, but are one of the hottest teams in the NFL going into an interesting showdown with Denver.

Projected record: 9-7

Will they make it?

It�s a little too much too soon again for the Bucs. Their schedule isn�t too bad, but they will need a win at either Denver or Atlanta if they want to make a playoff appearance. They also play the Saints again, which is no easy out against a divisional rival.

Seattle Seahawks

Current Situation

Terrible on the road and great at home nicely sums up the 2012 Seattle Seahawks. By all accounts, Seattle should have not lost to Miami. They were in control for most of the game until a costly roughing the passer penalty set up Miami to score. Now at 6-5, the Seahawks are still in the playoff hunt but will need to avoid losing crucial games on the road if they want to make the playoffs.

Projected Record: 10-6

Will they make it?

Fortunately for the Seahawks, four of their last five games are at home. It also helps their only road game is at Buffalo. The Seahawks could very well end the season on a four game win streak, which would put them into the playoffs.

Who will be the NFC and AFC wildcard teams? Let us know in the replies.