Underdogs are typically the way to go… This bodes awfully well for New Orleans, particularly catching so many points. The only teams to cover a spread higher than four points in recent Super Bowls have been these Indianapolis Colts in 2007 (-7 vs. Chicago Bears) and the Denver Broncos in 1999 (-7.5 vs. Atlanta Falcons). Aside from that, dogs larger than four points have been golden, going 6-2 ATS dating back to 1996. The underdog has covered six of the L/8 Super Bowls overall as well.

Run, run, run, as much as you can… Once again, in all likelihood, this is a huge trend that will be solid for the Saints. In the previous 43 Super Bowls, the team running the ball more in the game went a stellar 37-4 SU. (In Super Bowl V, both the Cowboys and Colts ran the ball 31 times. The same happened when the Bills and Cowboys rushed the pigskin 29 times apiece in Super Bowl XXVII) The Colts pass the ball on almost 63% of their offensive downs. New Orleans is still a pass-happy squad, but it only puts the pill in the air 55% of the time. The Saints are averaging carrying the ball 6.3 times per game more than Indianapolis does. Don’t think that the Colts don’t know about this stat though. An aerial based team in 2007 itself, the Colts still ran the ball 40 times combined with RBs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai, and that’s why they captured Super Bowl XLI.

All Over the Under… Reaching 56.5 points in any NFL betting battle is difficult, but the truth of the matter is that it’s very possible, especially when you consider how good these two offenses are that will take the field on Sunday afternoon in Miami. However, keep in mind that only eight Super Bowls have exceeded 56 points in NFL history, and none have gotten there since 2004. It’s not like there has been a lack of offensive firepower in the big game either of late. Last season, the Cardinals had one of the highest-flying offenses in the league. The same could be said about the record-setting Pats of 2007-08 and the Colts from ’06-’07. Chew on this as well. Indianapolis only had three games this season, including the playoffs, get to that 57+ point mark. New Orleans has played both of its playoff games beyond that number and did play six games past that point in the regular season. However, only three of those occurred away from the Superdome.

Watch out for moneyline value… Normally speaking in the regular season, teams that are favored by 5.5-6 points are usually lined around -250 or so on the moneyline. But this is the Super Bowl, and the majority of money either comes in on the favorites to cover the football betting line, or the underdog to win outright on the moneyline. The end result? Deflated numbers for the favorites to win SU. Right now, at Diamond Sportsbook, you can find Indianapolis lined at -220, and if you shop, you may be able to find a -200 or so by game time.

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The 2009-10 NFL Football Playoff Bracket Can Be Found Below

We have been tracking the playoff race for nearly a month now and finally the 2010 NFL playoffs layout is set in stone. Wildcard weekend will get started off in an exciting way featuring two week 17 rematches in the NFC and also another week 17 rematch in the AFC. The question that everyone will be asking now is what can everyone expect heading into the start of the postseason? The Indianapolis Colts appeared to be on track for an undefeated season, but opted to rest their star players which resulted in two straight losses. Will the Colts be able to regain their rhythm when they take the field after their first round bye? The same can be asked for the New Orleans Saints in the NFC who were also on the route to perfection before losing 3 straight games to close out the year. Take a look as we give a brief preview of what to expect from both conferences and the teams to watch for during the rest of the playoff season.

NFC Predictions

The Dallas Cowboys defense pitched two straight shutouts to close out the season including a 24-0 win over the Eagles to win the NFC East crown. The Eagles and Cowboys will battle again in the first round of the playoffs and their defensive play should draw some attention. The Cowboys offense has been able to post points this year so if their defense continues to play well they are dangerous. Expect them to sneak by the Eagles in a much closer game, but nonetheless take down Philadelphia for the 3rd time this season. The other game to kickoff wildcard weekend in the NFC will be Green Bay at Arizona. The Packers blew out the Cardinals in the desert last weekend 33-7. The Cardinals exploded with magic last year during the playoffs and they will be a long shot to pull of those accomplishments again. The Packers have really played well all season and the Cardinals inconsistent play causes concern. Unless, the Cardinals defense really steps up the Packers will repeat next weekend. The Packers also could be the surprise team of the playoffs because if they can pull off another Arizona defeat they will take on the suddenly struggling Saints. If Aaron Rodgers continues to play well, the Packers could be waiting in the NFC Championship game to take on the winner of a Dallas/Minnesota match-up. The Cowboys and Vikings would be a very interesting match-up considering the Vikings explosive balanced offense. The Cowboys postseason drought may come to an end this season, but we give the Vikings the edge in a close one setting up Green Bay at Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game.

AFC Predictions

The loss of Wes Welker really hurt the Patriots chances for postseason success considering how Randy Moss has quietly ended the season. QB Tom Brady has also been banged up and their meeting with the Ravens should be very interesting. Expecting the Patriots offense to be less dynamic, the Ravens and Patriots should be a in a low scoring defensive battle. The game may be a toss-up, but running back Ray Rice for the Ravens could be the difference and capture Baltimore the victory. The other wildcard meeting features the week 17 rematch with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets stomped the Bengals to earn their playoff berth with a 37-0 blowout. However, the Bengals starters were on the bench so do not expect another massacre. The Jets definitely have the momentum, but the Bengals defense will give a big effort and Carson Palmer will throw a few interceptions and score what many will believe as a mild upset. After those pair of games, the playoffs will move to the 2nd round with anticipated meetings with Indianapolis/Baltimore and New York/San Diego. The Chargers remain the hottest team in the league. Even with QB Phillip Rivers on the bench last week, backup Billy Volek directed a game winning drive to beat the Redskins 23-20. The Jets offensive up and downs will be apparent as the Chargers will roll. The Colts and Ravens should also present an interesting match-up. The Ravens defense can frustrate the Colts up front and short passes over the middle of the field. The Colts still have the advantage, but the Ravens could make things interesting. However, QB Peyton Manning and company should be ready after the week off to post a stellar offensive effort. The Colts take down the Ravens forcing a San Diego at Indianapolis battle for the AFC Championship.

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The NFL playoffs are here, and we are ready to start the analysis of the second season. Right now at Bankroll Sports, we take a look at the matchups in the postseason and make our NFC predictions and our AFC predictions, as we make our NFL playoff picks and our Super Bowl picks.

AFC Matchups
There is a whole mess load of allure in the AFC side of the playoffs, particularly in this 3/6 battle between the New York Jets (29 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the Indianapolis Colts (18 to 1 at Oddsmaker). These two teams met up twice last year, facing off once in a Week 16 game in which QB Peyton Manning and company laid down in, and once in the AFC Championship Game, a duel in which New York was in for the mass majority of the way before finally running out of gas at the death. Neither one of these teams have to feel like they have as good of a club as they did last year, but both know that they have a great chance to catch some fire and to make it to Arlington for the Super Bowl. The Jets are only narrow 2.5 point underdogs in this one though, a game which should be a great one to make NFL picks in.

The Baltimore Ravens (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are probably the scariest team playing in a Wild Card game in the AFC this weekend. They have the full compliment of defensive weapons to bank on, and they know how to get after the opposition full bore. The offense was improved this year quite a bit, just by the addition of WR Anquan Boldin as well. No one is really giving the Kansas City Chiefs (50 to 1 at Oddsmaker) much of a chance to do any damage in this one or in the run for the Lombardi Trophy, probably thanks in large part to the fact that the team put up a total dud in the finale against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 to spoil their perfect season at home. Had they just given up early on and let the backups play almost the whole way, this would have felt a lot differently. Instead, KC knows that it has a lot of rebuilding and restructuring to do to make sure that it can get out of the first round of the playoffs. The oddsmakers are showing no faith though, as the Chiefs are three point underdogs.

The New England Patriots (2 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (6 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are the two favorites to win the Super Bowl this year, and they are both on byes this week.

NFC Matchups
It’s pretty amazing to think that the New Orleans Saints (11 to 1 at Oddsmaker) have the second best odds to win Super Bowl XLV in the NFC in spite of the fact that they are probably going to have to win three road games just to get to Arlington. The current Lombardi Trophy holders are the first team to be favored by double digits in quite some time on the road in the postseason, as they have that distinction against the NFC West champs, the Seattle Seahawks (125 to 1 at Oddsmaker). There’s no doubt that Seattle has the worst chance to become Super Bowl champs this year, but we have definitely seen stranger things happen. However, it’s always a piece of NFL history when you can go 7-9 and still get into the second season, the feat that the Seahawks pulled off. Needless to say, this isn’t a game that you want to forget about when you’re placing your NFL picks in for the Wild Card weekend.

On the other side of the bracket, the Philadelphia Eagles (13 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and Green Bay Packers (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) will duke it out in the City of Brotherly Love. These two teams met in the first week of the regular season in a game that really was one of the better NFL betting affairs of the year. The Pack did get the best of the Eagles in that one, winning thanks to a late defensive stand, but it is pretty clear that, had QB Michael Vick ended up playing that entire game, the story would have been significantly different. Vick is the X-Factor in these entire playoffs, and this is why this team is a real threat to capture the Lombardi Trophy. It would make for a great story, that’s for sure. Not only would Vick complete the circle of life as a man that went from the top of the mountain to the dregs of society in prison to the highest peak once again, but he would do in just one season as a starter, what QB Donovan McNabb could never do: Bring a championship to Philadelphia.

There’s still a long way to go to get there, though. The Chicago Bears (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the top seed in the NFC side of the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons (6 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are both still waiting in the wings following their byes in the first round of the playoffs.

The NFL heads into the final week of the regular season this Sunday and there are still playoff possibilities up for grabs. The NFC playoff race was decided when the Cowboys beat the Redskins with the help of a Giants loss. However, the AFC postseason race still has a ton of different possible outcomes that could unfold in week 17. We have updated the playoff picture and take a look at what is still on the line for each team heading into the final week of the season.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) – Clinched playoff berth

The Eagles are still fighting for the NFC East crown when they travel to Dallas this weekend in a rematch from a 20-16 loss to the Cowboys in week 9. So what is the real significance of the win? Well not only will the Eagles win the division and host their first playoff game, but a win also grabs the Eagles a first round bye thanks to the Vikings meltdown over the past few weeks.

Dallas Cowboys (10-5) – Clinched playoff berth

The Dallas Cowboys clinched a playoff berth with a 17-0 shutout over the Redskins this weekend. The question everyone will be asking now is can the Cowboys end their postseason winless drought that dates all the way back to 1996. The Cowboys of course will also be battling for the division title against the Eagles this Sunday. A win will also earn the Cowboys the opportunity to host the first round of the playoffs.

New York Giants (8-7) – Out

Washington Redskins (4-11) – Out

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-4) -Clinched division

The Vikings have now lost 3 of their last 4 games and may miss out on a first round bye if the Eagles beat the Cowboys. However, if the Eagles lose the Viking still wrap up the first round bye with a victory over the Giants this Sunday.

Green Bay Packers (10-5) – Clinched playoff berth

Chicago Bears (6-9) – Out

Detroit Lions (2-13) – Out

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (13-2) – Clinched division and first round bye

Even with a overtime loss to the Buccaneers last Sunday, the Saints still locked up home field advantage through the playoffs thanks to the Vikings loss to the Bears. However, the back to back losses are causing a lot of concern in regards to just how far the Saints can go in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons (8-7) – Out

Carolina Panthers (7-8) – Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-12) – Out

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (10-5) – Clinched division

San Francisco 49ers (7-8) – Out

Seattle Seahawks (5-10) – Out

St. Louis Rams (1-14) – Out

AFC East

New England Patriots (10-5) – Clinched division

New York Jets (8-7) – The Jets had everything go right last week. The Jets ended the Colts dream of a perfect season with a 29-15 victory in Indianapolis. The Jets also got a ton of help in the wildcard race with losses from Miami, Jacksonville, and Denver. Once a long shot at the postseason, the Jets control their own destiny and will be in the playoffs with a win over Cincinnati this week.

Miami Dolphins (7-8) – The Dolphins postseason hopes were nearly destroyed after their 2nd straight loss this week. The Dolphins have to beat the Steelers who will also be fighting for postseason chances this weekend as well. However, even if the Dolphins win they will need the Jets, Ravens, Jaguars, and Texans to all lose.

Buffalo Bills (5-10) – Out

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) – Clinched division

Baltimore Ravens (8-7) – The Ravens close loss to the Steelers last week was a big disappointment, but they still control their destiny for the playoffs. Baltimore simply needs to beat the struggling Raiders and they will lock down one of the wildcard sports in the postseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) – The Steelers once written off as dead have battled their way back into the playoff picture after big wins over Green Bay and Baltimore. The Steelers still need some help, but they can make the playoffs in 3 possible scenarios if they beat the Dolphins this weekend. These things have to happen if the Steelers win this weekend: Jets and Texans lose, Texans and Ravens lose, or Jets, Ravens, and Broncos lose.

Cleveland Browns (4-11) – Out

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (14-1) – Clinched Division and home field advantage throughout.

Houston Texans (8-7) – The Texans took care of business this week jumping all over the Dolphins early and then holding them off for a 27-20 victory. The Texans now need to beat the Patriots this week and get a little help. Even if the Texans win they will need these possible scenarios to play out: Jets and Ravens lose, Jets and Broncos lose, or Ravens and Broncos lose.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) – The Jaguars were embarrassed last week by the Patriots and only a late score kept them from being shutout 35-7. The Jaguars will now need to capture a win over the suddenly surging Browns this Sunday and get a lot of help. With a win over Cleveland the Browns will still need the following scenarios to play out: Steelers, Ravens, Broncos, and Texans lose, or Steelers, Ravens, Broncos and Jets lose, or Steelers, Ravens, Texans, and Jets lose, or Steelers, Broncos, Texans, and Jets lose, or finally Jets, Broncos, Texans, and Ravens lose.

Tennessee Titans (7-8) – Out

AFC West

San Diego Chargers (11-3) – Clinched division and first round bye

Denver Broncos (8-7) – The Broncos struggles continued after a close loss to the Eagles last week. The Broncos appeared as locks for the playoffs, but after losing 3 straight games suddenly need some help even if they can bring down a win this week against Kansas City. If the Broncos can beat the 3-12 Chiefs, the following events need to occur: Jets and Ravens lose, or Jets and Steelers lose, or Jets and Texans lose, or Ravens and Steelers lose, or Ravens and Texans lose, or Ravens lose and Texans win. If the Broncos do not beat the Chiefs they will need the Steelers to lose and the following to happen: Ravens, Texans, and Jaguars lose, or Ravens, Texans, and Jets lose, or Ravens, Jaguars, and Jets lose, or Texans, Jaguars, and Jets lose. One other long shot scenario could also get the Broncos into the playoffs regardless what happens against the Chiefs and that would be if the Dolphins, Jets, Ravens, Texans, and Jaguars all lose.

Oakland Raiders (5-10) – Out

Kansas City Chiefs (3-12) – Out

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Note: Below this post, there is a complete listing of all the NFL week 16 lines (sides & totals) from BetUS Sportsbook (100% signup bonus when you click here) if you would like to skip our weekly NFL lines breakdown.

Last week in the NFL, scoring returned in a big way. After a couple weeks of really low scoring, there were a ton of points score in week 15. In fact, six different games had more than 50 points scored while 3 of those contests combined for more than 65 total point a piece. As a result, the over totals held an 8-6 advantage over the under totals this past weekend. However, heading into week 16 there is not a single game with a total over 49 which should be something to keep an eye on if scoring surges again. Another popular trend last week was the number of impressive road performances. The road teams were 8-5 SU last week. As a whole, road teams were 8-4-1 ATS against the home field advantage. It was also the first week in the month of December where the favored teams did not hold the advantage over the underdogs. The underdogs were also 8-4-1 ATS and road underdogs were even more impressive going 6-2 ATS. In fact, road underdogs are the big trend when looking at the week 16 NFL lines. Road teams will be underdogs in 14 of 16 contests this weekend. The only games that will feature away teams that are favored will be Sunday and Monday night featured NFC battles. However, the more important factor that will continue to shape out this week will be the postseason race. The NFC picture is becoming clearer, but the AFC race is still wide open with 6 different teams at 7-7 trying to fight their way into a wildcard spot. Check out all of those important playoff games with their respected betting lines below as we continue to approach the end of the NFL regular season. All of these week 16 NFL lines from BetUS Sportsbook can be found below. You can get a HUGE 100% Bonus (Up to $500) at BetUS Using This Exclusive Link. Be sure to also check out the complete Week 16 NFL Playoff Pitcure below to see which teams are still alive and which teams will be watching the playoffs on TV.

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2009 Week 16 NFL Lines & Spreads From BetUS (as of 12/13 @ 7:00 am EST):
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Last week a lot of NFL team’s postseason chances came to an end primarily in the NFC. However, the AFC wildcard race is still completely up for grabs with a host of teams lingering at the 7-7 mark on the season. Among those teams are the defending Super Bowl Champions in the Pittsburgh Steelers who kept their chances alive with a Ben Roethlisberger game winning touchdown pass as time expired in a big victory against the Green Bay Packers. However, the odds may be stacked against the Steelers to find a position in the playoffs. Find out the Steelers chances to make the playoffs along with all the other teams in the NFL as we continue to breakdown the postseason playoff picture.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth with their 27-13 win over the 49ers this weekend. However, the Eagles can still do more damage. They currently sit a top the NFC East and could clinch the division with another win combined with a Dallas loss. The Eagles could also lose to the Broncos this week and still win the division with a victory against Dallas in the finale. Also, the Eagles could still get a first round bye in the playoffs with another Vikings loss as long as they continue to win.

Dallas Cowboys (9-5) – The Cowboys stunned the football world with a big victory over the previously unbeaten Saints last weekend. The milestone victory ended at ever going talk of the December slump and kept the Cowboys in the wildcard position for the playoffs. Dallas is currently in a race with the Giants for the final wildcard spot. The Giants would win the tie breaker due to the head to head sweep, but the Giants trial by one game currently. Dallas also has the same record as Green Bay meaning they could also guarantee a spot in the playoffs with one more victory if the Packers lost their remaining two. However, all those scenarios are given if the Cowboys lose another game but they still control their destiny if they continue to win. Also, if the Cowboys get by Washington this weekend they will have the chance to take down the division against the Eagles in week 17.

New York Giants (8-6) – The Giants just crushed Washington this past Monday 45-12 in an all around impressive effort. The Giants would currently be out of the playoffs if the season ended today, but they are also the only team still alive outside of the 6 teams that are currently in the playoffs. The Giants could close the door with another Dallas loss if they were to win out. Also, if the Packers lose their last two games the Giants could earn a spot with two more victories. If the Giants just split the last two games, they would need Dallas to lose both games.

Washington Redskins (4-10) – Out

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Vikings loss to the Panthers opened the door for the Eagles to have a chance at taking their first round bye. Minnesota would lose the tie breaker for 2nd best record in the NFL with another loss (given the Eagles win) due to their conference record.

Green Bay Packers (9-5) – The Packers last second loss to the Steelers this week was a setback in regards to the postseason. However, the Packers still have a good chance to lock in a spot with just one more victory due to their head to head victory over Dallas and two game advantage over the Giants. However, if they lost their remaining two games they would need Dallas or New York to at least lose one game.

Chicago Bears (5-9) – Out

Detroit Lions (2-12) – Out

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (13-1) – Clinched Division and first round bye.  New Orleans pursuit of a perfect season ended last week to the Cowboys. However, they are still poised for a deep playoff run and another victory would wrap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons (7-7) – Out

Carolina Panthers (6-8) – Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) – Out

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (9-5) – Clinched Division

San Francisco 49ers (6-8) – Out

Seattle Seahawks (5-9) – Out

St. Louis Rams (1-13) – Out

AFC East

New England Patriots (9-5) – The Patriots definitely have not been the dominating New England team we are accustomed to this time a year. However, last week’s 17-10 victory over Buffalo puts the Patriots just one victory away from clinching the division. The Patriots could also clinch the division guaranteeing a postseason berth with another Miami loss.

Miami Dolphins (7-7) – The Dolphins are just one of six teams currently sitting at 7-7. The Dolphins could still advance if a few scenarios play out. One of course would be if the Patriots lost their last two and the Dolphins win out to steal the division title. For Miami to capture a wildcard spot, they would need either Denver and/or Baltimore to lose their final two games while winning their last two games.

New York Jets (7-7) – The Jets are also at the 7-7 mark on the season after a 10-7 loss to the Falcons last week. The Jets can not win the division so their only option is to somehow win a wildcard position. The Jets absolutely have to win their remaining two games and hope for the following: Jacksonville loses to New England and Miami loses to Houston, plus either of the following: have Baltimore lose at Pittsburgh or Denver lose at Philadelphia.

Buffalo Bills (5-9) – Out

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) – The Bengals dropped their 2nd straight game last week in an emotional 27-24 loss to the Chargers keeping the door open in the division race. Cincinnati still needs one more victory to clinch the AFC North or a Baltimore loss.

Baltimore Ravens (8-6) – The Ravens blew out Chicago last week 31-7 to strengthen their playoff chances. Baltimore is also still alive in the division, but would need the Bengals to lose their remaining two games to reach that goal. The Ravens could clinch a playoff berth with a win this week with the following scenarios playing out: Jacksonville loss along with Jets or Broncos loss. Ravens could also earn a spot with losses by Jets, Broncos, and Dolphins this week as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) – The Steelers kept their postseason chances alive last week with a clutch victory against the Packers. Pittsburgh still has an uphill battle to climb given their 4-6 conference record. There are tons of scenarios that could play out. One interesting scenarios would be if the Steelers win out they would need Houston, Jacksonville, Denver, and New York to lose at least one game. (All of those teams are underdogs for week 16) Of course there are many other scenarios given all the teams fighting for wildcard spot, but one thing is certain that is the Steelers must win.

Cleveland Browns (3-11) – Out

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (13-0) – Clinched Division and home field advantage throughout.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) – The Jaguars played really well against the Colts last week nearly ending their undefeated season. However, the loss put them right in the middle of a pack of 7-7 teams. Still, the Jaguars chances are pretty good or at least better than other teams with the same record. The Jaguars control their own destiny with another Denver or Baltimore loss.

Tennessee Titans (7-7) – The Titans kept their slim postseason chances alive with a 27-24 victory over Miami last Sunday. Tennessee must win their final two games of the season and get a lot of help. The Titans need both Denver and Baltimore to lose their final two games. Also, Tennessee would nearly need to finish ahead of all the current teams at 7-7 given they have the worse conference record of every team except Houston.

Houston Texans (7-7) – The Texans are also still alive for just one more week, but they need more help than anyone. Houston needs Denver and Baltimore to lose out. The Texans will also need the Jets to possibly lose out along with losses from both Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. All of those scenarios have to play out and the Texans must win their final two just to be eligible of a few of the tie breaker scenarios.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers (11-3) – Clinched Division

The Chargers may just be the hottest team in the AFC even with the Colts still undefeated. San Diego’s winning streak in December is now 17 straight games and they have also posted 9 straight wins currently. The Chargers are already in the postseason, but need just one more victory to capture a first round bye and home field advantage in their first playoff game.

Denver Broncos (8-6) – Denver’s postseason chances took a big hit with an unexpected loss to Oakland last week. The Broncos still currently own the final wildcard position and control their own destiny. However, they would lose tie breakers to Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh in the wildcard race meaning another loss would really devastate their chances. If the Broncos had to take a loss, they can not afford to lose to the Chiefs in the finale considering that would really damage their conference record. A win over Kansas City would increase their chances at 9-7, but there are too many scenarios that could play out if that happens. The main thing for Denver is to approach each game as a “must win.”

Oakland Raiders (5-9) – Out

Kansas City Chiefs (3-11) – Out

The postseason picture continues to unravel as there are just 3 weeks left in the season. Shockingly we still have two undefeated teams in the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Both of those teams have clinched division titles and first round byes in the playoffs. However, there are many other teams that do not have that type of comforting feel about the postseason destiny. We break down the NFL playoff picture again heading into week 15.

NFC East:

Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) – The Eagles offense was just unstoppable in their big win over the Giants and they now sit alone atop the NFC East. With the Cowboys struggling, the Eagles appear to be big favorites to win the division. Philadelphia really only needs one more win against Dallas to clinch the division, but the way the offense is playing they have the possibility of running the table.

Dallas Cowboys (8-5) – The December woes continue and with meetings with both New Orleans and Philadelphia still on the schedule, things do not look good. The Dallas offense seems to be moving the ball, but just not putting it in the endzone. With the Giants on their trail and having beaten them head to head, the Cowboys will most likely have to win at least two of the last three.

New York Giants (7-6) – Despite the constant big plays by the Eagles, the Giants showed a lot of character and had a strong offensive showing on Sunday night. However, the week 14 loss to Philly really set their playoff chances back and took destiny out of their hands. The good news for Giants fans is that their next two games are very winnable before the season finale against Vikings; who may end up resting Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson in the last week. Giants fans should be rooting for New Orleans to seal up that one-seed.  At least one of the two wildcard teams will come out of the East.  But, the Giants are going to need some external help from the opponents of the Cowboys and Packers.

Washington Redskins (4-9) – Out

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-2) – Clinched Division. The Vikes are just two back from New Orleans for the one-seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  However, New Orleans would win the tiebreaker over Minnesota in the result of a tie for the one spot.

Green Bay Packers (9-4) – The Packers got a lot of ground support from running back Ryan Grant in their 21-14 win over the Bears this weekend. The win marks the 5th straight by the Packers as they are the leading team in the running for a wild card position. Green Bay also gets the struggled Pittsburgh Steelers followed by the Seahawks next on the schedule which should help pad their cushion for a playoff seat.  They still have a shot at winning the division, but it’s looking more and more like they are going to have that first wildcard spot.  The Pack are looking like one of the hotter teams in the NFC down the stretch.

Chicago Bears (5-8) – Out

Detroit Lions (2-10) – Out

NFC South:

New Orleans Saints (12-0) – New Orleans clinched the division and first round bye with their squeaker over the banged up and fading Atlanta Falcons.  The Saints can secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win and a Minnesota loss.

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) – QB Chris Redman had an excellent showing in place of Matt Ryan throwing for over 300 yards in a near upset win over the Saints. The Falcons really needed the victory, but fell short 26-23. The Falcons absolutely have to win out to have a chance at the postseason now. However while most will write them off, every game remaining is very winnable.

Carolina Panthers (5-8) – Even at 5-8 somehow through a bizarre scenario of miraculous events the Panthers are still mathematically in the picture. The only thing that have to do now is win out and do it against the possibly 3 of the best teams in the NFC. It is likely that the Vikings could put them out of their misery next week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-12) – Out

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals (8-5) – The Cardinals looked like a solid playoff contender just two short weeks ago.  However, they looked like the complete opposite against the 49ers on Monday night. Arizona still needs another win and a 49ers loss before they will clinch the division.  If they continue to play like they did on Monday Night, the Cardinals may find themselves back in an underdog role in the playoffs; or even worse yet, missing the postseason all together.

San Francisco 49ers (6-7) – San Francisco did exactly what they had to this week against the Cardinals as the kept them selves in the playoff hunt with a 24-9 victory. The 49ers defense played extremely well forcing Kurt Warner to a couple of picks. The Niners are two games behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West with just three games left to play.  They own the tiebreaker over the Cardinals having beaten them twice this year.  Their only realistic shot at the playoffs would be to catch the Cardinals for the division.  They would need a lot of chips to fall into place in order to get in as a wildcard this year.

Seattle Seahawks (5-8) – The Seahawks are another team that is somehow mathematically in the equation, but rather have no chance at actually making those events happen. Seattle was destroyed by Houston 34-7 last week and they have some major issues to resolve over the off season.

St. Louis Rams (1-12) – Out

AFC East:

New England Patriots (8-5) – The Patriots got off to a sluggish start last week against the Panthers and showed a lot of trouble stopping the run throughout the game. With Miami knocking on the door, the Patriots can not afford any more less than impressive performances. The good news is the schedule looks very manageable as it reads Buffalo, Jacksonville, and ends with Houston. It is most likely to assume two wins would get the Patriots into the playoffs as that would make Miami have to run the table. However, 3 straight wins would guarantee them the division.

Miami Dolphins (7-6) – Do not look now but the Dolphins are getting it done having won 4 of their last 5 as they held on to hold off the Jaguars 14-10 this past Sunday. The very interesting factor to this scenario is that a loss by the Patriots and a win by the Dolphins would actually put Miami ahead in the tie breaker scenario given their conference record. Miami also has a winnable remaining schedule where they will likely be favorites in each of their final 3 games. A couple of scenarios could play out depending on the Jets and Patriots outcomes over the next 3 weeks, but the Dolphins appear to need at least 2 wins in most probable cases.

New York Jets (7-6) – The Jets are right in the middle of the interesting AFC East battle that looks very similar to the 2008 regular season. New York beat up on Tampa Bay last week 26-3, but they have the most difficult schedule out of the division teams remaining. Atlanta next week will be interesting, but the last two games with the Colts and Bengals is frightening for their hopes at the postseason. The Jets would lose both tie breakers against Miami due to their head to head sweep and the Patriots due to a worse record in the division. Therefore, the division may be a long shot but a couple more wins could still find a wildcard spot if everything falls into place.

Buffalo Bills (5-8) – Out

AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) – Cincinnati could have really strengthened their chances to clinch the division last week, but appeared rather out-matched by the Vikings as they lost 30-10. Also, if they do not regroup quickly they could drop two straight considering they take on the red hot Chargers this weekend. The Bengals hold the tie breaker over Baltimore so just one more victory will clinch the AFC North.

Baltimore Ravens (7-6) – The Ravens exploded against the Lions last week to win by 45 points as Ray Rice had a huge performance racking up 166 yards on the ground. Baltimore is right in the thick of the wild card position battle and if they can continue to play well their schedule will allow a few more wins. However, they still may need the Jaguars to misfire to increase their postseason chances. The Ravens could also win out and hope the Bengals lose out to win the division. However, the most likely chance for the playoffs maybe through the wildcard position and it appears that they will have to at least be 9-7 to have that opportunity.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) – Let’s just forget the playoffs talk. The Steelers were beating by the Browns of all teams who had just one victory previously. Pittsburgh now has the NFL’s longest losing streak at 5 straight losses. The defending Super Bowl Champions could at least find a way to go out with some dignity. Pittsburgh must win out to better position them selves for a possible wildcard position given they already out of the division race.

Cleveland Browns (2-11) – Out

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts (13-0) – Clinched Division and home field advantage throughout playoffs.  The Colts appear to have nothing to play for now that the home field advantage is wrapped up. However, this team is still undefeated and the chance to end the season that way is very rare. In fact, only 4 teams have accomplished that feat in NFL history so do not expect the Colts to back off.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6) – The Jaguars lost a close battle with the Dolphins this week, but they would still be in the playoffs if the season ended today. However, with the Ravens playing well there is hardly any room for mistakes. The problem is how do you avoid any mistakes when you have the Patriots and Colts next on the schedule? The Jaguars would win any tie breaker scenario considering they have the best conference record of teams battling for a wildcard position. However, it depends on which team they would be up against considering they lost to Miami and beat the Jets which are two teams fighting for wild card positions if the season ended today. Jacksonville will likely need to get at least two more wins and need some bad luck from Miami and possibly Baltimore.

Tennessee Titans (6-7) – Chris Johnson led the Titans in a dynamic win over the Rams last Sunday 47-7. Johnson racked up 117 yards on the ground as well as 69 yards receiving with numerous big plays throughout the games. Also, both Kerry Collins and Vince Young were effective behind center. The Titans are still starring at an unconquerable mountain for the postseason needing to win out like the Texans, but they could really build some momentum to end the season as they have the chance to score some respectable wins over the next 3 games.

Houston Texans (6-7) – The Texans destroyed the Seahawks as QB Matt Schaub threw for 365 yards in the routing. Despite little chance of the postseason, Houston will likely be a team that plays a huge role in shaping out the AFC playoff picture as they play some teams that are right in the thick of the mixture. Houston could still win out and have a shot at the postseason giving a few more helpful scenarios as well. With 4 different teams already at 7-6 and the Broncos at 8-5, the Texans would have to get to 9-7 to have a chance at breaking any tie breakers.

AFC West:

San Diego Chargers (10-3) – San Diego captured a big time victory over the Cowboys 20-17 this week and really put a strangle hold on the AFC West. In the most probable scenario, the Chargers will most likely win the division with just one more victory. However, the Chargers may be one of the more dangerous teams in the NFL at this point in the season and they are known for playing well in December. If San Diego can manage just 2 more victories, they will get a first round bye in the playoffs.

Denver Broncos (8-5) – The Broncos suffered a setback this week in a loss to maybe the best team in the NFL as they fell to the Colts 28-16. Denver is in position to grab the first available wild card position and they are playing at a level which they should be able to maintain that position. Also, 2 of the last 3 games are against Oakland and Kansas City which should guarantee the Broncos will be in the postseason. However, they still have to get the job done and win the games. If they can just manage 2 out of the next 3 they will be hard to chance at 10-6. However, if the Ravens get hot the Broncos would lose tie breaker scenarios with them due to the head to head factor. As for any other tie breakers teams involved with the Broncos, it would fall by their final conference records as to which team won the tie breaker. Of course if they win out, they guarantee a playoff position.

Oakland Raiders (4-9) – Out

Kansas City Chiefs (3-10) – Out