6 NFL Teams That Must Finish Strong to Make the Playoffs
Buckle up because we’re entering the home stretch of the NFL season.
And what a finish we’re going to have.
All the bye weeks are over, every team has four games left and 21 of the league’s 32 clubs are either in or within one game of a playoff spot.
Currently, only six teams have been eliminated: the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and Washington Redskins.
Yet the NFC South ensures it’ll be a wacky finish, since the division leading Atlanta Falcons boast a woeful 5-7 record.
“We’ve given ourselves the opportunity to play meaningful football in December,” Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said this week. “And in this league, every week is a whole different deal.”
In the NFL, with just 16 regular season games, it’s not how you start but how you finish.
Consider the 2012 Baltimore Ravens and the 2010 Green Bay Packers, two teams that punched their postseason tickets via wildcard spots and parlayed them into Super Bowl rings. The former isn’t the greatest example of having a December to remember; the Ravens went 1-4 in December. But thanks to an opportunistic defense and a hot quarterback, Joe Flacco, the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. The Packers, meanwhile, regrouped after losing two road games with victories at Lambeau Field over the Giants and the Chicago Bears en route to a victory in Super Bowl XLV.
Not too long ago, the Arizona Cardinals had a stranglehold on the NFC West. Well, their sparkling 9-1 record has lost its luster after losing quarterback Carson Palmer and, subsequently, losing two games by a combined score of 48-21.
“Every win is important,” said Richard Sherman, whose Seattle Seahawks are 8-4 after winning four of the last five games. “You want to get as many wins as you can and put yourselves in position to make a great run in the playoffs.”
Click here to take a closer look at six teams.
Run Defense Key To Chiefs Victory Over Raiders
In Week 11, Latavius Murray ran for 112 yards on only four carries, and if the Chiefs hope to defeat the Raiders on Sunday, they need to make sure it doesn't happen again. Read More
Philip Rivers Key To Chargers Win Over Broncos
If the Chargers hope to upset the Broncos, they will need to rely on the arm of Philip Rivers to get the job done. Read More
Anderson Key To Broncos Win Over Chargers
C.J. Anderson has had three touchdowns on the ground last week, but can he explode against a stout San Diego defense in Week 15? Read More
Jets Fans Should Still Trust Woody Johnson
Should fans of the New York Jets continue to have faith and trust owner Woody Johnson to make the right changes for a better season next year? Read More
2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating Brett Hundley's Stock
QB Brett Hundley will show his 2015 NFL Draft stock for the world to see against the Kansas State Wildcats in the upcoming Alamo Bowl. Read an evaluation of his stock value heading into the game! Read More
TY Hilton Key To Colts Win Over Texans
The Indianapolis Colts can seal their way into the playoffs with a win over the Houston Texans. T.Y. Hilton will be key to that win. Find out more, here. Read More
Jake Locker Key to Titans' Win Over Jets
Jake Locker will start for the Tennessee Titans against the New York Jets. Can he lead his team to victory? Find out, here. Read More
Evaluating Shane Ray's 2015 NFL Draft Stock
What should football fans expect out of Missouri Tigers DE Shane Ray heading into the Citrus Bowl? Read his NFL 2015 Draft stock value heading into this game! Read More
J.J. Watt is Key to Texans' Win over Colts
J.J. Watt will have a huge impact on the Houston Texans' Week 15 game against the Colts. Can he rattle the #1 QB in the NFL? Read More
Making Sense of NFL Playoff Picture Madness
With the regular season winding down, many fans are ready to make playoff predictions. Which teams are real Super Bowl contenders? Read More
Rodgers Ready to Finish Off Historic Season
Already considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers has folks around the league thinking he could be one the best of all time. Read More
Hefty Lefty Wants Cards' QB Job
The Arizona Cardinals have QB problems. Could Jared 'Hefty Lefty' Lorenzen be the solution? Read More