There’s really nothing like football in December. With just a few weeks left in the regular season and only a handful of teams guaranteed playoff spots, things are bound to get a little crazy.
In fact, there are several teams projected to make the playoffs that could very easily lose their spot in the coming weeks. While the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints have already clinched playoff spots (and the Packers, Bills, and Steelers could clinch their spots this week), others may have to wait until the last week of the season to know their playoff fate. If we’ve learned anything from this season of football it’s that truly anything is possible. And, with an extra wildcard team added this year, the race to claim these spots is going to get ugly. Here are the three teams most likely to lose their playoff spot this year.
New York Giants
Things are looking up for the New York Giants. They are currently sitting at the top of their division (with a pretty pathetic 5-7 record, but hey it’s the NFC East) after a terrible start to their season.
The team just upset the Seattle Seahawks, have won four games in a row, and will be getting their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, back following his hamstring injury.. However, it’s too soon for celebration. The Giants’ next three games will be all be against teams fighting for playoff births themselves (Cardinals, Browns, and Ravens), so winning is certainly not guaranteed.. Plus, they have the Washington Football Team right behind them in their division with a 5-7 record themselves. The Giants’ fate is in their hands, they just have to make sure they don’t screw it up.
Baltimore Ravens
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Baltimore Ravens, but their playoff chances are still alive. Though they’re predicted to snag one of the three wildcard spots this year, I wouldn’t be so confident if I was a Ravens fan. The Ravens haven’t played their best football this year, which their current 7-5 record reflects.
In fact, they’re third in the AFC North behind the Steelers and the Browns. Sure, their schedule is relatively easy the rest of the way out (at Browns, Jaguars, Giants, at Bengals), but the team has been all over the place thus far. Don’t be surprised if this Ravens team implodes and screws up their chances at a playoff birth.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins actually have a one-game lead on the Ravens and currently have one of the wildcard spots, but they are on shaky ground. The Dolphins really can’t afford to lose any more games with their current 8-6 record, but their schedule is tough down the stretch.
In fact, the Dolphins’ last four games are all against teams over .500 (Chiefs, Patriots, at Raiders, at Bills).. While wins against the Patriots and the Raiders seem very possible, it will be tough to beat the Chiefs (who are currently 11-1) and the Bills (who are 9-3). Not to mention, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is still trying to figure out the system.. Don’t get me wrong, the Dolphins can make the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed.