With the NFL regular season nearing its end, many teams have already punched their ticket into the playoffs. However, there are still some very strong teams fighting for the final wild card spots.
- Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Before the season the Bengals were seen as a Super Bowl contender and hoped to go all the way, but after struggles early in the season and a weak defense, they fell behind. Now, they have won three straight games, and thanks to their MVP contending quarterback Joe Burrow and superstar wide receiver Jamar Chase they have a great chance of making a deep playoff run. However, for them to get into the playoffs they would have to beat their final 2 remaining opponents, Denver Broncos (9-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6). Along with this, the Bengals would also need the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts to each lose one of their last two games, and if all this happens the Cincinnati Bengals would be heading to the postseason
- Washington Commanders (10-5)
Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, no one expected the Commanders even to be discussed in conversations about the playoffs. Now, in the middle of December, the Commanders need to win just one of their final two remaining games against the Falcons (8-7) and Cowboys (7-8) to earn a spot in the playoffs, which would be the team’s first time since 2020, and Martin Blanch feels “If the Commanders get in the playoffs they’re going all the way!”
- Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
With their explosive offense centered around star quarterback Matthew Stafford and amazing receivers such as Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua the Rams are expected to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. However, to do this they must get into the playoffs first. For this to happen, they only need to beat out the Seahawks (8-7) for a division title. The Rams could either win their next game against the Cardinals (7-8) and the Seahawks lose to the Bears (4-11), or the Rams could just beat the Seahawks in week 18 to clinch the playoffs.
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Chargers hoped to have a bounce-back season with new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Led by star quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers were able to make close finds throughout a very difficult season, setting them up to make the playoffs. Luckily for the Chargers, to make the playoffs they would only need to win one of their final two remaining games against the Patriots (3-12) and Raiders (3-12) who are the two worst teams in the league, although Cole Snowden exclaimed “Give me the Patriots to shock the world.”
- Denver Broncos (9-6)
Another surprise team on this list is the Denver Broncos. Also being led by a star rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, the Broncos are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. For this to happen, they would need to win just one of their last two games against the Bengals (7-8) and Chiefs (15-1), and with the Chiefs already clinching the #1 seed in the playoffs, they are expected to rest all their starters in the final game, setting the Broncos up for an easy victory.
