NFL playoff chances, though slim, still exist for Cowboys, Packers, Broncos

Tadd Haislop

NFL playoff chances, though slim, still exist for Cowboys, Packers, Broncos image

The NFL playoff picture entering Week 12 of the 2017 season looks nothing like what was expected given preseason projections. Few predicted the Eagles at this point would be virtual locks for the postseason, while NFC East defending-champion Cowboys would be holding on for dear playoff life.

The AFC has not been more predictable. Behind the Patriots and Steelers, who still sit atop the standings as expected, the Jaguars have the best chance to make the playoffs out of the conference.

Yes, the NFL playoff picture looks great for some teams and bleak for others with six weeks left to play, but keep in mind the possibility of late-season runs similar to those we have seen in recent years. In 2012, the Redskins and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III were 3-6 entering Week 11, when they began a seven-game winning streak and won their division. Just last season, the Packers were 4-6 entering Week 12. As quarterback Aaron Rodgers forecasted after Green Bay's Week 11 loss to Washington, the Packers "ran the table" with six straight wins and stole the NFC North title from the Lions.

MORE: NFL playoff picture for Week 12

As for this season, here are the chances each contending team has to make the playoffs after the 2017 season, according to the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-1): 99.9 percent

New England Patriots (8-2): 99.8 percent

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2): 99.7 percent

New Orleans Saints (8-2): 97.5 percent

Minnesota Vikings (8-2): 97.5 percent

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3): 96.6 percent

Kansas City Chiefs (6-4): 89.8 percent

Carolina Panthers (7-3): 76.1 percent

Los Angeles Rams (7-3): 75.6 percent

Tennessee Titans (6-4): 64.8 percent

Seattle Seahawks (6-4): 58.7 percent

Detroit Lions (6-4): 51.2 percent

Los Angeles Chargers (4-6): 47.3 percent

Baltimore Ravens (5-5): 46.9 percent

Atlanta Falcons (6-4): 39.9 percent

Buffalo Bills (5-5): 22.1 percent

Houston Texans (4-6): 14.3 percent

Dallas Cowboys (5-5): 11.3 percent

Green Bay Packers (5-5): 10.2 percent

Denver Broncos (3-7): 8.7 percent

Of note: The 4-6 Raiders were not included in the NFL's video. Per Vegas Insider, Oakland's odds to win the Super Bowl are 66/1, better than those of Houston, Buffalo and Denver in the AFC.

Tadd Haislop

Tadd Haislop is the Associate NFL Editor at SportingNews.com.