Pretender or contender? After the Steelers’ failure, possible playoff teams are being labeled
Pittsburgh’s postseason chances were all but dashed on Thursday night when they were defeated by the lowly Patriots (3-10).
The Steelers (7-6) have cemented their status as a postseason contender with back-to-back losses to two-win clubs.
Here’s where five other playoff contenders rank on the pretender-to-contender scale.
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4): Contender
Remaining games: at Browns, vs. Ravens, at Bucs, vs. Panthers, at Titans
In Week 13, the Jaguars received a huge scare when quarterback Trevor Lawrence slumped to the ground with what appeared to be a season-ending injury. Fortunately for the Jaguars, he suffered “only” a high-ankle sprain and will be able to play again this season.
Even if Lawrence is out for a few games, the Jaguars have the pieces in place to weather the storm. Jacksonville’s defense has carried the team for much of the season, ranking sixth in the NFL in interceptions per game (one) and opponent rushing yards per game (93.1).
Meanwhile, RB Travis Etienne is having a fantastic season, ranking sixth in the league in running yards (771), and seventh in rushing touchdowns (eight).
Minnesota Vikings (6-6): Pretender
Remaining games: at Raiders, at Bengals, vs. Lions, vs. Packers, at Lions
While Joshua Dobbs’ miraculous run was entertaining while it lasted, the “Passtronaut” came crashing down in Minnesota’s 12-10 loss to the Bears before the team’s bye week. In the loss, the 28-year-old threw four interceptions, prompting HC Kevin O’Connell to ponder benching him for Week 14. The Vikings, on the other hand, are sticking with him.
Though top wideout Justin Jefferson is expected to return from a hamstring injury in Week 14, the Vikings may be unable to overcome the loss of Kirk Cousins, who sustained a season-ending ruptured Achilles on Oct. 29. Minnesota has a difficult road to the playoffs, with two games remaining against the Lions and one against the Packers.
Green Bay Packers (6-6): Contender
Remaining games: at Giants, vs. Bucs, at Panthers, at Vikings, vs. Bears
The emergence of quarterback Jordan Love has vaulted the Packers into the playoff picture. The 25-year-old has completed 74-of-108 (69%) passes for 857 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions during Green Bay’s current three-game winning streak.
To make a run, the Packers must first get healthy. Star running back Aaron Jones is still recovering from a sprained MCL suffered in Week 10, as are cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring).
Regardless, recent wins over the Lions and Chiefs prove the Packers can hang with the best.
Indianapolis Colts (7-5): Pretender
Remaining games: at Bengals, vs. Steelers, at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans
Despite losing star rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson five weeks into the season, the Colts have remained competitive. However, it appears improbable that they will make the playoffs.
Indianapolis will be without its best player for the postseason, with running back Jonathan Taylor likely to miss three to five weeks following thumb surgery.
Zack Moss, Taylor’s successor, is confident — “I think I’m pretty damn good,” he told NFL.com — but the Colts have little room for error. That’s because the Texans (7-5) and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud are breathing down their neck in the division. Both clubs meet in Week 18, presumably setting up a win-and-in game.
Cleveland Browns (7-5): Contender
Remaining games: vs. Jaguars, vs. Bears, at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals.
Because of their great defense, the Browns have overcome a slew of injuries at critical positions. Cleveland leads the NFL in both opponent yards per game (260.5) and opponent passing yards per game (153.4).
While the Browns’ quarterback revolving door hasn’t stopped spinning, veteran Joe Flacco appears to be a serviceable starter. In Week 13, the 38-year-old completed 23-of-44 throws for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Championships are still won on defense, and the Browns have one of the greatest in the NFL. Cleveland might make a run if their QB performs well.
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