With just three weeks of the NFL regular season left, we are now at the stage where teams on the outer edge of the playoff picture are looking for the wins that will lock in their spot. Around this time every season, at least one team goes on a strong run to finish the season, and some manage to carry that momentum into the postseason.
Some fans may check the NFL odds comparison sites and check the remaining schedules of each teams determine which teams may be in position to string a few wins together. So out out of the 32 teams in the NFL, which are likely to have the best finish to their regular season schedule?
Pittsburgh Steelers
After their first eight games of the regular season, the Steelers had a 2-6 record, and head coach Mike Tomlin was facing his first-ever losing season. However, a stretch of four wins in six games has changed the momentum for the Steelers and, although a playoff spot remains unlikely and the Steelers are still at the bottom of the AFC North, Tomlin may be able to keep his streak of winning seasons alive.
Victories over the Saints, Colts, Falcons and Panthers may not amount to much, but for a team that seemed unable to buy a win in the opening weeks of the season, this streak represents much-needed momentum.
The remaining schedule looks relatively good for the Steelers, with winnable games against the Raiders and Browns. Their biggest challenge will be their division rival Ravens, who are likely headed for the playoffs, but with Lamar Jackson uncertain to play due to injury, the door is open for the Steelers to steal a win and finish the season strong.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were looking shaky after falling behind 33-0 to the Colts at halftime last week. However, they quickly turned things around to pull off the biggest comeback victory in NFL history, winning the NFC North division in the process.
Big defeats to the Eagles and the Cowboys earlier in the season suggested that the Vikings may not be an elite NFC team, but there is no arguing with a 11-3 record. Although they are two games behind the Eagles with three games left to play, Minnesota technically still has a chance of a first-round playoff bye.
They may fall short of that top seed in the NFC, but the way that the schedule has lined up suggests that they can end their regular season well and push the Eagles all the way.
The Vikings have three games remaining, with one against Chicago, who is locked in last place in the NFL North and has little to play for. The Packers are usually a tough opponent, but they are having a down year and will struggle to finish with a winning season. The toughest opponent for Minnesota will be the Giants, who have overachieved this year at 8-5-1. However, New York has been more inconsistent in recent weeks, with three losses and a tie in their last five games. Ultimately, the Vikings should be favored in all three games and should be ready for a postseason run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs may seem like an odd candidate to finish the season with a flourish, given the rollercoaster that the team has already been on so far. After losing to the Bengals and 49ers to drop their record to 6-8, they have only one game lead in the NFC South division, with the Falcons, Saints and Panthers all right behind them at 5-9. This certainly increases the importance of the final games of the regular season.
Fortunately, the Bucs have a favorable schedule, as their final three games include head-to-head matchups against division rival Panthers and Falcons, plus a game against the Arizona Cardinals, who are currently 4-8. Winning these games will seal a division title and a spot in the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
It hardly seems fair that an elite team such as the Kansas City Chiefs has a relatively easy closing regular season schedule, but that is how the season has played out.
Given the current state of play in the AFC, it is also likely that KC will be pushing hard through their remaining games. They have the AFC West virtually locked up already, but they face competition from the Bills and possibly the Bengals for the top seed and playoff first-round bye. With the Bills having the same 9-3 record and the tie-breaker from a head-to-head victory earlier this season, the Chiefs will not want to take their foot off the gas.
Fortunately, they have one of the easiest remaining schedules of any NFL team, based on win percentage. At the start of the season, games against the Broncos and one against the Raiders would have looked like tough assignments, but the Chiefs will now be big favorites to win those. They should also be favored to beat the Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium, even though Seattle has overachieved this year. They should finish the season with at least two wins from their remaining three fixtures.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
