NFL Playoffs: Which Teams Earned the Top Spots?
The NFL playoffs are fast approaching, and after a Christmas day full of action packed football, the list of teams that will participate is starting to take shape.
Although the Patriots are currently holding down the first seed for the AFC, the second seed will be determined by performances of the Ravens and the Steelers in their next games. As it stands, the Texans, Broncos and Bengals look to be participating in the Wild-Card Round based on their performances during week 16 of the NFL.
The NFC is currently being dominated by the Green Bay Packers at the number one seed, with the 49ers trailing behind. In the Wild Card Round, the Falcons, Lions, Saints and Giants will battle it out for a win in the NFC conference.
Although many teams are still fighting to be placed in high seeds, others still have hope of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The Games in the 17th week will determine if the Cowboys, Raiders, Titans and Jets will earn a spot in the 2012 playoffs.
However, the Eagles, Bears, Cardinals, Manning-less Colts and Dolphins, were among many teams forced to end their season and eliminate playoff opportunities with the lowest records in their respective divisions.
Although many expected some of the eliminated teams to miss out on this year’s championship, Philadelphia Eagles fans were stunned that the dream team had ended their chances at a ring so early. Before the season, the Eagles’ acquired coveted players Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cullen Jenkins, Steve Smith, Ronnie Brown and Vince Young to accompany four time pro-bowler, Michael Vick.
Fans expressed their high expectations via social networking throughout the season, but the team was plagued with Vick’s injuries and other issues throughout the season. The QB has expressed regret for not being able to participate in this year’s playoffs.
"If we would have gotten into the playoffs, I feel we would have definitely done some damage," Vick said after winning against Dallas on Saturday. "It’s unfortunate that we didn’t, and that’s the game of football. If you make some mistakes early and you get behind in the count in the win/loss column, you sell yourself short in the end.”
