The NFL playoff landscape is shifting as teams make their final push toward postseason contention. With just a week until Thanksgiving, several teams currently outside the playoff picture are demonstrating significant potential to turn their fortunes around. This article highlights the five most dangerous teams that are not yet in playoff positions.
Houston Texans: Battling Through Adversity
The Houston Texans are currently positioned eighth in the AFC with a record of 5-5. Despite facing a challenging schedule ahead, they possess a formidable defense that allows just 221 yards per game. This season, they have impressively maintained the longest active streak of holding opponents under 200 passing yards for seven consecutive games, according to Stathead research.
However, the Texans face a significant hurdle with quarterback C.J. Stroud sidelined due to a concussion for their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills (7-3). Houston’s remaining opponents include the Indianapolis Colts (8-2), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), and Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), making their path to securing a playoff spot more complex. As they navigate this demanding schedule, the Texans must rely on their defense to keep them in contention.
Dallas Cowboys: A Resilient Comeback?
The Dallas Cowboys, currently tenth in the NFC with a record of 4-5-1, have shown signs of life following a decisive win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Their defense, which struggled earlier in the season, demonstrated improvement by preventing the Raiders from achieving a season-best performance.
Dallas has the most favorable remaining schedule among the teams discussed, facing three opponents with losing records. Their next three matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), Chiefs, and Detroit Lions (6-4) will significantly impact their playoff aspirations. A team that appeared to be faltering after a Week 9 loss may prove more competitive than anticipated as the season progresses.
Detroit Lions: A Critical Stretch Ahead
With a record of 6-4, the Detroit Lions find themselves eighth in the NFC standings. This week’s game against the New York Giants (2-9) is crucial, as it precedes a series of challenging matches against the Green Bay Packers (6-3-1), Los Angeles Rams (8-2), and division rivals.
Despite ranking in the top five in both total offense and defense, injuries—particularly to their offensive line—have put the Lions at a disadvantage compared to previous seasons when they reached the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and secured the conference’s top seed in 2024. The outcome of the next few games will determine their playoff viability.
Kansas City Chiefs: Still in the Hunt
The Kansas City Chiefs sit ninth in the AFC with a 5-5 record and face a critical juncture in their season. Despite a noticeable decline in one-score games and inconsistencies on special teams, analysts like Bill Barnwell argue that this year’s squad has the potential to replicate last season’s success when they finished with a 15-2 record.
Kansas City’s remaining schedule features key matchups against the Colts, Chargers, and Broncos at home, providing them an edge as they look to secure a playoff berth. Currently, NFL Next Gen Stats gives them a 52 percent chance of making the playoffs, although this could drop significantly with a loss to the Colts.
Baltimore Ravens: Poised for Success
Rounding out the list are the Baltimore Ravens, who also hold a record of 5-5 and rank tenth in the AFC. They are just one game behind in the competitive AFC North and have upcoming games against the New York Jets (2-8) and Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) before facing the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4).
Having won four consecutive games following a Week 7 bye, the Ravens are in a strong position to seize control of their division. If they can maintain their momentum through December, they could secure a third straight AFC North title.
As the NFL season progresses, these teams showcase the potential to disrupt the playoff picture and make significant strides toward postseason success. Each has its unique challenges, but with determination and strategic play, the path to the playoffs remains open.
