Pretender or contender? Labeling potential playoff teams after Steelers flop

Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes were all but crushed on Thursday night by an abysmal loss to the lowly Patriots (3-10). With back-to-back losses against two-win teams, the Steelers (7-6) have solidified themselves as a postseason pretender. 

Here’s a look at where five other teams in the playoff hunt land on the pretender-to-contender scale.

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4): Contender

Remaining games: at Browns, vs. Ravens, at Bucs, vs. Panthers, at Titans

The Jaguars faced a massive scare in Week 13 when quarterback Trevor Lawrence crumpled to the turf with what appeared to be a season-ending injury. Fortunately for Jacksonville, he suffered “only” a high-ankle sprain and will play again this season.

Even if Lawrence misses a game or two, the Jaguars have the pieces needed to weather the storm. Jacksonville’s defense, tied for fifth in the NFL in interceptions per game (one) and opponent rushing yards per game (93.1), has carried the team much of the season. 

RB Travis Etienne, meanwhile, is having a great season, ranking sixth in the league in rushing 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

Joshua Dobbs’ magical run was fun while it lasted, but the “Passtronaut” crashed to earth in Minnesota’s 12-10 loss to the Bears before the team’s bye. The 28-year-old threw four interceptions in the defeat, prompting HC Kevin O’Connell to consider benching him for Week 14. The Vikings, however, are sticking with him.

Though star wideout Justin Jefferson — a full participant in practice this week — is likely to return from a hamstring injury for Week 14, the Vikings may not be able to overcome the loss of Kirk Cousins, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury on Oct. 29. Minnesota faces a tough road to the playoffs, with two games against the Lions and one against the Packers to close their season.  

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 placed the Packers firmly in the playoff discussion. Over Green Bay’s active three-game win streak, the 25-year-old has completed 74-of-108 (69%) passes for 857 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.

For the Packers to make a run, however, they must get healthy. Star running back Aaron Jones continues to rehab from a sprained MCL he suffered in Week 10, while cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) are also dealing with injuries. 

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

The Colts have stayed afloat despite losing standout rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson five weeks into the season. It seems unlikely, however, they’ll make the playoffs.

Indianapolis will be without its best player for its postseason push, with running back Jonathan Taylor expected to miss three to five weeks after undergoing surgery on his thumb.

Although Taylor’s replacement, Zack Moss, is confident — “I think I’m pretty damn good,” he told NFL.com — the Colts have little margin for error. That’s because rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the Texans (7-5) are breathing down their neck in the division. Both teams face off in Week 18, seemingly setting the stage for a win-and-in game.    

Cleveland Browns (7-5): Contender 

Remaining games: vs. Jaguars, vs. Bears, at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals.

The Browns have overcome a multitude of injuries at key positions because of their elite defense. Cleveland’s unit ranks first in the NFL in opponent yards per game (260.5) and opponent passing yards per game (153.4).

While the Browns’ revolving door at quarterback hasn’t stopped spinning, Cleveland has seemingly found a serviceable starter in veteran Joe Flacco. The 38-year-old played well in Week 13, completing 23-of-44 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. 

Defense still wins championships, and the Browns have one of the best in the NFL. With decent play at quarterback, Cleveland could make a run.