NFL Playoffs: 5 dark horse teams who can still make it

There are several NFL dark horses emerging during the 50th anniversary season. Five teams stand out amongst a crowd that is looking at finding a way into the playoffs. Who are the dark horses? Certain teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons would like to be considered as dark horse teams. Sadly, their chances have or are fading fast.

Week 13 of the NFL season is supposed to offer some sort separation between the contenders and pretenders, this season is a surefire anomaly. With more than half of the league near the .500 mark, the parity is real. So is the possibility of a team finishing 7-9 and backdooring their way into the playoffs. A handful of the teams that are bunched up together are postseason dark horses. This includes that possible 7-9 team. Hello NFC East!

There are a handful of good, close to great teams that are out there. Nobody would argue with you for suggesting that the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos are legitimate teams. They will be around come crunch-time as the season winds down.

If the Cincinnati Bengals can steady their ship a bit, perhaps they will be around when the dust settles. As much as many people would like to consider them a contender, the shoddy playoff performances of the past puts everything at a pause. Unless you live in Cincinnati, you have very little faith in the Bengals. They have not proven worthy yet. One win can justify putting some faith in them, especially if they can wrest a first-round bye from the grasp of the Patriots and Broncos. Since the Bengals are a nine-win football team at this moment it is hard to classify them as a dark horse, but look out for them. Cincinnati is the one team without the beautiful dossier that can crash the party.

Now on to the darkhorses.

Next: 5. Dallas Cowboys