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

Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) and quarterback Drew Brees (9) lie on the ground after Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) makes a sack during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of Washington Redskins corner back Bashaud Breeland (26) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants Have A Favorable Advantage

Sure the Washington Redskins are in the driver seat to win the NFC East after handing the New York Giants a crushing defeat last week. Do not count the G-Men out just yet. As the great sportswriter and ESPN’s “Around the Horn” contributor Woody Paige always say, look at the schedule. The schedule somehow works in the Giants’ favor.

Washington has two games left with the Dallas Cowboys. Not only are the Cowboys a team desperate for a win, they can make things interesting with a win on Monday night. A win could possibly pull Dallas within a game of the division, while helping out their rival. There are also games with the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles left on the docket.

Any loss for the Redskins is a gain for the Giants. And all the Giants need to do is to play smart football – smart football is what they have not played for much of the year, and perhaps they get into the tournament as the NFC East winner.

Can the Giants advance?

With the threat of Odell Beckham Jr and Ruben Randle, the G-Men can hang with anyone as long as the defense can hold serve. That makes them a dark horse. There are a few tantalizing wildcard round matchups which a hot Giants team could take on. Plus, Eli Manning has a Super Bowl pedigree.

Going back to the schedule, the Giants only have one division game remaining. The division record is the second tiebreaker. Remember, the Giants won their first meeting with Washington in Week 1.

When the NFL playoffs start, if either of these dark horse teams are playing, do not be surprised if an upset win or two take place. Every one of these teams should be considered as a threat if they make the postseason.

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