Warrior Weekly: NFL teams that can sneak into the playoffs

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Credit: WSPN Staff

WSPN’s Gabe Likerman discusses the three NFL teams who have the possibility of making a push into the NFL playoffs.

The NFL season has flown by, and the playoff picture is heating up. Fans are getting a feel of what the playoffs will look like and are cheering their favorite teams on in hopes of seeing a playoff berth. Here’s three teams I think that could make a playoff push in the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles currently sit at 5-7 after an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled against the Giants this past week, but he has been nothing short of impressive in his first full season as the Eagles starter. He is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, as he has rushed for 695 yards which is second among quarterbacks and ninth in the entire NFL.

Rookie receiver Devonta Smith, who has amazing chemistry with Hurts, has been one of the top rookie pass catchers this season. He has 686 receiving yards which ranks 24th in the NFL and third among rookies. Hurts and Smith played together in college, and the chemistry they have has translated into their professional careers in the NFL.

The Eagles defense is tied for fifth best in the NFL, being one of the league’s best against the run as they only allow four yards per carry. The Eagles defense has also scored three touchdowns off of fumble recoveries which is first in the NFL. With the Dallas Cowboys sitting firmly in the driver’s seat of the division, and the Eagles having a very easy schedule left, I think the Eagles will sneak into the playoffs as the seventh seed in the NFC.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are 5-6 on the year coming off of a crushing 34-26 loss to the 49ers. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been very impressive passing the ball. Cousins ranks seventh in passing yards and seventh in completion percentage. He’s tied for sixth in touchdown passes and is first among starters in interceptions with just three on the year and third in passer rating.

Receiver Justin Jefferson is third in receiving yards with 1,027 and is quickly becoming the favorite target in Minnesota. Jefferson has caught six touchdown passes, which is tied for 13th in the NFL. The other half of the Vikings receiving duo, Adam Thielen, has hauled in 10 touchdowns which is tied for first in the league.

This offense has been very dynamic so far this year, but they will have to continue this play without star running back Dalvin Cook, who will miss at least two games with a torn labrum.

The Vikings have been in multiple close games so far this season. In fact, nine out of their 11 games this year have been decided by one score. This team is very talented, and they are better than their record. They are good enough to make the playoffs, and I think they’ll be there when it’s all set and done.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are currently 6-6 and coming off of a 38-31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the league that is led by Quenton Nelson, who is arguably the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is in the MVP conversation, with 1,205 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns which both lead the league. He is also tied for first in yards per carry with 5.8 and is slowly becoming one of the best running backs in the league.

Receiver Michael Pittman is 13th in the league in receiving yards with 805 and is breaking out into the wide receiver, one role the Colts desperately needed to fill.

The Colts defense knows how to take the ball away from opposing offenses, as they have 14 interceptions this season which is tied for fourth in the league. The only flaw you can point out with the Colts is Carson Wentz. The former Eagle, who is in his first year with the Colts, has a tendency of turning the ball over. If he can make good decisions and be smart with the football, this team could make a run and sneak into the playoffs in a very competitive AFC.