Which NFL Teams Are In Danger Of Missing The Playoffs?

Although it gets accepted that life in the NFL can change at any moment, teams aren't always prepared for when it does. Whether it's due to injuries, inconsistency, or a tough schedule, teams often regress throughout the regular season and can suffer the enormous consequence of missing the playoffs as a result of their failure.

As we enter Week 13 of the NFL season, which teams are currently in danger of missing the playoffs? Take a look down below at the five teams who qualify for this conversation.

Yes, the Bills certainly have enough talent to get back on track and reestablish themselves as a Super Bowl contender, but their remaining schedule doesn't do them any favors. With just a one-game lead over three other teams in the AFC Wild Card race, the Bills face the daunting task of playing the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers three times within the next month. Even more concerning, they'll be without All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.

The Cowboys are now involved in a closely-contested divisional race against Washington Football Team, who are not only playing better football than Dallas but are healthier and have a slightly easier remaining schedule. Having lost three of their last four games, the Cowboys desperately need to scrape together some wins if they want to salvage what's quickly becoming a lost season.

Immense credit has and will be given to the 49ers for turning their ship around and grabbing one of the NFC's Wild Card spots, but their remaining schedule creates doubt about their chance of making the postseason. Four of their final six games are on the road and this slate includes contests against divisional rivals (Seahawks and Rams) and playoff-contending teams (Bengals and Titans).

The case against the Chargers making the postseason surrounds their inconsistency which has been horrid to watch. With three more playoff teams to face on their schedule, including the 7-4 Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, the Chargers have the opportunity to strengthen their grasp on the AFC's last Wild Card or lose it for good.

Amongst the lower to middle-tier teams competing to make this year's playoffs, the Colts have arguably the best chance to rise out of the muck and make the postseason. Other than possessing enough talent and coaching to win games, the Colts have given up leads or fallen short at the end of four games this season, most recently against the Buccaneers last Sunday. If they won at least two of those games, the Colts would be 8-5 and in line to win the AFC South division instead of looking from the outside at the AFC Wild Card race.