At least five playoff hopefuls appear headed the wrong way at the wrong time -- the Bears (5-5), the Bills (5-5), the Chargers (4-6), the Eagles (5-4-1), and the Redskins (6-4). Here's a quick look at each team, and how their playoff chances are shaping up.

Chicago Bears

Kyle Orton's health is crucial to the Bears' playoff chances. Would you want Rex Grossman leading you at quarterback during a playoff run? Neither do the Bears. Orton, who struggled on a sprained ankle during a 37-3 loss to the Packers, says he feels better this week. For the Bears' sake, he had better.

The Bears have scored just 17 total points the past two weeks. And Chicago's defense, ranked 19th in the NFL, is no longer good enough to carry the team. Here's the good news for the Bears. They play in the NFC North, where mediocrity reigns, and the Bears, Packers, and Vikings are all tied for first place. The Bears have a three-game home stand in December against the Jaguars, Saints, and Packers that will likely determine Chicago's fate.

Bottom line: I think the Packers are the best team in the division. When the playoffs start in January, the Bears will be left out in the cold.

Buffalo Bills

A four-game losing streak has left the Bills in last place in the AFC East. Throwing interceptions has turned quarterback Trent Edwards from gunslinger into gun shy. The word is out on how to play the Bills. Load up the line of scrimmage to stop their run, then on passing downs, drop plenty of defenders into coverage, and Edwards will either check down, or make a mistake trying to force the ball downfield.

The Bills have a chance to right the ship in their next two games -- at Kansas City, then home against the 49ers. But their last four games are against the Dolphins, Jets, Broncos, and Patriots. No backing into the playoffs for Buffalo.

Bottom line: The Monday night loss to Cleveland was devastating. The Bills have too many teams to jump over. Maybe they will make the playoffs next season, but not this one.

San Diego Chargers

Team president Dean Spanos and general manager A. J. Smith insist Norv Turner will remain head coach next season. Let's see if they stick to that if the Chargers (4-6) don't make the playoffs.

Right now, they are the NFL's most disappointing team. Losing Shawne Merriman was a major blow. But the Giants (9-1) lost Osi Umenyiora. The Patriots (6-4) lost Tom Brady, Adalius Thomas, and Rodney Harrsion. The Chargers have lost something more important -- their identity. Even with LaDainian Tomlinson, they rank 27th in the NFL in rushing.

Bottom line: In August, I thought they would win the Super Bowl. Today, I don't think they'll make the playoffs. Stick a fork in them if they lose to the Colts Sunday night.

Philadelphia Eagles

They can't win close games. They can't run the football in short yardage. They can't rely on their quarterback to know the rules of overtime. All of the Eagles' problems were exposed in Sunday's tie against the Bengals. They had 18 third-down plays, and they passed 18 times. Hard to believe, and it's even harder to believe McNabb did not know regular-season games could end in a tie. Believe this -- if the Eagles miss the playoffs, McNabb will be in another uniform next season.

Bottom line: The Eagles looked nothing like a playoff team against Cincinnati. But Andy Reid's teams usually play well down the stretch, and I know the Eagles are better than they've played. Call it a hunch, but I think the Eagles will grab one of the two NFC wild-card spots.

Washington Redskins

They have only scored one touchdown the past two weeks. When running back Clinton Portis is shut down, so is their offense. Now three games behind the Giants, the Redskins can forget winning the NFC East. Their path to the playoffs can only come via the wild-card route, and the play of quarterback Jason Campbell will be a major key. Campbell has to complete more mid-range to long-range passes to take some of the offensive load from Portis.

Bottom line: I think the Redskins will need to win at least four of their last six to make the playoffs. I see them falling one victory short.

Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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1. Romo's return is triumphant

He did not walk on water, he did not throw for 500 yards, but Tony Romo (19-for-27, 198 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) revitalized the Cowboys.

In a must-have game for Dallas (6-4), Romo was big in the clutch. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass, a 25-yarder to tight end Martellus Bennett in the fourth quarter. And Romo did not look hampered by the broken pinkie that had kept him sidelined for the previous three games.

Just having Romo in the huddle gave the Cowboys' offense its swagger back. Top quarterbacks have more than strong arms and great vision. They have an air of confidence, a presence that lifts their teammates. Romo carries that stature with the Cowboys, and now that he's back, so is the Cowboys' confidence.

This was the biggest win of the season for the Cowboys, and with upcoming home games against the 49ers and the Seahawks, they have a chance to get on a roll.

2. Barber is a cut above

Romo had a nice game, but the offensive star was running back Marion Barber (24 carries, 114 yards). On the Cowboys' final drive, Barber touched the ball 11 consecutive times and helped Dallas kill the final six minutes, 40 seconds of the game.

SN's WEEK 11 COVERAGE

10-Pack: Logjam in NFC North

Brown: Romo makes a difference

Breer: Titans relentless, resilient

Eichenberger: Big Blue too tough for Ravens

Dillon: Packers poised to repeat in North

Scoreboard: Full Week 11 results

More: RealScouts | TSB | Fantasy Source

There have been games when offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has fallen in love with the pass, depriving Barber of a chance to take over. Not Sunday night. In a physical game, Garrett smartly fed Barber the ball, and Barber responded.

Barber's brutish running set the right tone for the Cowboys, who established early that they could pound inside, and hold their own in a hostile environment. With backup Felix Jones (hamstring) still out of the lineup, Barber has proven he can carry the load as an every-down back.

3. Newman is the man

The return of cornerback Terence Newman was almost as important as Romo's. Newman blanketed Redskins receivers all night. And on the Redskins' final possession of the game, Newman killed the drive by breaking up a fourth-down pass intended for Santana Moss.

Newman is the glue to Dallas' secondary, and he stuck to the Redskins' receivers all night.

4. Portis is built tough

The tough guy reputation of Redskins running back Clinton Portis is well-deserved. Portis gained 68 yards on 15 carries, crossing the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth time in his seven-year career. Knowing that his team needed him, Portis put his body on the line and ran with the same determination that has personified his season.

Portis and Adrian Peterson of the Vikings have been the two best backs in the NFL this season. But the Redskins (6-4) will need Portis to be healthy down the stretch, or it will hurt their playoff chances.

5. DeAngelo makes a difference

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall had a nice debut as a Redskin, making a second-quarter interception to kill a Dallas drive. Hall has been a controversial player with both the Falcons and the Raiders, but his skills and ability as a cover cornerback could help the Redskins down the stretch.

The Redskins' defense has dealt with injuries all season, and having another healthy and talented body in the secondary will not hurt. Once Hall becomes more familiar with the Redskins' schemes and terminology, expect him to play a larger role.

Senior writer Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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1. Will the Indianapolis Colts make the playoffs?
Here are my six AFC playoff teams: division winners -- Titans, Steelers, Jets, Broncos; wild cards -- Patriots, Colts. The Colts' next six games are against teams that currently have losing records. They are poised to make a run, and Peyton Manning will carry them to the postseason.

Meanwhile, I am officially off the Chargers' bandwagon. Their defensive problems look too severe to overcome, and they face a stiff test in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Jets will ride Brett Favre, and the momentum of Thursday's victory over the Patriots, to a division title. But I still like the Pats to take a wild card spot.

2. Will the Dallas Cowboys make the playoffs?
Here are my six NFC playoff teams: division winners -- Giants, Panthers Packers, Cardinals; wild cards -- Falcons, Eagles. It's going to be a wild playoff race in December, but I'm going out on a limb, picking the Eagles and Falcons to make the postseason, edging out the Redskins, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Bears and Vikings.

The Cowboys (5-4) will not make the playoffs, even if they beat the Redskins on Sunday. Dallas was looking shaky even before Tony Romo was injured. The Cowboys' defense simply does not dominate. They gave up 37 points to the Eagles, 30 to the Cardinals, and 35 to the Giants. It was alarming how easily the Giants manhandled Dallas' defense.

And the Cowboys still have games against the Steelers, Giants, Ravens and Eagles. It will probably take at least 10 wins to make the playoffs in the NFC, meaning the Cowboys need to go 5-2 down the stretch. I just don't see that happening. And if Jerry Jones' team does not make the playoffs, I would not want to be Wade Phillips.

3. Will the Tennessee Titans go undefeated?
No, not with the Steelers and Colts still on their schedule. And Tennessee will have its hands full on Sunday in Jacksonville. But having home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is more important than going undefeated during the regular season. The Titans should win enough games to clinch home field easily.

4. Which team faces the biggest must-win this weekend?
The Jaguars are barely on the playoff radar now. They will be off the radar if they lose to the Titans.

5. Which contender has the toughest remaining schedule?
The Ravens have every team in the NFC East on their remaining schedule, plus the Steelers and Jaguars. That brutal lineup will make it difficult for the Ravens to make the playoffs.

6. Which contender has the softest remaining schedule?
The Dolphins play host to the Raiders on Sunday, and they also have games against the Rams, 49ers and Chiefs. I still don't think the Dolphins will make the playoffs, but that schedule improves their chances.

7. Who will be the leading MVP candidates?
One of these four will win it -- Kurt Warner, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning or Adrian Peterson. Manning will be the MVP if he leads the Colts to the playoffs. But Warner also deserves strong consideration. Brees has been terrific, but the Saints must make the postseason to strengthen his case. Peterson should be in the conversation, especially if he carries the Vikings to a division crown. Albert Haynesworth of the Titans might be the league's best player, but this award goes to glamour guys, and defensive tackles are not glamour guys.

8. Which coaches are under the most pressure?
Phillips (Cowboys), Romeo Crennel (Browns) and Norv Turner (Chargers), in no particular order. All three are coaching teams that were expected to make the playoffs. If they fall short, they could pay with their jobs. Honorable mention in this category goes to Brad Childress (Vikings).

9. Which coach should be proudest of his work?
There are many worthy candidates, including John Harbaugh (Ravens) and Mike Smith (Falcons). But my vote goes to Tony Sparano (Dolphins). At least Harbaugh knew he had studs on defense. The Falcons were a mess last season, but Roddy White is a gifted receiver, Matt Ryan is a franchise quarterback in the making and one figured that signing running back Michael Turner would help the team. Sparano has gotten the absolute most out a Dolphins team that is far better than expected.

10. How many teams will finish unbeaten at home?
Six teams entered Week 11 undefeated at home -- the Titans, Giants, Panthers, Falcons, Buccaneers and Cardinals. I don't expect the Titans, Giants or Panthers to lose at home. In the parity-driven NFL, winning at home is one of the best ways to establish consistency.

11. Will the Detroit Lions win a game?
Don't see it happening. Their lone victory might be ridding themselves of Matt Millen. This franchise is an embarrassment, and going 0-16 will be another big black eye.

Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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1. No Shockey, no problem

The Giants (8-1) do not need, or miss, Jeremy Shockey. Tight end Kevin Boss had a nice night (six catches, 69 yards, one touchdown), making a superb touchdown catch and getting open consistently. Shockey is a great athlete, but his emotional personality sometimes clashes with teammates and management. Trading Shockey to the Saints allowed Boss to take a greater role, and rid the locker room off a potential distraction. When Boss is not featured in the offense, he does not complain. And when he is thrown to, he delivers.

2. Not ready for prime time

The Eagles (5-4) have lost all three of their night games this season, against the Cowboys, Bears, and Giants. In big spots, the Eagles have come up small. They are 0-3 in the NFC East. They are 0-3 in prime time. Even if the Eagles have the talent to be a playoff team, they will not make the postseason unless they play better in big spots. And if you do not perform in big spots, what are your chances of advancing even if you make the playoffs?

3. The Giants' great ground attack

The Giants dominated the line of scrimmage, punishing the Eagles on the ground. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward had big games, but the offensive line deserves the credit. Jacobs and Ward ran through gaping holes, and the Eagles' defensive line was manhandled. On several occasions, Jacobs and Ward ran at least five yards downfield before being touched. The Giants entered the game leading the NFL in rushing, and they showed the Eagles why. Chalk this up as another reason why the Giants may get back to the Super Bowl.

4. Good McNabb, bad McNabb

For the second consecutive week, Donovan McNabb (17 for 36, 194 yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception) started slowly, and this time, he could not pull out a victory. His first completion did not come until the second quarter, after he had already missed on his first five passes. And there were at least five passes during the game when McNabb missed receivers badly. On the good side, McNabb made some superb throws, avoided several sacks, and showed mobility that he lacked last season, when he was still recovering from knee surgery. Watching McNabb is like watching a roller coaster, complete with all the ups and downs, and thrills. He can look superb or terrible within the same game. His ability to make big plays still makes him a dangerous player. But like all of the Eagles, McNabb needs to be more consistent.

5. Where was Westbrook?

The Giants did a superb job taking away Brian Westbrook, the Eagles' do-everything running back. All Eagles' opponents spend all week preparing for Westbrook (13 carries, 26 yards, three catches, 33 yards), but few are able to contain him. The Giants did it, and sealed their victory by stopping Westbrook on a fourth-and-one with less than two minutes to play. Linebacker Chase Blackburn met Westbrook at the line of scrimmage and stuffed him. The Giants are clearly the team to beat in the NFC East, and remained a game ahead of the Panthers (7-2) for the best record in the NFC.

Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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LANDOVER, Md. -- Five things we learned watching the Steelers defeat the Redskins 23-6:

1. Big Ben is banged up

A right shoulder injury to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger marred the Steelers' victory. Roethlisberger was hit by Anthony Montgomery after throwing a pass late in the second quarter, and Roethlisberger immediately began to shake his right arm. He headed to the locker room just before halftime, and Byron Leftwich played the entire second half. Roethlisberger watched the second half from the sideline, wearing a baseball cap, and keeping his right arm close to his side.

There was no immediate word about the severity of Roethlisberger's injury, but the Steelers have a short week to prepare for Sunday's home game against the Colts. The Steelers will lose sleep until they find out more about Roethlisberger's status.

2. Leftwich in a pinch

Byron Leftwich's superb second-half performance (7 for 10, 129 yards) magnified the importance of having a quality backup quarterback. Leftwich was far more effective Monday than Roethlisberger (5 for 17, 50 yards, one interception), leading the Steelers to two touchdown drives that put them in command. On his first pass of the game, Leftwich connected with Nate Washington for a 50-yard strike. So much for needing time to warm up. Then Leftwich hit Mewelde Moore on a key third-down pass to set up Willie Parker's one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Leftwich lifted his team, letting everyone know they would be fine without Roethlisberger.

When a starting quarterback goes down, it can send shockwaves through an entire team. Look no further than the Cowboys for proof of that. However, Leftwich delivered in the clutch, helping his team to a key victory. And in the process, Leftwich gave a nice audition for teams who may need a starting quarterback next season.

3. J.C. is no MVP

Jason Campbell is having a nice season. He is becoming a solid NFL quarterback. But he is not a league MVP. Campbell (24 for 43, 206 yards, two interceptions) had one of his worst performances of the season, and he finally threw his first interception of the season when his third-quarter pass was tipped into air by running back Clinton Portis into the arms of Steelers defensive back Deshea Townsend. Campbell had thrown 271 consecutive passes without an interception, a franchise record.

While Campbell has mastered the art of avoiding the big mistake, he has not mastered the art of carrying his team to victory. The Redskins needed some big plays from Campbell to beat the Steelers, and he did not deliver. With the Steelers clamping down on Portis (13 carries, 51 yards), Campbell did not carry the offense when he had to. For him, that is the next step in his development as a quarterback.

4. Blitzburgh is back

The Steelers didn't sack Eli Manning in their loss to the Giants. But the Steelers' defense turned nasty again against the Redskins, sacking Campbell seven times. Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley had a sensational third-quarter sack, leaping over a blocker, then body-slamming Campbell to the turf. The Steelers' 3-4 defense, choreographed by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, is difficult to handle because the Steelers disguise their blitzes so well. This was the kind of defensive performance the Steelers are used to, the kind that has carried them to first place in the AFC North.

5. The division races are interesting

Speaking of the AFC North, it is shaping up as a two-team race between the Steelers (6-2) and the surprising Ravens (5-3), with the Browns (3-5) in deep trouble, and the Bengals (1-8) out of the picture. You could almost feel the Browns' disappointment as they watched the Steelers pull out another tough victory on the road. No wonder Cleveland is turning to Brady Quinn at quarterback. Time is running out on the Browns, and the Steelers remain the team to beat in the division. Meanwhile, the Giants (7-1) are clearly the team to beat in the NFC East, with the Redskins (6-3), Eagles (5-3), and Cowboys (5-4) giving chase in football's toughest division.

Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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