Three of the most dangerous teams in NFL playoff hunt

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

With the NFL postseason fast approaching, several teams in the playoff hunt are getting hot at the right time. If they sneak in as a bottom seed, these teams are great candidates to pull off a first-round upset.

Here’s a look at three of the most dangerous teams in the postseason hunt.

Buffalo Bills (8-6) | Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins

The Bills hit rock-bottom in Week 10, falling to the Denver Broncos, 24-22, and subsequently firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Buffalo, however, didn’t stay down for long, winning three of its next four games and firmly positioning itself in the playoff race.

Against the Cowboys in Week 15, the Bills fearsome offense looked a whole lot scarier thanks to a career day from running back James Cook. The 24-year-old rushed 25 times for 179 yards and a touchdown and reeled in two catches for 42 yards and a score in Buffalo’s 31-10 win.

Josh Allen has often been asked to carry his team, but on Sunday, his help was hardly needed. The star quarterback completed 7-of-15 passes for 94 yards, marking only the fifth game of his career with fewer than 100 passing yards. If the Bills can sustain a solid rushing attack and ease the pressure on Allen’s shoulders, Buffalo’s offense could be unstoppable come playoffs.

The Bills, however, don’t have their sights set on just sneaking into the postseason. The AFC East title is well within reach with first-place Miami (10-4) facing a tough schedule ahead (vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills).

Los Angeles Rams | (7-7) | Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Giants, at 49ers

Several injuries to star players prevented Los Angeles’ offense from reaching its full potential earlier in the season. Now that everyone is healthy, however, the unit is one of the best in the NFL.

The Rams have won four of their last five games, scoring 149 points — the fourth most in the NFL over that span. Matthew Stafford is once again playing like a top-10 quarterback, ranking seventh in QBR (62.8), eighth in passing yards per game (255.4) and 10th in passing touchdowns (21). Meanwhile, top target Cooper Kupp has shown signs of regaining his elite form, coming off back-to-back games of eight receptions and over 100 receiving yards.

With breakout running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Puka Nacua additionally in the mix, the offense can likely keep up with any higher-seeded team in a shootout.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | (7-7) | Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, vs. Saints, at Panthers

This season has been a roller coaster, with Tampa Bay starting 3-1 before struggling mightily through a 1-6 stretch. The Buccaneers are back in the win column lately, winning their past three games and jumping into first of the mediocre NFC South.

Tampa Bay proved what it’s capable of in a 34-20 masterclass win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. Baker Mayfield completed 22-of-28 passes for 381 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, becoming the first opposing quarterback to post a perfect passer rating (158.3) at Lambeau Field. Running back Rachaad White continued to build on his strong season, accounting for 139 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

So long as Mayfield continues to play at a high level — he has 24 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions this season — the Buccaneers have the weapons (think Mike Evans, Chris Godwin) to make a playoff run.

Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.

More must-reads:

Trending slideshow: The greatest QB season for every NFL team (Provided by Yardbarker)