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NFL schedule 2012: Playoff hopes alive for Dolphins and Buccaneers

While the Buccaneers and Dolphins aren't in the necessary spots for the playoffs after 10 weeks, they're right on the precipice. Although, the same can't be said for the Jaguars.

By Adam Stites
Al Messerschmidt

Two games behind the New England Patriots for the AFC South title and two games behind both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts for a wild card berth, the Miami Dolphins can't afford a loss in Week 11. Taking on the Bills on Thursday night at 8:20 p.m. ET, the Dolphins have the opportunity to get back to .500 with a win, but they would severely hurt their playoff chances with a loss.

In a similar situation are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Far behind the Falcons for the division lead, the Bucs are one of four teams that doesn't lead an NFC division but has a winning record after 10 weeks. Facing the 2-7 Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, a loss would be a huge blow to the Buccaneers, while a fourth consecutive win would help catapult them into the thick of the wild card race.

Long past are such hopes for the Jacksonville Jaguars, though. Huge underdogs for a Week 11 matchup against the Texans, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET, the only race for the Jaguars is the one for the top spot in the NFL Draft, a symbol of futility.

Take a look at the full NFL slate of games for Week 11.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.