The 2015 NFL regular season is coming to a close. Many critical games remain on the schedule as we head into the final stretch. Division and conference races are getting tighter than ever.

Here are five teams that have to win this week:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

As good as the Pittsburgh Steelers have been lately, they are still not a playoff team at the moment. The No. 7 seed Steelers are looking up at the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets who are both 8-5. Just like the Steelers. The Steelers have a huge game this weekend against the Denver Broncos, who have arguably the best defense in the NFL. Peyton Manning won't be under center, and Mike Tomlin's squad has to find a way to get this win. A loss against the Broncos is nothing to be ashamed about, but it just makes things harder for a playoff bid.

2. Indianapolis Colts

It all comes down to this week for the Indianapolis Colts. They've lost their last two games in embarrassing fashion, but they are still in first place in the AFC South with a 6-7 record. The Houston Texans are also 6-7, but the Colts hold the tiebreaker because they defeated the Texans earlier in the year. It doesn't look like Andrew Luck will be playing, but then again, Brian Hoyer is doubtful after a concussion. Looks like we're going to have a battle of the backups in this game.

3. New York Jets

The New York Jets have been very streaky this season. They began the season strong winning four of their first five games, but then a slump endured. The Jets went on to lose four of their next five games. Now the Jets appear to be back on track with a current three game winning streak. The Jets have to beat the Dallas Cowboys who are having huge quarterback issues at the moment. The Chiefs and Steelers are right in the AFC wild card mix, so the Jets can't take their foot off the gas pedal.

4. Washington Redskins

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles are still hanging around in the NFC East as they are tied with the Washington Redskins for the division lead. The Giants have a very difficult game against the Carolina Panthers, while the Eagles take on the Arizona Cardinals. The Dallas Cowboys have to play the New York Jets. The NFC East faces very tough competition this weekend. All except the Redskins. The Redskins face the Buffalo Bills in a must win game. They are the only NFC East team who faces an opponent under .500 this week, and a win would keep them as the No. 4 seed in the NFC.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Are the Minnesota Vikings getting exposed? Maybe. They've now lost three of their last four games, and it doesn't look like they are going to catch the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Adrian Peterson is playing fantastic again, but Teddy Bridgewater has to start making better throws in the pocket. The Vikings have to get back to their winning ways. That shouldn't be too tough as they take on the Chicago Bears at home. The Vikings are currently the No. 6 seed right now, but if they can win and the Seattle Seahawks lose, the Vikings will become the No. 5 seed.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1