With the NFL post-season race heating up, we break down the slate of games in the NFC. Which of Week 16’s matchups will affect the playoff picture?
If the season ended today…
1) Seattle Seahawks (12-2)
2) New Orleans Saints (10-4)
3) Philadelphia Eagles (8-6)
4) Chicago Bears (8-6)
5) Carolina Panthers (10-4)
6) San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
Who has clinched:
Seattle: The Seahawks are the only team in the NFC who has qualified for the post-season.
Who can clinch in Week 16?
Seattle: The Seahawks can secure the NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed in the conference with a win over Arizona. In case they lose to the Cardinals, the Seahawks can still wrap up the division and home-field advantage with a San Francisco loss or tie.
New Orleans: It’s simple for the Saints: win and you’re in. A victory over Carolina would give the Saints the NFC South division title and a first-round bye. New Orleans can still clinch a playoff spot with an Arizona loss or a 49ers loss combined with a Cardinals loss or tie.
Carolina: The Panthers can guarantee their first playoff appearance since 2008 with one of the following four scenarios:
1) CAR win
2) CAR tie + ARI loss OR
3) CAR tie + SF loss OR
4) ARI loss + SF loss
San Francisco: The 49ers can book their ticket to the post-season with a victory over Atlanta or an Arizona loss to Seattle.
Philadelphia: The Eagles have a shot to wrap up the NFC East with a win combined with a Cowboys loss or tie.
Chicago: The Bears can clinch the NFC North win with a victory over Philadelphia, a Lions’ loss or tie and a Green Bay loss. Seems easy, right?
Week 16’s NFC game to watch
Saints at Panthers: After New Orleans stumbled in St. Louis, this division clash has massive implications for both clubs. Whoever wins in Carolina will guarantee themselves a playoff spot while the loser will have to go on the road throughout the post-season. Carolina is looking for a better performance after the rout in New Orleans two weeks ago. Cam Newton threw just one touchdown pass in that game and he’s hoping to show up now that the Panthers are playing at home. The Saints have been a disaster away from the Superdome – they have lost their last two road games by a combined score of 61-23.
The rest of the relevant Week 16 games
Bears at Eagles: There’s a chance the winner of this game could clinch a division title Sunday night. That will require losses from either Dallas, Detroit or Green Bay. Which Eagles defence will show up? The one who was red-hot over the past month or the group that was torched by Matt Cassel?
Cardinals at Seahawks: The Seahawks need a win here to secure home-field advantage in the NFC where they haven’t lost since Christmas 2011. Arizona would be a lock for a playoff spot with their 9-5 record in the AFC but their faint playoff hopes in the NFC will require back-to-back wins over Seattle and San Francisco.
Cowboys at Redskins: How will the Cowboys respond after another December meltdown? They need to pick up a victory to have any chance of capturing the NFC East title. They take on the division-leading Eagles in Week 17.
Steelers at Packers: It looks like it will be another start for Matt Flynn as he hopes to keep Green Bay’s playoff chances alive. After last week’s incredible rally, the Packers control their own destiny and will win the NFC North if they sweep their final two games of the season.
Falcons at 49ers: So, who’s excited for the rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game? Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers look to secure a playoff spot in the final home game at historic Candlestick Park. If the Cards lose, the 49ers will have a playoff spot clinched before this game starts.