The Wild Card race has certainly tightened after last weekend. We saw the 49ers fall out of the hunt after a loss to the Seahawks. The Falcons suffered a decisive defeat by the Eagles and are all but eliminated. The Eagles and the Giants both beat conference opponents. The Packers won, and showed why they are the highest ranked defense in the NFL.
The NFC East division race is getting heated. The Cowboys loss to the Giants puts the NFC East divisional title back within reach for the Eagles and the Giants. Right now the Eagles and Cowboys both have an 8-4 record with the Cowboys having the head-to-head tie breaker. Both teams will face each other again in week 17 in a match that very well may determine the divisional winner.
Conventional wisdom is that the Packers need 10 wins to secure a playoff berth. The Packers securing a win against a solid AFC squad has really helped their case. I believe that with games against the self destructing Bears and the Seahawks at Lambeau, the Packers are in prime position to get those 10 wins and maybe more.
Cowboys (8-4) – If the season ended today, the Cowboys would win the head-to-head tie breaker against the Eagles and therefor, win the NFC East. The Cowboys defeat by the Giants has put a serious question mark on their ability to win the division. They have to play some tough teams to keep their slot. Their remaining games are the Chargers, Saints, Redskins and the Eagles.
Eagles (8-4) - If the season ended today, Philadelphia would win the conference record tie breaker over the Packers and claim the number 1 wild card slot. The Eagles just trounced the Falcons this week and are looking good. They do not have time to take a breather and travel to New York to play the Giants. Their remaining games are the Giants, 49ers, Broncos and Cowboys.
Packers (8-4) -If the season ended today, Green Bay would win the second wild card berth. The Packers were able to overcome sloppy play and pull out a win against a good Baltimore team. The Packers get the privilege of going to Chicago next week to play the Bears. Their remaining games are the Bears, Steelers, Seahawks and Cardinals.
Giants (7-5) – Even with a big win against the Cowboys, the Giants are going to have to fight hard to remain in competition. They travel to Philadelphia this week and then finish out the year playing the Redskins, Panthers, and the Vikings
Falcons (6-6) – The Falcons host the Saints this week. Unless they win this game, which the probably won’t, they are out of the hunt.