NFC Playoff Projections as of 12/22

NFC PROJECTED PLAYOFF WINNERS:

TAMPA BAY 10-4: The Buccaneers have a home game left with Carolina and go on the road to Carolina and the New York Jets. They are struggling with injuries, but it is hard seeing them losing any of those games. them losing more than one. Chances of Winning the Division and Making the Playoffs: 100%

DALLAS 10-4: The Cowboys went on the road and handled the Giants and have a 3 game lead in the NFC East with three games to play. For all practical purposes, they locked up the division and can focus on as high a seed as they can get in the playoffs. Chances of Winning the Division: 95% Chances of Making the Playoffs: 100%

GREEN BAY 11-3: The Packers stayed as the top seed in the NFC with their win over Baltimore. They have very winnable home games against Cleveland and Minnesota, and finish on the road at Detroit. They are in the driver’s seat. Chances of Winning the Division and Making the Playoffs: 100%

LA RAMS 10-4: They are tied with Arizona for the division lead and the Cardinals own the tiebreaker, so they actually are in first at this point. But, the Rams are playing much better. Their remaining schedule is tough, beginning with a road game this week at Minnesota. They finish at Baltimore and at home against San Francisco. None of those are gimmes. Chances of Winning the Division: 55%. Chances of Making the Playoffs: 100%

NFC WILD CARD CONTENDERS:

ARIZONA 10-4: There is no way to explain the loss last week at Detroit. Is it time to worry about the Cardinals? I would definitely say yes it is. They had to beat the Lions and that would have kept them at 11-3 and in first place in the NFC West. But they lost, and they have to put that game in the rear view mirror and move ahead. They have tough games at home against Indianapolis (this Saturday), and Seattle, and have to take a trip to Dallas. Chances of Winning the Division: 45%. Chances of Making the Playoffs:100%

SAN FRANCISCO 8-6: The Niners took care of business with their win over Atlanta. That keeps them in good shape for a wild card spot, but they still have a difficult schedule. They finish with road games at Tennessee and Los Angeles and at home against Houston. A win against Tennessee this week would be a huge boost. Winning the Division: 0%. Making the Playoffs 70%

MINNESOTA 7-7: Because of tiebreakers, if the playoffs started today, the Vikings would be in. They have home games left against the Rams, (this week) and Chicago, and they have to go to Green Bay. They could easily lose to the Rams and the Packers, and one would think they need to win one of those games. Winning the Division 0%. Making the Playoffs 20%

PHILADELPHIA 7-7: The Eagles took a huge step to making the playoffs with their win over Washington. They are one of the surprise teams in the league. They play the Giants at home this week, and close out the season with a return game at Washington, and Dallas at home in the finale. They have to win two of those games. And keep in mind, Dallas might know their fate in the playoffs, when they come to Philly for the last game, and rest their starters. Winning the Division: 0%. Making the Playoffs: 30%

NEW ORLEANS 7-7: They shut out Tampa Bay to get to the .500 mark and greatly enhance their chances to make the playoffs. Of all the 7-7 teams, they have the easiest remaining schedule. They have home games against Miami and Carolina and a road game at Atlanta. One has to think if they win all three of those, they will get in. Winning the Division: 0% Making the Playoffs: 40%

WASHINGTON 6-8: The Football Team got hit by the injury bug, and COVID protocol, and didn’t have enough left to beat the Eagles. They still have a chance but they are in critical condition They have a home game left with Philadelphia and road games with Dallas and the Giants. Are they good enough to win all 3 of those? Winning the Division: 0%. Making the Playoffs: 10%

ATLANTA 6-8: They are alive mathematically, but that’s it. They have to beat Buffalo, Detroit, and New Orleans to have any hope. Not happening. Winning the Division: 0%. Making the Playoffs: 1%