Arizona Cardinals News: NFC Playoff Picture Week 16

by Hawkwind on Dec 17, 2008 4:24 PM MST

With another week in the books it's time to take another look at the NFC Playoff picture and where your very own Arizona Cardinals stand amongst their playoff foes. Per boogatt's request, we'll try to include some 'what if' scenarios to paint a better 'mental picture' of what the Cardinals will face in January.

1. New York Giants (11-3): They might be struggling more than the Cardinals after two straight losses but they're still in control of thier own destiny. The remaining schedule is tough though with the Panthers at home and a road trip to Minny.

2. Carolina Panthers (11-3): The Panthers are looking awful good right now and they control their own destiny. A win this Sunday against the Giants would put them in the drivers seat for the #1 seed. They're final game of the season is a road game against the Saints.

3. Minnesota Vikings (9-5): A big win over our Cardinals has the Vikes all but locked into the #3 seed. They could conceivably still lose the North and miss the playoffs all together if they can't stay ahead of the Bears. They do finish the season at home though with games against the Falcons and Giants.

4. Arizona Cardinals (8-6): The Cards are stumbling to the finish line and they look like a team that needs a breather. It'll be interesting how much, if any, rest some key players get over the next two games. They're almost locked into the fourth seed (they'd have to win out and Minny would have to lose out to move up) so with nothing to play for, they might rest some veterans. The remaining schedule includes a trip to New England before one final home game against the SeaBirds.

5. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): Don't look now but the Boys are streaking to the playoffs and could very well be headed to the desert in the first round. They're remaining schedule is still brutal with the Ravens at home before traveling to an ultra-hot Philadelphia, but there a scenarios in which they could clinch this Saturday.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5): The Bucs seem destined for the wild card spot considering how well the Panthers are playing but their remaining schedule should get them in. After all if you can't beat SD and OAK at home, you don't deserve a playoff spot.

Best of the Rest:

Atlanta (9-5) - @MIN, STL - A win over Minny would really help their cause

Philadelphia (8-5-1) - @WAS, DAL -A team that's very hot but they still need help to get in

Chicago (8-6) - GB, @HOU - They're scoreboard watching and running the table might not matter

The picture could become very clear after this weekend or it could be just as murky next week. Here's a link with what each team needs to 'clinch' their respective spots.

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Comments

I just want them to play anyone but the Cowboys

I had to sit in a sea of blue in the 400’s for that game, and I want nothing to do with that again. Anyone, I mean ANYONE, but the Cowboys.

by CardsFan08 on Dec 17, 2008 5:46 PM MST reply actions

since all the tickets are mostly being sold now I dont think it would be as bad considering that we may not know who we are playing until a week before.

by Andrew602 on Dec 17, 2008 6:08 PM MST up reply actions

Here's how I see it breaking down.......

With Tampa’s schedule, they should win out and finish 11-5 and make the playoffs. The final spot will come down to Dallas, Atlanta and Philly. Atlanta should lose to Minny this week and win the final week, leaving them at 10-6. Dallas will probably win this week but lose next week to Philly, leaving them at 10-6. Philly will run the table though and finish at 10-5-1, clinching the final playoff spot.

So, if it falls like that we’d play Tampa in the first round. That’s a very winnable game if you ask me. They’re solid in many areas but not really great at anything. They might be the best matchup for the Cards of any of the teams remaining in the race.

by RedBirds to the SB on Dec 18, 2008 6:35 AM MST reply actions