A look at the teams in hunt in the NFC
Currently:
Panthers 9-4
Eagles 8-5
49ers 9-4
Cardinalss 8-5
Cowboys (Monday Night) 7-5
Panthers (currently 5th, 9-4): @Jets, vs. Saints, @ Falcons
I think all 3 games post issues to the Panthers. The Jets are getting better, and I feel they are desperate for a win @ home. The Falcons game is also no guarantee as its a divisional foe, and the Falcons want to finish strong on a terrible season. This is also a team new to winning, and after being hammered by the Saints, it'll be interesting to see their reaction. 10-6 (worst case) 12-4 (best case) - Likely 11-5.
Eagles (currently NFC East champs if Cowboys lose 2nite, 8-5): @Vikings, vs. Bears, @Cowboys.
Vikings are playing well, and it;ll be cold. Not sure AP's ability to play. Also not sure if Cutler plays in Week 16. I don't think they win out, but they don't lose more than 1. Likely 10-6.
49ers (currently 6th, 9-4): @Bucs, MNF vs. Falcons, @Cardinals
All three games could be challenge to a regular team, but the 49ers are playing well, really well. Worse Case (best case for Cards fans): 10-6 - perhaps losing against the Bucs that have been much approved or under the lights against the Falcons (wanting to end their season strong), then with a short week go to a determined Cards team to finish off. Best Case: 12-4. Likely: 11-5 (leaning a little).
Cards (8-5): @Titans, @Seahawks, vs. SF 49ers
Titans should be a win. The last two are tough. The Seahawks likely will already have the division and everything else wrapped up by then. 49ers will have a short week. Worse Case 9-7, Best Case 11-5 Likely 10-6.
Cowboys (7-5): Tonight @ Bears, vs. Packers, @Redskins, vs. Eagles
All 4 are winnable, but these are the Cowboys in December. Worse case: 9-7, Best Case and Likely 10-6.
If this is so, I have the 49ers (11-5) & Panthers (11-5) as Wild Card. Cowboys in over Eagles (even with Eagles win in last game, making both 10-6). If let's say the Panthers lost in the last week to Falcons. Still Eagles get in as 6th. If Panthers and 49ers are 11-5, even if Cards are 11-5 not getting in. (Panthers beat 49ers earlier in season).
Only way is Eagles (or Cowboys) fall apart (9-7). Or 10-6 if Cards can end up 11-5.
And the Panthers end up 9-7 (with Cards 10-6, loss to Seahawks). Or 10-6 (Card 11-5 win out).
All scenarios from http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine
The Cards currently (see http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/playoffodds) have a 12% chance before this week, should be around that going into next. Go Jets! Go Bucs! Go Vikings!
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