The NFC is a bit of a mess.
While in the AFC 10 teams currently have winning records, the NFC only has four that sit above .500. That means there’s room for some expected participants on the weaker side of the bracket.
Enter the New York Giants and Chicago Bears.
The Bears started their season 2-7. The Giants were 2-8. Each enjoyed modest turnarounds as the weather grew colder, but after 15 weeks of the regular season each is 5-9.
And each is still eligible for the playoffs. In fact, there’s a universe in which both teams make it to the second season with their sights set on Super Bowl 58.
Despite the fact the New York Times pegs their combined postseason odds at three percent (two percent for Chicago, one for New York), hope persists with three games remaining. It’s not just that these teams could rally from miniscule playoff odds, it’s that either could rise up and *not* be the NFC’s seventh and final seed.
It’s unlikely, but it’s possible. Here’s how, in only 17 simple steps.