What Week 16 means to the NFL playoff picture

Touchdown Wire looks at what Week 16 means to the NFL playoff picture.

The NFC playoff picture at the moment

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1. Seahawks (11-3): The Seahawks already have clinched a playoff spot. They currently would be the No. 1 seed because they hold tiebreakers on the 49ers, Packers and Saints.

2. Packers (11-3): Currently hold tiebreaker on Saints because of a better record conference record. The Packers can clinch the NFC North on Monday night with a win or tie against Minnesota.

3. Saints (11-3): The Saints already have clinched the NFC South.

4. Cowboys (7-7); The Cowboys haven’t clinched anything yet. But they can clinch the NFC East with a win against the Eagles.

5. 49ers (11-3): The 49ers already have clinched a playoff spot.

6. Vikings (10-4): Minnesota hasn’t clinched anything yet. But the Vikings can clinch a wild-card spot with a win against the Packers on Monday night or with a loss or tie by the Rams.

Still in the picture

Rams (8-6): Los Angeles can be eliminated with a loss or tie to the 49ers on Saturday night or with a win or tie by the Vikings against the Packers on Monday night.

Eagles (7-7): A loss to Dallas would eliminate Philadelphia from the postseason.

 

Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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