Week 16 NFL playoff scenarios

While for many NFL fans, of certain bad NFL team (like me as a fan of the Detroit Lions) are focus has turned to the 2011 NFL draft, for the rest of you the Promised Land awaits. Your team may have earned, or may yet earn a spot in the 2011 NFL playoffs. So far only four teams are in, none have secured first round byes and many week 16 games will help determine which teams get in. More amazingly that that is three of the four teams already in the playoffs did not qualify a year ago. On top of that only one division has a champion the NFC North and the Chicago Bears.

So let us start in the NFC. The Bears have won the North and are in. The Atlanta Falcons are in, and with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night will earn the division crown. The Eagles can capture the NFC East with a win, or a tie and a loss by the New York Giants. The Bears can still earn a first round bye with a win over the New York Jets or a loss by the Eagles of Giants. The Saints can earn a wild card spot with a win or a tie against the Eagles. They could also get in if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose or tie. The Giants can also earn a playoff spot with a win over the Packers.

In the AFC the New England Patriots will win their division and the #1 AFC seed with a win, or if the Jets lose. The Pittsburgh Steelers will get the second seed with a win over the Carolina Panthers and a Baltimore Ravens loss. For the Kansas City Chiefs it is easy win and the San Diego Chargers lose and they win the AFC West. The Baltimore Ravens need to win, and get some help to lock up a spot this week.

Related Links:

• The Business of the NFL
• Joshua Lobdell.com