Washington and Chicago enter tonight on the verge of a playoff spot. Both are just as close, if not closer, to thinking about their plans for 2008. Which makes them every bit like most of the teams in the NFC.
The Redskins and Bears, both 5-7, are among a large contingent of teams still eyeing the postseason. Neither team is in control of its destiny, though neither needs a lot of help either.
Recommended Stories
Eight teams are either 6-6 or 5-7, though only one of those teams will eventually reach the postseason. Only New York is in a good position.
Here’s how the playoff race shapes up entering tonight’s game:
New York Giants (8-4) » The Giants would need a major collapse to miss the playoffs, though Eli Manning has engineered such disasters the past couple of seasons. They still have tough road games at Philadelphia and Buffalo as well as a home finale against New England.
Arizona Cardinals (6-6) » The Cardinals would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, but we’ll know more about them after consecutive road games at Seattle and New Orleans.
Detroit Lions (6-6) » The Lions have lost four straight and still have games against Dallas, at San Diego and at Green Bay. Good thing the Tigers made a big trade the other day.
Minnesota (6-6) » The Vikings are in good position with no remaining games against teams with a .500 record or better.
The rest » Three other teams are also 5-7 — Carolina, New Orleans and Philadelphia. Of this group, New Orleans has the easiest closing schedule. Its last four opponents have a combined 19-29 record. After Detroit and Carolina, Washington and Philadelphia are tied for the third-hardest schedule down the stretch. Their future opponents are a combined 30-18.
