The Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vikings last night, and became the second team in the NFC to secure a spot in the playoffs, and the first to win their division. The NFC playoff scenarios begin to cement themselves, but there’s still plenty to watch for.
The convincing 40-14 victory on Monday Night Football should finally silence critics, as least for the rest of the week. After a short week, they play the New York Jets at Soldier Field. They’re going to be neck and neck with Philadelphia, for a bye week, so the plan is to win out.
The Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South are still surging, and given their remaining schedule, are all but guaranteed home field throughout the playoffs. Elsewhere in the South, the New Orleans Saints suffered a setback in Baltimore Sunday. Their 30-24 loss to the Ravens was setback, but they’re still in the running for a wildcard spot.
The San Francisco 49ers lost on Thursday night, and are 5-9 with two weeks left in the regular season, yet they are still in the running for the NFC West crown, as the rest of the division lost last week, as well. The Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams are both 6-8. All three teams may be 6-9 after this Sunday.
The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants are the story, going into week 16. Tom Coughlin will tell you that you cannot sit on a lead against the Eagles. They host the floundering Vikings Sunday, but the game of the week, the one that matters is the Giants in Lambeau against the Green Bay Packers. These two teams are both struggling to stay relevant, and whoever loses is going to find themselves on the brink of elimination.
Stay on the good list through the week, and let your loved ones know you care. That way Sunday, they won’t be mad at you for spending the day watching some really good football.
Happy Holidays, spoil yourself and everyone around you.