NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS (12-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Detroit on Dec. 26, at Philadelphia on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-2. Conference record: 8-2.
Their magic number to win the division and secure the No. 1 seed is one.
NEW YORK GIANTS (10-4)
Remaining schedule: at Philadelphia on Thursday, at Washington on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-1. Conference record: 7-3.
They put heat on the Cowboys but still need lots of help to win the division. A wild-card berth is more likely, but they have only road games remaining so it won’t be easy.
WASHINGTON (7-6-1)
Remaining schedule: at Chicago on Dec. 24, vs. New York Giants on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-2. Conference record: 5-5.
Lost control of their playoff future. Detroit and Atlanta are still catchable even though they lead their respective divisions. A 9-6-1 Redskins record would beat out both for a wild card spot if either the Lions or Falcons lose their final two games.
Eliminated: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-9).
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NFC NORTH
DETROIT LIONS (9-5):
Remaining schedule: at Dallas on Dec. 26, vs. Green Bay on Jan. 1.
Division record: 2-2. Conference record: 7-3.
A loss to the Giants plus Green Bay’s win is setting up a winner-take-all home game vs. the Packers in Week 17. The Lions still have a one-game lead, but their schedule is daunting.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (8-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Minnesota on Dec. 24, at Detroit on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-1. Conference record: 6-4.
The Packers gained control of their playoff hopes with a win and Detroit’s loss. If they win out, they take the North. A wild card also is in play.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-7)
Remaining schedule: at Green Bay on Dec. 24, vs. Chicago on Jan. 1.
Division record: 1-3. Conference record: 4-6.
A blowout loss at home to the Colts leaves Minnesota on the brink of elimination.
Eliminated: CHICAGO BEARS (3-11).
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NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS (9-5)
Remaining schedule: at Carolina on Dec. 24, vs. New Orleans on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-1. Conference record: 7-3.
Their win over San Francisco coupled with Tampa Bay’s loss put them in control in the division race.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (8-6)
Remaining schedule: at New Orleans on Dec. 24, vs. Carolina on Jan. 1.
Division record: 3-1. Conference record: 6-4.
Regained their grip on the second wild-card spot with Washington’s loss.
Need a miracle: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-8), CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-8).
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NFC WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-4-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Arizona on Dec. 24, at San Francisco on Jan. 1.
Division record: 2-1-1. Conference record: 5-4-1.
The first team to clinch a division title, Seattle jumped up to the No. 2 seed following Detroit’s loss.
Eliminated: ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-8-1), LOS ANGELES RAMS (4-10), SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-13).
