Ironically one could argue that we should be rooting for Philly tonight to add a loss to Chicago.
Absolutely that's what must happen. Chicago is going to lose to Philly and GB twice in the coming weeks.
There's no way we go 5-0 and Philly goes 3-3 to close out-- that's the division winning scenario.
Much more likely to see Chicago hit the toughest part of their schedule and fold along with Detroit.
The three wildcards need to be
San Francisco, Seattle, and
Dallas, with
Philly,
GB,
LA, and
Tampa as division champs. For that to happen, we have to win tie-breakers with Carolina (6-6), Chicago (8-3), and Detroit. That means Detroit (7-4) next week is a must-win.
Fucking 49ers are one of the classiest of the conference, and at 8-4 as they keep getting healthier I see them favored to win in each of their last 5 to go 4-1 for a 12-5 finish.
Carolina plays the Rams, Saints, Seahawks, and Bucs twice. I think that nets them at 2-3 for an 8-9 finish. In fact, we might cheer for them to beat Seattle.
Tampa plays AZ, ATL, NO, Fins, and the Panthers twice. I think that puts them at 4-2 and comfortably winning their crapfest of a division at 10-7.
Detroit plays us, Rams, Steelers, Vikes, and Bears. Even if we beat them, they likely go 3-2 for a 10-7 finish
Bears play Eagles, Packers twice, Browns , 49ers, and Lions. I see them going 1-5, maybe 2-4 at best, also for a 10-7 finish
Seahawks play Vikes, Falcons, Colts, Rams, Panthers and 49ers. I see them splitting 3-3 for an 11-6 finish
If we don't beat Detroit, then even if we finish 10-6-1 they likely go 11-6 and bounce us out.
It's a key win. Bears and Seahawks also must lose.
