Playoff outlook: Packers still alive, but need lots of help
Here is how the NFC playoff race stands, with the Green Bay Packers still barely alive for the second wild-card berth. Green Bay will be eliminated if Atlanta wins Monday night at Tampa Bay:
1. Eagles (10-2)
2. Vikings (11-3)
3. Saints (10-4)
4. Rams (10-4)
5. Panthers (10-4)
6. Falcons (8-5)
7. Lions (8-6)
8. Seahawks (8-6)
9. Cowboys (8-6)
10. Packers (7-7)
In order for the Packers to make the playoffs, the following scenarios must occur:
» Packers must win their remaining games (Minnesota, at Detroit).
» Falcons must lose their final three games (at Tampa Bay, at New Orleans, Carolina).
» Seahawks must lose one of their remaining games (at Dallas, Arizona).
» Cowboys must lose one of their remaining games (Seattle, at Philadelphia).
If the Packers and Lions both finish 9-7, the Packers hold an edge based on the NFL's tiebreaking procedures.