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NFL Arizona Cardinals

Breaking Down the Arizona Cardinals’ Playoff Scenarios: Week 14 Edition

By

Dale Zanine - USA TODAY Sports

Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

At this time two weeks ago, it seemed as thought the NFC West was all but locked up by the Arizona Cardinals, who at the time were 9-1 and well ahead of the rest of the division. However, after two straight losses (including one to their division rival Seattle Seahawks) the Cardinals sit at 9-3, and though they’re still in first place in their division and have the first overall seed in the NFC, they have a very good chance at making the playoffs. However where they’ll fit exactly will depend on a few factors.

Arizona controls its own destiny at the moment. They still have a good enough record for the first overall seed in the NFC, but both the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles are also 9-3, which means that Arizona will be challenged for the first round bye they’re in the running for. Their four remaining games will be crucial in them securing the highest seed possible.

Of their final four games, the Cardinals will face each of the other teams in their division once, including road games against the St. Louis Rams in Week 15 and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 to close out the season. They currently lead the division by a game over the 8-4 Seahawks, and these two teams will have a chance to meet in Week 16 in a game that may decide which team will win the division.

Regardless of what happens in that game, it seems as though the Cardinals are in a good enough spot to reach the playoffs. Winning one or more of their remaining games will put them in the double-digits, which should be more than enough to get the team into the NFC playoffs.

The Cardinals are hitting a rough patch at a bad time, as they’ve lost two straight and their remaining schedule has some tough games on it. They’ve done just about enough to make the playoffs, but with quarterback Carson Palmer out for the remainder of the season with an injury, their only hope for playoff success is securing a high seed and perhaps even getting that first round bye.

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