2016 NFC Playoff picture: Week 16

As Week 16 of the NFL season nears, here is a look at the playoff picture in the NFC.

The Seattle Seahawks clinched the NFC West with a win over the Los Angles Rams in Week 15, but otherwise no team clinched a spot. The Arizona Cardinals have been mathematically eliminated after a loss to the New Orleans Saints, but otherwise the other contenders in the conference still have some faint chance to make the playoffs.

Heading into Week 16, here’s look at the NFC playoff picture.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys (12-2)- The Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth, but they have yet to clinch a division title. If the New York Giants lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, or the Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions next Monday night, they would win the NFC East and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

NFC West-Seattle Seahawks (9-4-1): The Seahawks have survived and won the NFC West, but they look vulnerable right now. But if they get their offensive issues figured out, Seattle will be dangerous come playoff time.

NFC South-Atlanta Falcons (9-5)- The Falcons have taken advantage of a soft spot in their schedule, beating the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers by a combined score of 83-27 over the last two weeks. With two more winnable games remaining against the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta could earn a first-round bye.

NFC North-Detroit Lions (9-5)- Detroit’s lead in the NFC North has narrowed to one game over the Green Bay Packers. A Week 17 showdown at Ford Field looks likely to determine the division title.

“In The Hunt”: New York Giants (10-4), Green Bay Packers (8-6), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6), Washington Redskins (7-6-1), Minnesota Vikings (7-7)

Next: NFL quarterback rankings: Week 16

Key games in the NFC playoff picture for Week 16 (Saturday unless otherwise noted):

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles- 8:25 p.m. ET (Thursday night)
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers- 1 p.m. ET
Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears- 1 p.m. ET
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers- 1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints-4:25 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks-4:25 p.m ET
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys-8:30 p.m. ET (Monday night)