Fansided

NFL Playoffs: Here’s how the Cardinals can clinch the NFC West Week 14

By Josh Hill

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Cardinals punched their playoff ticket on Thursday, and can lock up the NFC West with some help on Sunday. 

It wasn’t an easy win for the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, as their game against the Vikings very much felt like a playoff game. But Arizona came out ahead, clinching a playoff berth in the process and setting themselves up to clinch their first division title since 2009.

Arizona doesn’t play on Sunday — obviously — but they can still win the division with some help from the Baltimore Ravens. That’s probably one of the last teams you want helping you out, but there’s still a chance that John Harbaugh and company can give Bruce Arians his first division title ever as a head coach.

Here’s what the Cardinals need to happen in order to win the NFC West on Sunday:

  • Seahawks loss to Ravens

That’s pretty simple — but also not that reliable. The Seahawks appear to be turning up the heat late in the season, hitting their groove at the right time. The Ravens are on their way down the tubes, but this late in the season you can always count on teams playing the part of spoiler when you least expect them to.

Arizona is hoping that will happen with the Ravens on Sunday. If the Seahawks end up winning — which is probably going to be what happens — Arizona can lock up a division title next weekend.

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