NFL Playoff Picture Week 16

Some surprises last weekend which may have changed some possible matchups

Dec 20, 2006

With six playoff spots wrapped up, there are two divisional titles and four other playoff spots up for grabs in week 16.

Arizona, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Oakland, Miami, Tampa Bay and Washington are all out of the playoff race at of the end of week 15, which makes the competition a little tighter for playoff spots going into week 16.

AFC

AFC EAST:

With the New England Patriots usually being a guarantee to take the title in this division, this season is a little different with the New York Jets making their impression felt and putting pressure on the Patriots to win this Sunday. A win for the Patriots against Jacksonville on Christmas Eve and the AFC East is New England's once again.

AFC NORTH:

The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North pretty easily last week, but had a big scare with starting Quarterback Steve McNair going down early with hand injury. Luckily, backup Quarterback Kyle Boller came in and got the job done throwing for 238 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Cincinnat Bengals didn't fair as well as the Ravens, getting dominated by the Colts 34-16. Even with the loss to the Colts, the Bengals still have a chance at a playoff berth with a win against Denver on Sunday and either Buffalo, Jets or Jacksonville losing their games.

AFC SOUTH:

As usual, Peyton Manning lead his team to a win against Cincinnati on Monday night and another division title. Peyton was smoking hot, throwing for 282 yards, four touchdowns and no picks. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come for the Colts and a chance to redeem themselves for their past playoff woes. Indianapolis has an opportunity for a first-round bye with win against division rival Houston Texans and a Baltimore loss.

AFC WEST:

The San Diego Chargers AFC West champs! Arguably the best team in the NFL, not to mention having the best player in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. San Diego has won a league leading eight games straight and has dominated on offense as well as defense every game. Even with a weak passing game against Kansas City Sunday, Phillip Rivers throwing for 97 yards and two interceptions, they took over with a very strong running game(which comes weekly with LT). 199 yards and two touchdowns from Tomlinson, San Diego won the game 20-9. The Chargers will get a first-round bye with a win against the Seahawks or a Colts loss, San Diego also has a chance to wrap up home-field advantage with a Ravens loss.

Denver has a shot at a playoff berth this week, with a win vs Cincinnati and a Kansas City, New York Jets loss or Jacksonville loss.

NFC

NFC EAST:

Dallas won a thriller against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, even with a good game from Michael Vick, the Falcons couldn't match Tony Romo and the playoff bound Cowboys. Vick has been notriously hot and cold this season, but he was on fire against Dallas passing for 237 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Despite Vick's performance, Dallas kept ralling back with a consistent passing and running game with Marion Barber and Romo having two touchdowns a piece. After all was said and done, Dallas paved their way into the playoffs, but not a division title.

The Eagles can clinch a playoff berth with a win against Dallas Christmas day. Who will win the NFC East title remains to be seen.

NFC NORTH:

All Chicago Bears in this division. No one can touch these guys now, they have clinched this division and homefield advantage. They are just waiting to see who they play.

NFC SOUTH:

New Orleans has clinched this division, even though they got a surprise loss from the Washington Redskins last week. The Saints can clinch a first-round bye with a win against the New York Giants and a Dallas loss.

NFC WEST:

Seattle was almost sure thing for the NFC West title last Thursday, but the 49ers had other plans beating the Seahawks 24-14. If Seattle wants to keep their playoff plans intact, they must win against San Diego in week 16(which is a longshot). Or San Francisco controls their fate, with a 49er loss, Seattle is in, with a San Francisco win and Seattle loss the NFC West will tight until the last minute of the last game in week 17.

SLEEPER PLAYOFF TEAMS:

NFC:

AFC:

Jacksonville(8-6), Jets(8-6), Bills(7-7), Titans(7-7), Steelers(7-7), Kansas City(7-7)

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