In Week 13, we had great teams come closer to clinching their divisions, and a surprising race heating up in the NFC East. What will happen next week?
Division Leaders:
NFC East: New York Giants and Washington Football Team
Record: 5-7
Next games:
Giants vs. Cardinals on Dec. 13
Washington @ 49ers on Dec. 13
Each of these teams picked up huge upset wins last week. Colt McCoy and the Giants rode their defense for New York’s 4th straight win and Washington shocked the NFL’s last unbeaten team in the Steelers with a 23-17 win in Pittsburgh. Now what?
The two teams have already played each other twice, with the Giants winning both games (by a combined four points), so a division-clinching contest will not happen. Both teams likely stare at losses next week (although after last week, anything is possible) as Washington plays the Cardinals and the Giants face off against the 49ers, so look for this to be one of the tightest divisions down the stretch.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
Record: 9-3
Next game: Dec. 13 @ Lions
After a 30-16 win against the Eagles, Green Bay is knocking on the door of their division. The only team that can (maybe) stop them is the 6-6 Vikings, but it seems unlikely. The Packers will look to hit 10 wins against the Lions, who’s season is essentially over.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
Record: 10-2, clinched Wild Card
Next game: Dec. 13 @ Eagles
Following a solid win against the Vikings, New Orleans clinched at least a playoff spot and the division should follow suit. While Drew Brees may be able to play next week against the Eagles, the Saints should take care of business regardless of whether or not he suits up. Be wary of a potential trap game though; Philadelphia will start second-round draft pick Jalen Hurts this week and the Saints might be focused on their Week 15 matchup against the Chiefs.
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks and L.A. Rams
Record: 8-4
Next games:
Seahawks vs. Jets on Dec. 13
Rams vs. Patriots on Thursday, Dec. 10
Following a Seattle loss and Los Angeles win, the two division foes are neck-and-neck once more. It doesn’t look like anyone can catch them either, as third place in the division is Arizona at 6-6. Both teams are likely to improve to 9-3, though L.A. faces a Patriots team on Thursday which blew out the Chargers 45-0. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have a near-certain win on Sunday as they play the 0-12 New York Jets. Look for a Week 16 matchup between the two to potentially decide the division.
In The Hunt
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 7-5
Next game: Dec. 13 vs. Vikings
At 7-5, the Bucs are likely going to make the playoffs, keeping Brady’s 11-year streak alive. However, the Bucs are aided immensely by their schedule as they have exactly zero games against teams better than .500. Tampa Bay will be challenged by two 6-6 teams: the Vikings this week and the Cardinals. If Tampa Bay loses to Minnesota at home in Week 14, they will be in a precarious position going forward.
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