NFC playoff picture: Packers in major trouble after loss

Week 11 of the NFL season is underway after a Thursday night game that changed the NFC playoff picture. The Seattle Seahawks were able to win in come-from-behind fashion at CenturyLink Field, beating the Green Bay Packers, 27-24.

For Seattle, the win breaks a short two-game losing streak and keeps the Seahawks alive for the time being. As for the Packers, the defeats puts them at 4-5-1, and they might well have to run the table to get into the postseason.

Going into the weekend slate, here is how the NFC playoff picture looks…

1. Los Angeles Rams (9-1)
2. New Orleans Saints (8-1)
3. Chicago Bears (6-3)
4. Washington Redskins (6-3)
5. Carolina Panthers (6-3)
6. Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1)
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7. Seattle Seahawks (5-5)
8. Green Bay Packers (4-5-1)
9. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
10. Dallas Cowboys (4-5)
11. Philadelphia Eagles (4-5)

The docket is full of games that will either make or break many of the above teams in the AFC playoff picture.

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For starters, the Falcons play host to the Cowboys. Much like we saw on Thursday night, the loser of this game is all but eliminated from postseason contention. Dallas was able to save its season by beating the Eagles last Sunday night, and will now have to win another contest on the road against a high-flying offense. As for the Falcons, this is a rebound game after a horrendous loss to the Cleveland Browns, one that could prove to be the difference between getting into the playoffs and sitting home for them.

Then there are the aforementioned Eagles. Philadelphia is trying to defend its first title since 1960, but things aren’t going so well. The Eagles have to beat the Saints at the Superdome, something of a borderline impossible task the way New Orleans has been playing. The Saints need the game in their own right, trying to earn home-field advantage over the Rams.

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Los Angeles has a very stiff test this weekend, taking on the 9-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The game has been moved from Mexico City to Los Angeles due to the field conditions, giving the Rams a bit of a break. Should the Rams lose this game, they suddenly face the very real possibility of not getting home-field throughout the NFC playoffs.

Finally, there is a major primetime showdown between the Bears and Vikings at Soldier Field. Chicago is leading the NFC North by a half-game over the Vikings, who come into the contest well-rested off their bye week. Many believe Minnesota will win the game based off a more experienced roster and the lack of resume for the Bears, but the home team looks to make a serious statement under the lights.