NFL Playoff Predictions: NFC Postseason Picture Becomes Clearer After Lions' Win

When Ndamukong Suh got a paw on Sebastian Janikowski’s game-winning field goal attempt, the thick fog clouding the NFC playoff picture began to dissipate.

With only two weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, bubble teams know what has to happen for them to make the postseason.  Here are the doors that must open in order for those squads to keep playing into January:

Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Giants

Unlike most teams on this list, Dallas controls their own destiny.  Win out, and they’re in, but unless the New York Jets beat the Giants and the Cowboys beat the Eagles, their Week 17 matchup with the G-Men will serve as the division championship.  Losing against NY will most likely result in missing the playoffs with the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons a game ahead in the standings.

New York Giants (7-7)

Remaining schedule: at Jets, vs. Cowboys

Despite losing to the Washington Redskins, New York still controls its own destiny.  Winning out is the only way they get in, though.

Atlanta Falcons (9-5)

Remaining schedule: at New Orleans Saints, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Knocking off the Saints next week will be tough, but beating the Buccaneers won’t be.  Win at home against the Bucs and they’re in, but if they do collapse, they would lose a tie-breaker against the Bears, but have the edge over the Lions and Seahawks.

Detroit Lions (9-5)

Remaining schedule:  vs. Chargers, at Packers

With a Week 17 date with the Green Bay Packers, the Lions' best chance to lock up a wild-card spot is against the San Diego Chargers next week.  Even if Detroit can’t handle the Chargers, they hold tie-breakers over the Cowboys, but not the Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks (7-7)

Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, at Cardinals

This year 7-9 won’t cut it.  They must upset the 49ers and end the Cardinals winning streak to have any shot at the playoffs.  At the same time, they need the Lions or Falcons to lose out to have a shot.

Chicago Bears (7-7)

Remaining schedule: at Packers, at Vikings

Like the Seahawks, the Bears must win out.  While the Minnesota Vikings should provide a much-needed W, the Green Bay Packers will most likely end their hopes.

Arizona Cardinals (7-7)

Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Seahawks

John Skelton must finish strong like their other 7-7 company to sneak into the postseason.  Again, the Lions or Falcons must also collapse for Zona to potentially break through.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer. Follow him on Twitter.