NFC Playoff Picture: Week 16 Matchups That Will Shape Playoff Seeding

The NFC playoff picture will be nearly fully developed following Week 16. There are several key matchups that will determine who is in and where they play.

It is going to be an important and exciting weekend of football. Here are the games the entire NFC will be paying attention to.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints

What's At Stake

The NFC south is at stake. If the Falcons win out and the Saints lose out, they will capture the division. This seems unlikely as the Saints close out against the Panthers, but stranger things have happened.

The Falcons are also playing for a wild-card spot. With a win, they clinch a postseason birth. Atlanta will finish the season against the slumping Bucs. Should they lose this game, they will still beat Tampa and lock up a playoff berth.

Prediction: Saints 27, Falcons 24

The Falcons and Saints played an overtime thriller in Week 10. The Saints won this game 26-23, and that one was in Atlanta.

New Orleans will enjoy the home field advantage in this one, and they are playing as good as ever. The Falcons are playing fantastic as well, however, they will lose another close game here.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

What's At Stake

The Packers can lock up the first seed in the NFC with a win. The Packers will only not be the No. 1 seed if they lose their last two and San Francisco does not win their last three. That means the Packers will have this wrapped up if the 49ers lose to the Steelers on Monday night in Week 15.

The Bears need a win to keep alive their hopes in the wild-card race. The Bears have to win their last two and the Lions lose their last two to have a chance.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 10

The Bears' offense is awful right now. They aren't likely to have Matt Forte back, which means they aren't going to be able to move the ball. Even if the Packers do have the No. 1 seed locked up, they will give the starters enough run to win this game.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

What's At Stake

If the 49ers beat the Steelers, they will be trying to stay in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Just as importantly, they will be battling the Saints for the vital No. 2 spot and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

San Francisco currently owns the tie breaker on the Saints on the strength of a better conference record. Both the Saints and the 49ers close out with weak teams. This week will determine the No. 2 seed.

If the Seahawks lose, they will be out of the playoffs. Seattle needs to win out and have the Lions lose out to make the playoffs.

Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 9

The Seahawks have been playing fantastic football as of late. However, they are still struggling in the passing game, and running the ball is no way to succeed against the 49ers.

This will be a defensive battle, and while the Seahawks defense is playing strong football, they are not as strong as the Niners.