NFL Playoff Scenarios: Week 16 Games That Will Massively Alter Playoff Picture

The playoff picture is about to get severely blurred. The teams leading the race for the final wild-card berth in both the AFC and NFC are all going to lose. Meanwhile, most of the teams chasing them are going to win.

Here is a look at three games that are going to blur the picture, and the projected wild-card standings heading into Week 17.

New York Giants at New York Jets

Prediction: Giants 27, Jets 21

The battle of the Big Apple will be waged between two teams coming off of horrible performances. The Giants lost 23-10 to the Redskins, and the Jets were destroyed by the Eagles, 45-19.

In their massive defeat to the Eagles the Jets looked lost on defense without safety Jim Leonhard—who is out for the season. Without Leonhard, who is the quarterback of their defense, the Jets had to simplify their defense.

The once complicated Jets defense became so vanilla that the Eagles knew what defense they would be facing as they lined up for the snap.

These problems on defense are going to doom the Jets against the third-ranked passing attack of the Giants.

This is going to be a close game due to the Giants defense being terrible, but the Jets' sluggish offense will not be able to keep pace.

Aftermath

This outcome will result in the Giants and Jets moving to 8-7. This will leave the Giants in a position to win their division with a victory over the Cowboys in their season finale, and keep their wild-card hopes alive.

The loss for the Jets will turn the AFC wild-card race on its ear. This is going to leave a whole slew of teams in play for the AFC's final wild-card position heading into the final week.

Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals

Prediction: Cardinals 17, Bengals 10

This is going to be a close, defensive grudge match, and that is exactly the way the Cardinals like it.

Neither of these teams has scored more than 24 points since Week 9. Arizona has thrived in these conditions while the Bengals have faltered. Since Week 9 the Cardinals are 6-1 while the Bengals are 3-4.

During that stretch, the Cardinals have won three games in OT and the other three by four points or less.

Ultimately, Larry Fitzgerald is going to be the difference. This all-world receiver will be going against a defense that Football Outsiders ranks as No. 22 in stopping opposing No. 1 receivers.

Aftermath

This outcome is going to leave both of these teams at 8-7. The Cardinals will need the Lions to lose to the Chargers to stay alive in the playoff race, while the Bengals will join the slew of AFC wild-card hopefuls tied at 8-7.

San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions

Prediction: Chargers 31, Lions 20

After losing six straight games, the Chargers have found their groove and won three straight in convincing fashion.

Their last game sent a message to the entire NFL that this team is for real as they demolished the mighty Ravens by a score of 34-14. The Lions will not be able to slow down this red-hot team.

The Lions are last in the league in yards allowed per carry. Meanwhile, the Chargers will bring an improved rushing attack into this game. On the season, the Chargers are 16th in rushing, gaining 4.2 yards per rush. However, over their last three games they are gaining 4.6 yards per carry.

That will be more than enough to supplement the Chargers passing attack that is now firing on all cylinders.

Detroit has a solid passing defense. On the year they are fourth in the league, allowing 6.1 yards per pass. They have fallen off this pace lately though; over their last three, they have allowed 7.0 yards per pass attempt.

That will leave the Lions offense playing catchup. Detroit relies on the pass to move the ball, and they will be facing a Chargers defense that is sixth in passing yards allowed. They will not be able to keep pace.

Aftermath

This outcome will drop the Lions to 9-6, and just one game ahead of the Giants, Cardinals and possibly the Seahawks and Bears for the last NFC wild card.

Meanwhile, the Chargers will improve to 8-7. That will push them into a tie for the final AFC wild-card berth. They will also be tied for the AFC West lead if the Broncos lose to the Bills (that's not going to happen).

Projected Wild-Card Standings Heading into Week 17

NFC

Lions 9-6

Cardinals 8-7

Giants 8-7

Seahawks (out) 7-8

Bears (out) 7-8

AFC

Jets 8-7

Bengals 8-7

Chargers 8-7

Raiders 8-7

Titans 8-7

As you can see, it is going to be one wild Week 17!