CFZ Week 17 NFC Playoff Contenders - Record against winning teams

Jumbo075

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Note: I am counting the Commanders as a winning team, even with a .500 record

13-2 Eagles: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Vikings, Commanders, Cowboys and Giants
Losses: Commanders, Cowboys
Eagles only losses have come against winning teams. They have beaten every team with a losing schedule. They have two games remaining against the Saints and Giants. A win against the Saints this week will allow them to rest their starters against the Giants, having wrapped up the NFC East division, and the #1 seed in the NFL. But the Giants may also be resting their starters if they secure the #6 seed this coming weekend, and in a week 18 game of Eagles backup players against Giants backup players, the Eagles should be favored to win.
Likely Final Record: 15-2
12-3 Vikings: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Dolphins, Commanders, Bills, Giants
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys
The Vikings only losses against winning teams have been to arguably the two best teams in the NFC. Their other loss came on the road against the surging Lions. They have two games remaining against the Packers and Bears, and should be favored to win both of them. The Vikings must keep winning to secure the #2 seed, and have a chance at the #1 seed if the Eagles falter.
Likely Final Record: 14-3
11-4 49ers: 3-1 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
Losses: Chiefs
The wins that the 49ers have against winning teams are against teams at or barely over .500, and they were blown out by the only team they've faced that has a potent offense. It may currently be sexy to pick the 49ers, but they're impressive defense may be a bit of an illusion, as they haven't played many potent offenses this season. They have two games remaining against the weak Raiders and Cardinals.
Likely Final Record: 13-4
11-4 Cowboys: 6-1 against winning teams
Wins: Bengals, Giants, Commanders, Vikings, Giants, Eagles
Losses: Eagles
The Cowboys have only lost 1 game against a team with a winning record, while winning 6, which is easily the most impressive record against teams with winning records. Other than the loss to the Eagles when Cooper Rush was playing QB, the Cowboys have lost 3 games to teams with 7-8 records, all of whom are pushing to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys have two games remaining against the struggling Titans, and the Commanders. If the Eagles tie up the NFC east title this coming weekend, the Cowboys won't have a reason to play their starters against the Commanders in week 18, as they will be locked into the #5 seed.
Likely Final Record: 12-5 (if they rest their starters against the Commanders in week 18)
8-6-1 Giants: 2-4-1 against winning teams
Wins: Ravens, Commanders
Losses: Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings
Ties: Commanders
The Giants can secure the #6 seed this weekend with a win over the lowly Colts. That could make their final game against the Eagles pointless, since both teams can secure their seeds in the playoffs this weekend.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1
7-7-1 Commanders: 1-5-1 against
Wins: Eagles
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants, 49ers
Ties: Giants
The Commanders claim to fame this season is ending the unbeaten streak of the Eagles. Other than that, they have a dismal record against winning teams. With two games remaining against the Browns and Cowboys, they need to win both of them to secure a winning season, and the #7 playoff seed. However, if the Eagles win this weekend, the Cowboys could choose to rest their starters in week 18, giving the Commanders the opportunity to become the 4th NFC East team to qualify for the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1 (if the Cowboys rest their starters in week 18)
7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs. But a loss could see them on the outside of the playoffs. Fortunately, the game against the Panthers is at home, and they still have Tom Brady at the helm, If they win this weekend, they could rest their starters in Week 18. But if they lose, then they'll need to win in week 18 against the Falcons, and count on the Saints to beat the Panthers to get into the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
7-8 Seahawks: 2-3 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Giants
Losses: 49ers, 49ers, Chiefs
The Seahawks have had a surprising run in what was widely considered to be a rebuilding year. With two games remaining against the QB-less Jets, and the struggling Rams, they should be favored to win both games. But the Seahawks are not a lock to win against the Jets, who are also hoping to get into the playoffs, and the Rams game is a divisional game. Even if they win out, the Seahawks will need the Giants to lose both their final games, or the Commanders to lose at least one game. They also will need at least one loss by the Packers, because if both the Packers and Seahawks win out, then the Packers win the tie breaker with a better conference record (7-5) against the Seahawks (6-6). It is possible that the Seahawks and the Packers could make the playoffs if the Giants lose both their remaining games, the Commanders lose one game, and both the Seahawks and Packers win out. What the Seahawks need is for the Vikings to beat the Packers this week, and the Cowboys to beat the Commanders next week. Then, winning out will secure them the final playoff spot.
Likely Final Record: 9-8
7-8 Lions: 3-5 against winning teams
Wins: Commanders, Giants, Vikings
Losses: Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills
The Lions have easily had the toughest schedule with 8 of their games coming against winning teams. Their offense has been spectacular at home, but not so good away from home - especially in cold weather. With two games remaining at home against the Bears, and away against the Packers, they will likely only be favored against the Bears. The loss last week against the Panthers really hurt their playoff chances. They need to win out to eliminate the Packers, and count on two losses by the Giants, or at least one loss by the Commanders. If both the Seahawks and the Lions win out, they will be in a tie with 9-8 records. The Seahawks beat the Lions during the season, giving them the tie breaker, so the Lions also need the Seahawks to lose a game.
Likely Final Record: 8-9​

7-8 Packers: 2-5 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys, Dolphins
Losses: Vikings, Giants, Commanders, Bills, Eagles
The Packers have the luxury of having their final two games at home against the Vikings and Lions. But the Vikings will be playing this week to stay ahead of the 49ers in order to secure the #2 seed. So, it will be hard to win against them. The Lions don't play well away from home or in cold weather, so the Packers should be favorites to win against them in the final game of the season. If the Commanders lose one game, or if the Giants lose two games, the Packers can secure the final playoff spot by winning out. Their better divisional record (7-5) would give them the tie breaker over the Seahawks (6-6) if both teams finish with 9-8 records.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
6-9 Panthers: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Giants, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens
The Panthers control their destiny. If they win their final two games against the Buccaneers and Saints, they will be the NFC South Division Champion, and host a playoff game against the likely 5th seed Cowboys. A loss against the Buccaneers will eliminate them from the playoffs. If they beat teh Buccaneers, but then lose to the Saints, they could still be division winners if the Buccaneers lose to the Falcons in Week 18, and the Saints lose to the Eagles in week 17. If the Buccaneers lose out, and Panthers and Saints split their final two games, each team will finish with a 7-10 record. The Panthers would win the division with a better division record (4-2) over the Buccaneers (3-3) and the Saints (3-3).
Likely Final Record: 7-10
6-9 Saints: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Vikings, Bengals, Ravens, 49ers
The Saints are a very long shot to get into the playoffs. They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons, and they need to win their final two games against the Eagles and Panthers to win the NFC South division with an 8-9 record, while the Buccaneers and Panthers end with 7-10 records. It is unlikely that they beat the Eagles this coming week, but if they do, both the Cowboys and Eagles will be playing their starters in week 18, trying to secure the NFC East. This could change the wildcard scenarios for several teams. But the only path for the Saints to make the playoffs is by winning the NFC South division outright.
Likely Final Record: 6-11​
 

dargonking999

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FYI the Bucs win the division with a win. NO can't win the division if TB beats CAR

But otherwise good write up
 

Jumbo075

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FYI the Bucs win the division with a win. NO can't win the division if TB beats CAR

But otherwise good write up

The Saints must win out AND the Buccaneers lose out to win the division. I thought I said that in the write up.

"They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons..."
The Bucs win the division if they beat the Panthers this week, which I expect them to do since they are playing at home with Tom Brady. If they lose, but win against the Falcons, then they need the Saints to beat the Panthers in week 18. If both the Panthers and Bucs tie with 8-9 records, the Panthers win the division because they will have beaten the Bucs twice. The Saints can ONLY win if both Bucs and Panthers end up 7-10, and Saints end up 8-9.
 
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dargonking999

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The Saints must win out AND the Buccaneers lose out to win the division. I thought I said that in the write up.

"They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons..."
The Bucs win the division if they beat the Panthers this week, which I expect them to do since they are playing at home with Tom Brady. If they lose, but win against the Falcons, then they need the Saints to beat the Panthers in week 18. If both the Panthers and Bucs tie with 8-9 records, the Panthers win the division because they will have beaten the Bucs twice. The Saints can ONLY win if both Bucs and Panthers end up 7-10, and Saints end up 8-9.

7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs.

Tampa doesn't need the saints to lose to win the division. They can do so by simply winning against CAR
 

Bobhaze

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CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Three big things have happened this year that have my attention:
  • The Cowboys have won 12 or more games in back to back seasons for the first time since 94-95.
  • Cowboys have made the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time since 06-07.
  • Mike McCarthy is the first HC since Barry S to do both the above accomplishments in back to back seasons.
If the Cowboys win a road playoff game this yr, Big Mac will be the first Cowboys HC since Jimmy to accomplish that.
 

StarBoyz83

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I'm enjoying the fact that the giants were playing so good but will still have another bad season lol. One good season for them since they won the superbowl in 2011.
 

guag

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I'm enjoying the fact that the giants were playing so good but will still have another bad season lol. One good season for them since they won the superbowl in 2011.
Giants owner definitely sold his soul for those 2 championships in the 2000's and 2010's like Jerry did in the 90's. :laugh:
 

guag

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Note: I am counting the Commanders as a winning team, even with a .500 record

13-2 Eagles: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Vikings, Commanders, Cowboys and Giants
Losses: Commanders, Cowboys
Eagles only losses have come against winning teams. They have beaten every team with a losing schedule. They have two games remaining against the Saints and Giants. A win against the Saints this week will allow them to rest their starters against the Giants, having wrapped up the NFC East division, and the #1 seed in the NFL. But the Giants may also be resting their starters if they secure the #6 seed this coming weekend, and in a week 18 game of Eagles backup players against Giants backup players, the Eagles should be favored to win.
Likely Final Record: 15-2
12-3 Vikings: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Dolphins, Commanders, Bills, Giants
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys
The Vikings only losses against winning teams have been to arguably the two best teams in the NFC. Their other loss came on the road against the surging Lions. They have two games remaining against the Packers and Bears, and should be favored to win both of them. The Vikings must keep winning to secure the #2 seed, and have a chance at the #1 seed if the Eagles falter.
Likely Final Record: 14-3
11-4 49ers: 3-1 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
Losses: Chiefs
The wins that the 49ers have against winning teams are against teams at or barely over .500, and they were blown out by the only team they've faced that has a potent offense. It may currently be sexy to pick the 49ers, but they're impressive defense may be a bit of an illusion, as they haven't played many potent offenses this season. They have two games remaining against the weak Raiders and Cardinals.
Likely Final Record: 13-4
11-4 Cowboys: 6-1 against winning teams
Wins: Bengals, Giants, Commanders, Vikings, Giants, Eagles
Losses: Eagles
The Cowboys have only lost 1 game against a team with a winning record, while winning 6, which is easily the most impressive record against teams with winning records. Other than the loss to the Eagles when Cooper Rush was playing QB, the Cowboys have lost 3 games to teams with 7-8 records, all of whom are pushing to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys have two games remaining against the struggling Titans, and the Commanders. If the Eagles tie up the NFC east title this coming weekend, the Cowboys won't have a reason to play their starters against the Commanders in week 18, as they will be locked into the #5 seed.
Likely Final Record: 12-5 (if they rest their starters against the Commanders in week 18)
8-6-1 Giants: 2-4-1 against winning teams
Wins: Ravens, Commanders
Losses: Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings
Ties: Commanders
The Giants can secure the #6 seed this weekend with a win over the lowly Colts. That could make their final game against the Eagles pointless, since both teams can secure their seeds in the playoffs this weekend.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1
7-7-1 Commanders: 1-5-1 against
Wins: Eagles
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants, 49ers
Ties: Giants
The Commanders claim to fame this season is ending the unbeaten streak of the Eagles. Other than that, they have a dismal record against winning teams. With two games remaining against the Browns and Cowboys, they need to win both of them to secure a winning season, and the #7 playoff seed. However, if the Eagles win this weekend, the Cowboys could choose to rest their starters in week 18, giving the Commanders the opportunity to become the 4th NFC East team to qualify for the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1 (if the Cowboys rest their starters in week 18)
7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs. But a loss could see them on the outside of the playoffs. Fortunately, the game against the Panthers is at home, and they still have Tom Brady at the helm, If they win this weekend, they could rest their starters in Week 18. But if they lose, then they'll need to win in week 18 against the Falcons, and count on the Saints to beat the Panthers to get into the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
7-8 Seahawks: 2-3 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Giants
Losses: 49ers, 49ers, Chiefs
The Seahawks have had a surprising run in what was widely considered to be a rebuilding year. With two games remaining against the QB-less Jets, and the struggling Rams, they should be favored to win both games. But the Seahawks are not a lock to win against the Jets, who are also hoping to get into the playoffs, and the Rams game is a divisional game. Even if they win out, the Seahawks will need the Giants to lose both their final games, or the Commanders to lose at least one game. They also will need at least one loss by the Packers, because if both the Packers and Seahawks win out, then the Packers win the tie breaker with a better conference record (7-5) against the Seahawks (6-6). It is possible that the Seahawks and the Packers could make the playoffs if the Giants lose both their remaining games, the Commanders lose one game, and both the Seahawks and Packers win out. What the Seahawks need is for the Vikings to beat the Packers this week, and the Cowboys to beat the Commanders next week. Then, winning out will secure them the final playoff spot.
Likely Final Record: 9-8
7-8 Lions: 3-5 against winning teams
Wins: Commanders, Giants, Vikings
Losses: Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills
The Lions have easily had the toughest schedule with 8 of their games coming against winning teams. Their offense has been spectacular at home, but not so good away from home - especially in cold weather. With two games remaining at home against the Bears, and away against the Packers, they will likely only be favored against the Bears. The loss last week against the Panthers really hurt their playoff chances. They need to win out to eliminate the Packers, and count on two losses by the Giants, or at least one loss by the Commanders. If both the Seahawks and the Lions win out, they will be in a tie with 9-8 records. The Seahawks beat the Lions during the season, giving them the tie breaker, so the Lions also need the Seahawks to lose a game.
Likely Final Record: 8-9​

7-8 Packers: 2-5 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys, Dolphins
Losses: Vikings, Giants, Commanders, Bills, Eagles
The Packers have the luxury of having their final two games at home against the Vikings and Lions. But the Vikings will be playing this week to stay ahead of the 49ers in order to secure the #2 seed. So, it will be hard to win against them. The Lions don't play well away from home or in cold weather, so the Packers should be favorites to win against them in the final game of the season. If the Commanders lose one game, or if the Giants lose two games, the Packers can secure the final playoff spot by winning out. Their better divisional record (7-5) would give them the tie breaker over the Seahawks (6-6) if both teams finish with 9-8 records.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
6-9 Panthers: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Giants, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens
The Panthers control their destiny. If they win their final two games against the Buccaneers and Saints, they will be the NFC South Division Champion, and host a playoff game against the likely 5th seed Cowboys. A loss against the Buccaneers will eliminate them from the playoffs. If they beat teh Buccaneers, but then lose to the Saints, they could still be division winners if the Buccaneers lose to the Falcons in Week 18, and the Saints lose to the Eagles in week 17. If the Buccaneers lose out, and Panthers and Saints split their final two games, each team will finish with a 7-10 record. The Panthers would win the division with a better division record (4-2) over the Buccaneers (3-3) and the Saints (3-3).
Likely Final Record: 7-10
6-9 Saints: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Vikings, Bengals, Ravens, 49ers
The Saints are a very long shot to get into the playoffs. They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons, and they need to win their final two games against the Eagles and Panthers to win the NFC South division with an 8-9 record, while the Buccaneers and Panthers end with 7-10 records. It is unlikely that they beat the Eagles this coming week, but if they do, both the Cowboys and Eagles will be playing their starters in week 18, trying to secure the NFC East. This could change the wildcard scenarios for several teams. But the only path for the Saints to make the playoffs is by winning the NFC South division outright.
Likely Final Record: 6-11​
So the winner of the NFC South could have a 7-10 record. We could be playing on the ROAD against a team with 5-6 fewer wins than we do. That is hilarious.
 

Diehardblues

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Three big things have happened this year that have my attention:
  • The Cowboys have won 12 or more games in back to back seasons for the first time since 94-95.
  • Cowboys have made the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time since 06-07.
  • Mike McCarthy is the first HC since Barry S to do both the above accomplishments in back to back seasons.
If the Cowboys win a road playoff game this yr, Big Mac will be the first Cowboys HC since Jimmy to accomplish that.
Imagine how much more confident we’d feel if we won division and had a couple games at home in playoffs.

Here’s a trivia question for you guys. Has there ever been a 12 win Wild Card team?
 
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