Finally, with one game left in the NFL regular season, the NFL Playoff picture is clear. The late games solved the remaining playoff spot up for grabs in the NFC, with just one spot, belonging to the NFC West, left to be settled. The Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams will hit the field to battle for the last playoff position in the NFC on primetime, tonight at Qwest Field on NBC.
Here’s what happened in the afternoon games today. The 2011 NFL Playoff schedule, as we know it right now, is also below. The full schedule will be released later tonight after the matchups are all set and the TV information is decided. The playoffs begin Saturday, Jan. 6.
NFC Wildcard: The one playoff spot that remained up in the air, with three teams fighting for it, was settled. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an outside shot at the last wildcard berth, but needed losses by the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants in the afternoon games. They didn’t get it. The Green Bay Packers sealed their win over the Chicago Bears with a late interception and knocked both the Giants and Buccaneers out of the playoffs.
NFC Seeding
No. 1: Atlanta Falcons
No. 2: Chicago Bears
No. 3: Philadelphia Eagles
No. 4: Seattle Seahawks/St. Louis Rams
No. 5: New Orleans Saints
No. 6: Green Bay Packers
Schedule
Sat Jan. 8/Sun. Jan 9: Seattle Seahawks/St.Louis Rams vs. New Orleans Saints
Sat. Jan. 8/Sun. Jan 9: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers
Byes: Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears
For the full NFL Playoff picture, including how the AFC shook out, head here.