The Seattle Seahawks are among the hottest teams in the NFL right now after winning three in a row and five of their last six, but they have some serious work to do if they hope to make the playoffs. Sitting with a record of 7-7, the team cannot win the NFC west and are currently two games back of the Lions and Falcons in the wildcard race. Seattle is also tied with the Giants. Bears and Cardinals in the standings.
Should the Lions (9-5) or Falcons (9-5) win either of their last two games, the Seahawks are eliminated from playoff contention. A win for either team would give them ten wins, a number Seattle cannot reach with just two weeks remaining. The Lions are playing the Chargers on Saturday, while the Falcons head to New Orleans to face the Saints on Monday night.
If Detroit or Atlanta lose both of their last two games, the Seahawks will have a chance if they win both games. Of the teams tied with Seattle at 7-7, the 'Hawks have the edge over Chicago because of head-to-head win percentage. They have an edge over the Giants because of a better win percentage in conference play. And they have an edge over the Cardinals because of head-to-head winning percentage.
The Bears head to Green Bay this weekend to face the Packers, the Giants travel across town to face the Jets and the Cardinals play the Bengals in Cincinnati. A loss from any of three teams is not required for Seattle to stay alive in the playoff race, but it would help greatly.
If Seattle loses either of their last two games, they're eliminated regardless of what happens.
Who To Root For: The Chargers, Saints, Packers, Jets and Bengals.
Who To Cheer Against: The Lions and Falcons are the two big teams here. If either team wins on of their last two games they clinch a playoff birth. A loss from Chicago, New York and Arizona would be beneficial as well.