NFL

2012 NFL Playoffs Predictor: Week 16

Keith Goldner  —  @keithgoldner Dec 18th, 2012
The Vikings are looking to sneak into the playoffs. They might have a good standing with the tiebreakers, but do they have the best odds?

Another week gone and the NFC playoff picture keeps getting more complicated. There are five 8-6 teams in the NFC, including the new NFC East division leaders -- the Washington Redskins. After looking downright dominant against the No. 1-seeded Houston Texans last week, the New England Patriots were almost embarrassed at home on Sunday night before making a furious, but ultimately futile, comeback. Russell Wilson helped the Seattle Seahawks put up another 50-spot, and they are now sitting pretty atop the NFC wild-card race.

And speaking of complications … Note that in our scenario, the Minnesota Vikings would be the final team to make the playoffs from the NFC. That's because if the Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Chicago Bears all finished at 9-7, the Vikings would win the tiebreaker. However, based on match-ups and the probability of each team winning each game, they are the least likely to make the postseason out of the projected 9-7 teams. They are also hindered by their inability to win a division title, which is still a possibility for the Giants and Cowboys.

Here is a projection of who will be in this year's playoffs. Be sure to come back once the postseason begins, as we reset the bracket and tell you who has the best chance to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

Want to see numberFire's full projections for your team? Head over to ESPN Insider to see what we project to happen from now through the end of the season.