It is very complicated now being that no team has clinched the overall number 1 seed and the bye. What I will say is that the packers have the easiest rout and just need to win 1 game with 1 Cowboys loss over the next 2 weeks. Any team that is in the hunt should be motivated here but teams that don’t control their own destiny are suspect.
Teams that don’t control their own destiny and could win out without making the playoffs.
NFC:
- Saints have the best shot if they win out because the Eagles have to play Washington and the Cowboys. Even at 7-8 They can win out and most likely get in. I see some motivation this week vs Carolina.
- The Vikings need help but it could easily happen being that the Saints have no good QB and the Eagles have a harder schedule. I see big motivation this week vs Green bay.
- Washington at 6-9 need to win out and need multiple losses from the 49ers, Saints, Vikings and Eagles. Washington could have lower motivation vs the Eagles.
- The Falcons are playing the Bills and then the Saints. Even if they win out they could be toast because all other 9-8 teams get the nod over them minus the Saints. Lower motivation vs the Bills.
AFC:
- The LA Chargers at 8-7 can win out and not make the playoffs due to the Ravens at 8-7 having the tie breaker. The Ravens have a tough schedule though vs the Rams and Steelers and the Chargers know it. I see bigger motivation for the Chargers vs Denver
- Las Vegas Raiders at 8-7 could make the playoffs because of the Ravens harder schedule and they face the Chargers the final week. I can see bigger motivation for the Raiders at the Colts.
- Miami Dolphins have a very tough path but being that they missed the playoffs last year, if they beat the Saints they are the 7 seed and need to win out to get in. I can see bigger motivation for the Dolphins vs the Titans.
- Both the Steelers and Browns play each other and it gives one of them the upper hand with a win. Both teams are motivated
- The Broncos need a ton of things to happen at 7-8 and I see lower motivation vs the LA Chargers minus maybe them taking out a division rival.
Potential Let Down Spots:
- The Cowboys hosting The Cardinals could let down some after clinching division (BUT they still have a shot at winning out and getting the number 1 seed.)
- The Broncos could mail it in after that nasty Raiders loss that almost took them out of the playoffs.
- The Buccaneers vs the Jets after they clinched their division. They only have a 4% chance at the number 1 seed.
- Any team that is out of the playoffs and are not the Lions: Washington, NY Giants, Falcons, Seahawks, Bears, Panthers, NY Jets, Broncos, Texans, Jaguars.
Potential Get Up Spots:
Teams mentioned earlier as well as teams that are playing for the number 1 seed, to win the division and control of their own destiny.
- Packers, Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, Eagles, Saints, Vikings, Lions (due to coach Campbell)
- Chiefs, Titans, Bengals, Bills, Colts, Patriots, Ravens, Chargers, Raiders, Dolphins, Steelers, Browns,
Rest Spots:
- Packers have extra rest from Saturday game vs the Vikings.
- Browns have extra rest from Saturday game vs the Steelers.
- Titans have extra rest vs Miami after Thursday game.
- 49ers have extra rest vs the Texans after Thursday game.
- Dolphins have short rest vs the Titans after Monday game.
- Saints have short rest vs Carolina after Monday game.
