By Max Harper
It’s December 28, and the smoke has cleared on Week 16 in the NFL season.
Here’s where we are:
7. EAGLES (8-7), wild card No. 3:
Late-season charge continues as they won for the fifth time in their last six games Sunday by smoking the New York Giants.
Week 11 defeat of Saints could prove a pivotal tiebreaker.
Remaining schedule: at Washington, vs. Cowboys
8. Minnesota Vikings (7-8), out of playoff field: Debilitating loss to Ramson Sunday punted Vikes from wild-card position. Completing season sweep of Green Bay at Lambeau Field is a big ask. Superior record in conference games (5-5) trumps Atlanta. Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Bears
9. Atlanta Falcons (7-8), out of playoff field: Still hanging around after escaping Lions on Sunday. But 4-7 conference record and upcoming schedule among factors working against ATL, though it does have win over Saints in hand. Remaining schedule: at Bills, vs. Saints
10. New Orleans Saints (7-8), out of playoff field: COVID-depleted team looked lost last night in a loss to Miami and lost two spots in conference standings. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, at Falcons
