Arizona Cardinals could clinch a playoff spot

The Arizona Cardinals could officially clinch a playoff spot in the NFC after play this weekend if the chips fall right

It is more likely the Arizona Cardinals could clinch a spot in the NFC Playoffs next weekend, the final week of the season.  However there is an scenario in which they can clinch a spot after play in week 16.

The Cardinals first must take care of their own business.  They must defeat the San Francisco 49ers at home on Saturday.  They can also tie but let’s hope it doesn’t come down to that.

If the win or tie happens and then the Chicago Bears find a way to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, then the Cardinals are in regardless of what happens next week against the Los Angeles Rams.

That would be the optional route but as we know, nothing ever goes to best laid plans for the Cardinals.  The more likely scenario is the Cardinals win on Saturday and the Bears win on Sunday, leaving it to the Cardinals to hope to beat the Rams or the Bears lose to the Green Bay Packers at home.

Crazier things have happened. As we’ve seen with the Bears this season, nothing has been consistent. They’ve lost some they should have won and won a couple they should have lost.

The Jaguars are 1-13 and are playing for the top draft pick in 2021. They won’t be tanking though. They have shown they can play hard when they want to.

Let’s just hope the Cardinals don’t hope or rely on the Bears and just worry about themselves.  That’s all they can control.

The Bears are also the only team that stands behind them and a playoff spot. Only the Bears can take the last playoff spot over them as the Minnesota Vikings were eliminated on Christmas Day by losing 52-33 to the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings have lost their last three games.