Yes New York Giants fans, you heard that correctly. New York can clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2016 with a win and a little bit of help in Week 16.
It’s an incredible turnaround for a team that was a dumpster fire for the better part of the last decade because of poor coaches, bad players, and really bad executives. But that’s all changed for the G-Men and with a little bit of help, they could be completing one of the fastest turnarounds in NFL history.
Below is the list of games that Giant fans need to keep an eye out for throughout Week 16 and the reason why. Teams that New York fans need to root for will be bolded.
New York Giants (8-5-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
Duh. A Giants win helps with the playoffs of course.
Seattle Seahawks (7-7) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)
The Giants need two of three teams below them to lose to help clinch a playoff berth. Other scenarios come into play, specifically when it comes to the seeding, but the Chiefs beating Seattle is one of those options.
Kansas City is also competing for the top seed in the AFC playoffs so they won’t be taking this game lightly which is good news for the Giants.
Washington Commanders (7-6-1) vs. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
The Giants beating Washington on Sunday night football last week was huge for their playoff odds. Because of it, a Commanders and Seahawks loss to top teams in the league could be enough to clinch a playoff spot for New York.
San Francisco isn’t out of the running for the top seed in the NFC either and could use a couple more wins with Brock Purdy. Washington will have their hands full.
Detroit Lions (7-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (5-9)
Detroit is the last of the three teams where a loss will help the Giants. This is arguably one of the toughest games to expect a win with the Lions winning six of their last seven games. The good news is that the Giants only need 2/3 of the teams on this list to lose so it’s not an absolute necessity.
Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
Giant fans won’t like this at all, but an Eagles win and a Giants win is huge for New York in more ways than one. First off, the Giants and Cowboys would have the same amount of losses. If New York can find a way to get a better record than Dallas (it could happen), then their first-round opponent would be Tom Brady and the Bucs instead of the 49ers.
The race for the 5th seed will be very important because the Bucs have looked awful all year and the 49ers are hitting their stride. Therefore, Giant fans need to root for Philadelphia to beat Dallas, wrap up the top seed, and hope they can get the 5th seed instead.
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