So you’re telling me there’s a chance (for the Cardinals)!
Dec 16, 2016, 11:24 AM | Updated: Jul 26, 2024, 11:39 am
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) makes a touchdown catch as Washington Redskins cornerback Quinton Dunbar (47) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
They’re still alive!
When you hear “Not Mathematically Eliminated,” what does that really mean? It means there are still scenarios that keep the Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs. The Arizona Cardinals were “Logically Eliminated” last week with the loss to Miami because the likelihood of Seattle ending the season 0-3 wasn’t very strong. Mix in L.A. firing their head coach three days before their game in Seattle and the Seahawks ending the year against San Francisco, chances were pretty low before kickoff last night Arizona could win the division. Those dreams officially ended when the clock hit triple zero. The Cardinals will not repeat as NFC Western division champions.
Don’t say die, yet. If you have the red-colored glasses and refuse to believe in the negative vibe coming from Cardinals’ headquarters, your Cardinals can make the playoffs. There are only 15 things that need to happen in the next three weeks and the Cardinals are going to Atlanta for round one on their way to Super Bowl LI!
The 15 things basically boil down to three teams. If you can count on these three teams to go 3-0 in Weeks 15, 16 and 17, you have little to fear.
Team 1: Arizona
OK, that was obvious. One more loss and the Cardinals’ mercy killing finally happens and closes the chapter on the worst year in Arizona sports history.
Team 2: Dallas
This has to hurt Cardinal fans, but Dallas plays Tampa and Detroit at home then goes to Philly to end the season. Two of those teams are in the way for Arizona to make the playoffs. Beating Detroit isn’t a must, but it helps in some tiebreaker scenarios versus other opponents for Arizona.
Team 3: I don’t want to tell you!
Unfortunately, they are who we thought they were. If the 3-10 Chicago Bears roll through their remaining schedule, Arizona has a great chance of chasing the Lombardi trophy. Chicago’s end of the season run looks like a fullback clearing the way for a Cardinal running back: home against Green Bay and Washington, then on the road to Minnesota. C’mon Cards fans, BELIEVE IN DA BEARS!
If you care about all 15 things that need to go right for Arizona, root for these teams as well as Arizona:
Week 15: Ravens, Bears, Colts, Lions, Cowboys, Panthers
Week 16: Bears, Saints
Week 17: Lions, Bears, Cowboys, Panthers
Now you know to never pay attention when someone says, “Well, they’re not mathematically eliminated.”
