NFL Playoff Picture – Atlanta, Green Bay, Rams and ‘Hawks in Key NFC Games

There are a few games that impact the NFL Playoffs in the NFC in Week 17. Yes, there are a ton of scenarios regarding what team left with a shot at the final NFC Wildcard, the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, can do to secure a playoff spot, but why worry about scenarios?

It’s always fun to think about scenarios, but in reality there is pretty much three games in the NFC that matter this weekend.

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? Find out more exciting details HERE.]

NFL playoff scenarios are dependent on these three games: Atlanta vs. Carolina, Chicago vs. the Green Bay Packers, and St. Louis vs. Seattle.

NFL Betting Playoff Implications: NFC Games for Week 17

Carolina Panthers (2-13) at Atlanta Falcons (12-3)

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

When: Jan. 2nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm EST

Analysis: The Atlanta Falcons just couldn’t beat the rival New Orleans Saints at home, as 2 ½ point favorites, this past Monday night. With a ton on the line, the NFC South Division title, homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Dirty Birds failed in a 14 to 17 loss to the Saints and are now in a situation that requires them to beat Carolina. Atlanta is in one of the biggest NFL must win games of Week 17 versus the Panthers. The Falcons, 14 ½ point favorites, win the NFC South and homefield advantage with a victory. If they lose to Carolina, then the Saints can win the South and homefield advantage with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Does Carolina have any shot versus Atlanta? It’s doubtful, but the Panthers know that this will be coach John Fox’s last game as the head guy in the silver and baby blue. Who knows? Maybe, the Panthers will do it and make the Football betting playoff picture in the NFC even more interesting.

Chicago Bears (11-4) at Green Bay Packers (9-6)

Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

When: Jan. 2nd, 2011 at 4:15 pm EST

Analysis: What’s left for the Bears to play for against their hated rivals on January 2nd now that Vick and the Eagles lost to Minnesota and practically handed the 2nd seed, and a first round bye, to Da Bears this past Tuesday night? Maybe, the Bears have nothing to play for, but there is a lot at stake when Chicago takes on Green Bay on January 2nd. If Chicago takes down the Packers, then the door opens for the New York Giants to make it to the playoffs with a victory over Washington or Tampa Bay even if TB upsets New Orleans and both the G-Men and the Packers lose. Da Bears vs. Da Pack is a huge game with NFL Playoff implications on Sunday for another reason. If Chi-Town loses, then GB takes on Philly in Round 1 next Sunday. Philadelphia does not want to have to face Green Bay and their terrific pass rushing defense after the Vikings just gave the rest of the NFC a blue-print at stopping Michael Vick and the high-powered Eagles’ offense on Tuesday night.

St. Louis Rams (7-8) at Seattle Seahawks (6-9)

Where: Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

When: January 2nd, 2011 at 8:20 pm EST

Analysis: How awesome is this? Talk about one of the more ludicrous NFL must win games for Week 17! If the Rams beat Seattle, then they win the NFC West at 8 and 8 and host the New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons next week. Why? Because the Rams will have secured the 4th seed. If the Seattle Seahawks win, then they take on the Saints or the Dirty Birds. Does it matter? If the Seahawks win, then the 2010-2011 NFL betting game Picture will have a 7 and 9 division champion right up there in the corner smiling down at the New England Patriots. What a photo that will be! The Rams are the better team. They should beat Seattle on the road on January 2nd, but, again, it probably won’t matter because the winner faces either New Orleans or Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs.

NFL Playoff scenarios abound in Week 17! Log on and bet on the NFL, click here!

Sources: covers.com, espn.com, nfl.com,