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New York Giants Updated NFC Playoff Picture

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) reacts with cornerback Eli Apple (24) after his interception during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) reacts with cornerback Eli Apple (24) after his interception during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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What does the New York Giants playoff picture look like heading into the final week of the regular season?

The New York Giants didn’t have a strong performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. The Giants lost on the road to their NFC East division rivals on Thursday Night Football. It snapped their two-game winning streak and was only the second time since Week 6.

That strong stretch of games placed the Giants squarely in the playoff picture. The Giants went into Thursday night’s game needing a win to clinch a spot in the postseason. They were unable to get that victory but did clinch a playoff spot later in the week.

With the New Orleans Saints defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Christmas Eve, the Giants got an early Christmas present with a playoff berth. It will end the Giants’ four year playoff drought, marking the first time they make the postseason since winning the Super Bowl in the 2011 season.

The Giants were not the only team to earn a postseason spot this past week. On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans also earned playoff berths. Sunday we saw the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins all qualify for the postseason as well.

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There is only two spots up for grabs, both being in the NFC. The NFC North title will be decided on Sunday Night Football in Week 17 between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. The game between the Giants and Washington Redskins will have a major impact on that game as well.

Should the Redskins defeat the Giants, they will earn a Wild Card spot barring a tie between the Lions and Packers. So, when the Lions and Packers kickoff, they will know what is at stake; either a division title and playoff seeding or just a single spot in the postseason for the division winner.

The Giants have nothing to play for in Week 17; they are locked into the No.5 spot in the NFC. But, they do not yet know where they will be traveling for Wild Card weekend. Right now, the Giants will be heading back to Lambeau Field for a rematch with the Packers should things hold steady.

Right now, the Giants will be heading back to Lambeau Field for a rematch with the Packers. But, they could also find themselves traveling to face the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, or Lions.

Avoiding the Seahawks would be nice for the Giants; traveling to CenturyLink Field will not be a fun trip and they possess the strongest defense of anyone the Giants may have to play. Going on the road against the Falcons or Lions would present the best chances for the Giants to win, matchup wise.

Next: New York Giants Team Grades vs Philadelphia Eagles Week 16

The Giants defense has been more consistent than their offense all season. If the Giants are to find success in the postseason, it will more likely come in a matchup in which the defense stifles a strong offense than the Giants offense overcoming a tough defensive opponent.

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