NFC Update

Going into the final week of the NFL regular season, the two host teams, each with remarkable records, for the division round are set.

Though handed their first defeat yesterday by the now eliminated Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers with a (14-1) record can wrap up the number one seed for the first time in the franchise’s 20 year history with a home win vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.

Meanwhile the Arizona Cardinals, who ripped the still likely “3” seed Green Bay Packers yesterday, are (13-2), at least the “2” seed and will host a division round/slots game for the first time in franchise history.

If the Panthers lose and the Cardinals win at home vs the eventual “5” or “6” seed Seattle Seahawks, then Arizona becomes the NFC “1” seed.

The game at Green Bay between the host Packers and Minnesota Vikings, each with (10-5) records, will decide the NFC North crown and “3′ seed.

The Packers will be either the “3” or “5” seed, Minnesota a “3” seed if they win a “5”seed if they lose and Arizona beats Seattle and a “6” seed with a clash for a second straight week in Green Bay, something the league does not want but has endured in the past, if they lose and Seattle beats Arizona.

The (8-7) Washington Redskins are the NFC East champions and will host the “5” seed in the wild card round.