John Skelton will get start against Bengals and a quick look at Cardinals Playoff scenario

Published: 22^nd Dec 11 10:27 pm

by Ross Dinsdale
rdinsdale

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Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was told earlier this evening from a league source that QB John Skelton will start this Sunday for the Arizona Cardinals. He will be starting in place of Kevin Kolb who is still suffering from the effects of the concussion he received against the 49ers. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Having Skelton start presents the best opportunity for the team to achieve victory against the Bengals, especially considering that they are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.

A week has passed since I last highlighted what needs to happen in order for the Cardinals to make the playoffs. Lets update the situation shall we and take a look at the games to keep an eye on.

#1. Arizona Cardinals @ Cincinnati Bengals

This one is obvious. The Cardinals need to beat Andy Dalton and A.J. Green to keep their playoff hopes alive. Each team is battling for a spot in their respective leagues. I can only hope that santa got my letter and delivers an early Christmas present with a Cardinals victory on Saturday.

#2. New York Giants @ New York Jets

I’m confused. If each team shares the same stadium which team is the home team?…. The Giants have lost five of their last six and trail the Cowboys by one in their divisional race. The Jets currently hold the sixth spot in the A.F.C.. The Cardinals need Mark Sanchez to lead his J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets to win to eliminate the Giants from the discussion. The Giants due hold the tie breaker over the Cardinals if it comes down to a tie.

#3 San Diego Chargers @ Detroit Lions

The results needed from this game require no explaining. The Chargers need to beat Detroit. If they don’t and Detroit wins they will clinch one of two available Wild Card spots. Lets Go Chargers!

#4 Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

A Dallas win here, along with a Giants loss would give the N.F.C East Division to the Cowboys. Again eliminating the Giants from the discussion makes everything simpler.

#5 Chicago Bears @ Green Bay

Even though the Packers finally lost their first game to the season last weekend, they are still entrenched in a battle for first place. A win here not eliminates the Bears from the playoff discussion, but it would also allow the Packers to clinch the number one seed in the N.F.C.. This could pose a problem heading into week 17 where the Packers will play the Lions. How motivated will the Packers be knowing they have the top seed locked up?

#6 Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

A Saints victory only aids the Cardinals chances. Who Dat!

If all this happens and the Cardinals win they could be just one week away from making the playoffs after a 1-6 start to the season.

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