With the playoffs inching closer each week, the hope for a spot in the playoffs is becoming non-existent for some, while for others it’s becoming a very real possibility. Here’s a recap of week 16 in the NFL:

Dallas’ playoff hopes are no more:

The Dallas Cowboys were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks 21-12 on Sunday afternoon, ruining any chance they had of making the playoffs.

Despite the long-awaited return of running back Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys still couldn’t pull out the much needed win. Elliott gave his best effort by totaling 118 yards of offense. Unfortunately, Dak Prescott didn’t play very efficiently completing  21 of 34 passes for a measly 181 yards and two interceptions.

For the Cowboys to have made it to the playoffs, they would have had to win against Seattle this week and the Philadelphia Eagles next week. Other results were needed to fulfill their playoff hopes, but Cowboys’ fans will have to once again sit on their couches in January instead of heading to Jerryworld.

Philadelphia clinches the number one seed in the NFC:

The Philadelphia Eagles secured the number one spot in the NFC on Monday with a 19-10 win over the Los Angeles Raiders.

The Eagles have had a very strong season this year. However, despite their success, I would not be surprised to see them lose out early in the playoffs due to the randomness of their success.

With quarterback Carson Wentz out for the rest of the season due to injury, the Eagles are not the same team. They barely beat the New York Giants last week and only squeaked by the Raiders this week. Now lead by Nick Foles who, in my mind, is one of the top backup quarterbacks in the league, the Eagles’ offense just can’t produce the same success that they could with Wentz under center. I don’t think Foles will be able to keep solid numbers up in the playoffs, especially against teams with solid defenses.

Jimmy G is on a roll:

Jimmy Garoppolo, the former backup for Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, has been on fire lately.

Ever since Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season, he has proven to be the quarterback that “The Bay” was looking for. So far this season, Garoppolo has put up solid numbers and proven that can win games. Considering how little Garoppolo has to work with, I’d say he’s doing very well out on the West Coast.

With “Jimmy G” at the helm, the 49ers have won all four games that he’s started including a 44-33 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. If they can make some major improvements this offseason in other areas, the 49ers may be a solid team next season and potentially make a playoff run.

Playoff Picture:

AFC:

1. New England Patriots (12-3)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)
5. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
6. Tennessee Titans (8-7)

In the Hunt:

1. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
2. Buffalo Bills (8-7)

My Prediction:

The Tennessee Titans will lose next week versus the Jaguars and be eliminated from playoff contention. With one remaining playoff spot left in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills will find a way to sneak in after defeating the Miami Dolphins and witnessing the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Oakland Raiders next week. However, realistically, only the Patriots, Steelers and Jaguars have a legitimate shot at making it to the Super Bowl.

Bold Prediction:

The Baltimore Ravens will find a way to make it to the AFC Conference Championship and give the opposing team a good challenge.

NFC:

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
2. Minnesota Vikings (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
4. New Orleans Saints (11-4)
5. Carolina Panthers (11-4)
6. Atlanta Falcons (9-6)

In the Hunt:

Seattle Seahawks (9-6)

My Prediction:

The Seahawks will defeat the Arizona Cardinals, and the Falcons will lose to the Carolina Panthers next week. As a result, the Seahawks will snatch the last playoff spot in the NFC. When they do, they will cause major chaos in the playoffs.

Bold Prediction:

The Saints will take down any team in their path and win the Lombardi trophy.