The NFC West is the tightest division in the NFL — as all four teams were separated by just two games in the standings entering this week.
In the middle of the division are the Cardinals, who were 7-7 after going just 4-13 last season. Arizona snapped a three-game winning streak last week by defeating the Patriots at home, allowing it to gain some ground in the division race.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 16
However, despite playing the 3-11 Panthers win Week 16, Arizona dropped the contest, a game they needed to win to keep pace in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Rams beat the Jets, while the Seahawks fell to the Vikings and the 49ers lost to the Dolphins in the late window.
Here’s a look at the Cardinals playoff picture after their Week 16 loss.
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Cardinals playoff picture
After starting this week alive for both the division title and a wild-card spot, the Cardinals had a chance to make the playoffs in two different ways.
NFC West standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 9-6 |
| 2. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-7 |
| 3. | Arizona Cardinals | 7-8 |
| 4. | San Francisco 49ers | 6-9 |
NFC wild-card standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 5. | Minnesota Vikings | 13-2 |
| 6. | Green Bay Packers | 10-4 |
| 7. | Washington Commanders | 10-5 |
| 8. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-7 |
| 9. | Seattle Seahawks | 8-7 |
| 10. | Dallas Cowboys | 7-8 |
| 11. | Arizona Cardinals | 7-8 |
| 12 | San Francisco 49ers | 6-9 |
However, with the loss to the Panthers, along with a Rams win against the Jets, the Cardinals are now eliminated from playoff contention this year as either a division-winner or wild-card team. Arizona needed a lot to go their way to earn a postseason berth, and they couldn’t afford a loss to the lowly Panthers.
MORE NFL WEEK 16:
Cardinals remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 22 | at Carolina Panthers | 1:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 28 | at Los Angeles Rams | 8:00 p.m. |
| Jan. 5 | vs. San Francisco 49ers | TBD |
After facing the Panthers in Week 16, Arizona was set to play its most important game of the season against the Rams in Week 17. However, the loss to Carolina deemed next week’s game meaningless, as Arizona needed to win out to make the postseason.
Cardinals updated playoff chances
The Cardinals are now eliminated from playoff contention.
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