The ideal results for Week 12
 

NO over PHL - maybe
CAR over DAL - likely
BAL over SEA - likely
GB over SF - likely

DET over MIN - not likely
ARZ over STL - yea, right.

We can pull to within 1 game of a playoff spot with 5 to go.
If the likely's hit, he's how it shakes out
DIVISION FRONTRUNNERS
CAR-9-2
STL-8-3 (easy remaining sched)
PHL-7-4 (will pass Dallas easily)
MIN-7-4 (appears to be falling apart)

WILDCARDS
SEA-7-4 (probably also lose @MIN, @STL, and @SF)
DAL-7-4 (Tough schedule, 3 or 4 more losses likely)
GB- 6-5 (Will pass Minnesota eventually)
NO-6-5 (week 16 versus Dallas looms large)

The ideal results for Week 12
 

I agree except for one thing.

I agree that\'s the likely outcome. However, I think we are better off if SF does come up with the upset. Here\'s their remaining schedule after this week:

@Baltimore
Arizona
@Cincinnati
@Philadelphia
Seattle

Assuming they go into that at 6-5, they could finish 10-6, but I think 9-7 is more likely. Cincy is hot lately and Philly is going to be tough. However, look at what Green Bay would have if they lose this weekend.
Here\'s Green Bay\'s future schedule:

@Detroit
Chicago
@San Diego
@Oakland
Denver

If they start at 5-6, they\'ll probably finish 9-7 with the only loss to Denver, who will likely be playing for a wild card spot of their own in week 17 and won\'t be flustered by wintry conditions.

Bottom line: If GB wins, then they are almost guaranteed a playoff spot. However, if SF wins, both teams are going to have a hard time making it. That\'s why I\'ll be pulling for the 49ers this week.

The ideal results for Week 12
 

Why is Baltimore over Seattle likely? That all depends. Baltimore\'s offense is TERRIBLE, but their defense is great. If Seattle can score 14 points in the first half they should have no problem winning. That is just as possible as Baltimore\'s D stopping them and the O actually putting more than a field goal or two on the board.

I hope you\'re right though.

The ideal results for Week 12
 

I don\'t think Seattles won a road game yet, have they?
They are very weak against the run and Jamal Lewis should have a field day.
If it was in Seattle I\'d agree. Seattle\'s the better team. But not at Baltimore.

The ideal results for Week 12
 

So you don\'t count a 38-0 against the Cardinals? Can\'t blame you.
The game is a toss-up. Seattle\'s the better team, Baltimore plays at home, if Seattle can put 14 on the board early they\'ll cruise to victory, if Baltimore can put 7 on the board early they\'ll run all over the Seahawks ...
I\'d give a slight advantage to the Seahawks as they come in with the better momentum.

Stopping Stephen Davis equals beating Carolina and the Dallas Cowboys have the #1 defense (I think) and they play at home. Edge Cowboys IMO.
SF over GB please - I\'m still not so sure that Minnesota will continue to slide.