EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Playoffs? The New York Giants still have one path to the playoffs left after Sunday's latest near-miss, a 38-35 last-play loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The 6-8 Giants could still win the NFC East with an 8-8 record, but they need the Washington Redskins to lose both of their remaining games. To get to 8-8 the Giants have to win their final two games, next Sunday night on the road against the Minnesota Vikings and Week 17 at MetLife Stadium against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After Washington defeated the Buffalo Bills, 35-25, on Sunday the Giants cannot win a tie-breaker at 8-8 against the Redskins. Thus, the Giants must hope the Eagles -- 40-17 losers to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday -- beat Washington next week and that the Redskins also lose their season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
If the Giants can beat the Vikings next Sunday and the Eagles defeat Washington, the NFC East title will be decided in Week 17. If Washington beats Philadelphia next Saturday night the Redskins will win the division.