NFC Playoff Picture Predictions: Packers miss on top-two seed

NFC Playoff Picture No. 6 seed: Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals currently sit at 5-3 and are tied with the Rams for second in the NFC West. They have been the best turnaround story in the NFL this year, though with the offseason addition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the second-year emergence of Kyler Murray, it was certainly possible to see coming.

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They have certainly seen results, as they currently sit sixth in the NFL with 29.2 points per game. Murray is currently on pace for 1,086 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, the latter of which would be an NFL record. Hopkins is on pace for 120 receptions and 1,468 yards. Their defense has also been formidable and the Cardinals sit at eighth in the league with 22.5 points allowed per game.

However, one thing not going for the Cardinals is their schedule for the rest of the season. The easiest part of their schedule is certainly behind them with matchups with the Lions, Football Team, Jets and Cowboys all in the rearview. Their rest-of-season opponents have a combined record of 34-31-1.

In all likelihood, second place in the NFC West and a playoff berth will likely come down to games between the Rams and Cardinals in Week 13 and 17. If a team sweeps that series, they should be a lock for the playoffs. With Jared Goff looking his usual below-average self, I like the Cardinals to make their first playoff appearance since 2015.