The NY Giants started the season 5-1, but now are 5-9. Still, given the total mediocrity in the NFC (e.g., aside from Philly, the Giants are tied with the other teams in their division), they still have a chance to get to the playoffs:
1. The Giants must win their last two games (at Cincinnati, vs. Dallas) and finish 7-9.
This is possible unless their enthusiastic effort against Pittsburgh was a last gasp, since Dallas also cannot score, and Cincinnati has a questionable defense.
2. The winner of Sunday's game between Chicago (5-9) and Detroit (5-9) must lose its season finale (Detroit at Tennessee, Chicago vs. Green Bay).
This is almost probable because Tennessee racks up points but still loses because their defense stinks, but Detroit's offense is questionable. The fact Chicago scored five points last week suggests they can hold up their side of the bargain. Nonetheless, Detroit is pesky, and might just go 2-0.
3. Carolina (6-8) must lose its final two games (at Tampa Bay, vs. New Orleans).
Not likely. It is quite likely that they will win one, but two is probably asking too much. Tampa Bay wins every other week and New Orleans might just be in it, which is bad given their tendency to choke when it counts.
4. New Orleans (6-8) must lose to Atlanta next week and beat Carolina in its season finale.
This is possible, though if Carolina has to win to get to the playoffs, it is hard to see them losing to the Saints. Atlanta also really has nothing to play for, so New Orleans might actually win.
5. St. Louis (6-8) must lose its final two games (vs. Philadelphia, vs. the Jets).
They are getting their QB back, Philly has nothing to play for (and has to be careful with their players), and the Jets just might choke. Still, this should happen, given the defenses involved, and the mediocrity of the Rams even with Bulger.
6. Arizona (5-9) must lose next week at Seattle and win its finale vs. Tampa Bay.
Since all three teams are mediocre, this is possible, if not a given. Arizona also has the defense to hold Seattle -- if it shows up -- but not a great offense. Relying on Arizona is not something one really wants to do, given there playoffs are on life support because of the only NFC team (two wins, both vs. Arizona) currently out of the playoffs.
Easy as pie. You know, the from scratch kind, where you have to make the dough and filling, and ... I also hear that the Mets have a shot at getting Randy Johnson. It involves spiking his water and showing him pictures of Kris Benson's wife.