Cardinals playoff picture: Arizona's updated chances to make 2024 NFL playoffs after Week 16 loss vs. Panthers

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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

RankTeamRecord
1.Los Angeles Rams9-6
2.Seattle Seahawks8-7
3.Arizona Cardinals7-8
4.San Francisco 49ers6-9

NFC wild-card standings

RankTeamRecord
5.Minnesota Vikings13-2
6.Green Bay Packers11-4
7.Washington Commanders10-5
8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers8-7
9.Seattle Seahawks8-7
10.Dallas Cowboys7-8
11.Arizona Cardinals7-8
12San Francisco 49ers6-9

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

DateOpponentTime (ET)
Dec. 22at Carolina Panthers1:00 p.m.
Dec. 28at Los Angeles Rams8:00 p.m.
Jan. 5vs. San Francisco 49ersTBD

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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