NFC West Winner

Whoever wins the NFC West in a few weeks time is most likely to be at best .500. At present the Rams and Seahawks are 6-6 and it is quite possible that could become 6-8. Despite losing the last three games and sitting third in the division at 4-8, Arizona Cardinals astonishingly are still in contention to make the play-offs.Assuming they beat San Francisco at home this Sunday, and St.Louis lose in Carolina and Seattle fail in Minnesota, the Cardinals would be only one game off the pace. Incidentally the 49ers are missing their starting QB and RB, which only enhances the chances of Arizona moving to 5-8. The Rams are also without their starting Quarterback and face red-hot Carolina, while it is hard to see how Seattle can recover from throwing away another big lead with so little time left on the clock. If all goes as expected this week, it would be fantastically set up for Arizona to sneak up on the inside rail and win the division. In week 15 the Rams must play in Arizona, by no means an easy win, especially if the Cardinals believe they have a chance of play-off football. Seattle also have a tough game that week against the Jets. So, it is hard not such an unlikely scenario that by the time we are stuffed full of turkey, Arizona will be in a share of first place in the NFC West. Of course if the play-offs started on Boxing Day, it would be the Rams in the play-offs by virtue of their superior division and conference record. Going into the final two weeks, the Rams finish with two straight in St.Louis, against Philadelphia and the Jets. Admittedly, both these teams will most likely be in the play-offs and so may rest a number of starters. That though doesn't necessarily mean two easy wins and an 8-8 record. The Seahawks' final two games are also at home. Crucially one of those are against Arizona. If the Cardinals have won in weeks 14 and 15, they will be on a high and most likely be playing much better than of late. Seattle will no doubt be reeling from losing so many winnable games, and their confidence could be shot to pieces. Arizona finish the year at home to Tampa Bay, who will either need the win for a wildcard, or be out the picture. Either way we can't forget what a poor Cardinals team did to Minnesota in the final week last year.Who knows maybe it could be a last minute TD that sends Arizona into the play-offs?At a best price 50/1 to win the AFC West, it may well be worth a small investment in Arizona winning the division. For Spreads players, the quote for the Cardinals on the group Index (50,25,10) is 10-13. The advantage of a buy here is if they slip up and finish third, the losses would only be minimal, while second would show a profit.