Beware of the Eagles

Depending on what happens in the Vikings' final two regular-season games, they could finish anywhere from the top seed in the NFC to the fourth seed. But without playing out every scenario here are a few key things to keep in mind as Week 16 gets going at full speed on Sunday.

-- If Philadelphia (10-4) loses at home against Denver (8-6) on Sunday and the visiting Vikings (11-3) beat the Chicago Bears (5-9) on Monday night, the Vikings will lock up the second seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

-- If New Orleans (13-1) loses its final two games -- vs. Tampa Bay (2-12) and at Carolina (6-8) -- and the Vikings win their final two -- at Chicago and vs. New York Giants (8-6) -- the Vikings will get the top seed because they hold the tie-breaker on the Saints. Don't hold your breath on that one. New Orleans will clinch the No. 1 spot with one more victory.

-- Just as the Vikings would hold the tie-breaker on the Saints, the Eagles hold the same on the Vikings. Remember, these teams did not meet head-to-head this season. So if the Eagles win Sunday and the Vikings lose on Monday, Philadelphia will pass Minnesota for the time being. That would put the Eagles in the driver's seat because if Philadelphia beats Dallas (9-5) in Week 17 and the Vikings beat the Giants that means both teams finish 12-4 and the Eagles get the second seed based on a better conference record. That would mean the Vikings would play host to a game in the wild-card round.