NFC playoff picture: Here’s what must happen on Christmas Eve for Giants to clinch playoff berth

Will the Giants clinch a playoff berth on Christmas Eve?

Here’s what must happen Saturday for them to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016:

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Giants win and Washington loss and Detroit loss

OR

Giants win and Washington loss and Seattle loss

OR

Giants win and Detroit loss and Seattle loss

It’s that simple.

The Giants play at the Vikings at 1 p.m. Detroit visits Carolina at the same time. And Seattle visits Kansas City at 1 as well. Washington doesn’t play until 4:05, at the 49ers.

But it’s possible the Giants could be in the playoffs even before Washington’s game begins, if Detroit and Seattle both lose.

With three games left, here’s how the bottom of the NFC playoff picture looks, with playoff chance percentages courtesy of FiveThirtyEight:

6. Giants, 8-5-1 — 86%

7. Commanders, 7-6-1 — 34%

8 (out of playoffs). Seahawks, 7-7 — 31%

9 (out of playoffs). Lions, 7-7 — 40%

The Giants got a huge boost from winning in Washington on Sunday night. Their playoff chances jumped from 46% to 87% as a result of that victory.

But winning in Minnesota won’t be easy. The Vikings are 11-3 and currently the NFC’s second seed. Last Saturday, they beat the Colts at home while pulling off the biggest comeback in NFL history.

So the Vikings have a second straight home game, plus normal rest, while the Giants must hit the road again — and have shorter rest than usual.

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If the Giants win in Minnesota and don’t get the help the need Saturday (from Washington/Detroit/Seattle), they can still clinch a playoff spot on New Year’s Day at home against the Colts.

Bottom line: If the Giants win their next two games, they’re in, no matter what else happens. And the Colts (4-9-1) are a mess, so that’s a winnable home game.

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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com.

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