Panthers' closing schedule is NFC's toughest

Of the teams remaining in the running for a playoff spot in the NFC, none has a more difficult closing schedule than the Panthers.

Carolina's final six opponents have a .633 winning percentage. Philadelphia's opponents have the same combined record but the Eagles play a team with a losing record (4-6 Cleveland) and the Panthers play only teams at .500 or better.

The New York Giants, who have the conference's best record at 9-1, also have a difficult closing stretch, playing only teams with .500 or better records. It's almost like the Giants will have a playoff game every week from now on, including facing top NFC contenders Arizona (7-3), Dallas (6-4), Washington (6-4) and Carolina (8-2).

In the NFC South, Tampa Bay has the easiest schedule, facing opponents with a combined .417 winning percentage, followed by New Orleans (.517) and Atlanta (.550).

For a fullbreakdown on the NFC playoff picture, check out this story on NFL.com.

-- Charles Chandler