The Redskins Portal - ESPN 980

The Washington Redskins - the hottest team in the NFC East and one of the most dangerous in the NFL right now - still needs a little help from the rest of the league to secure a playoff spot.

Undoubtedly, the Washington mindset is to focus on one game at a time, as they should. The Redskins will try to extend their winning streak to 4 games when they host a turf war against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.

And technically, even though the Redskins do not need to win this weekend, realistically (here comes the cliche...) they must win. Win, and the 'Skins are a sneeze away from the playoff picture given their fortuitous tie-breaker situation. Lose however, and then they're hoping for someone to get really sick.

But even with a victory over Baltimore this weekend, sliding into a wildcard spot or better yet, into 1st place in the NFC East, still (for the moment) depends upon what other teams do.

So lets take a look and see who Redskins nation should be rooting for this weekend in order of importance:

Assumption: The NFC North will take one of the wild card spots by either the Bears (8-4) or the Packers (8-4). Sure, the Bears could implode but lets go with that for now.

Giants (7-5) - LOSE TO SAINTS AT HOME (Sunday 4:25pm)
	The Giants have lost 3 of their last 4 games, but in order to stay in the lead in the division, they will have to muster more of that December magic they're known for. Hopefully for 'Skins fans, there are no more rabbits in the hat.
Tiebreaker Situation: In favor of Redskins by virtue of division record.
Seahawks (7-5) - LOSE TO CARDINALS AT HOME (Sunday 4:25pm)
	The good news is that the Seahawks helped end the referee fiasco by virtue of a botched call on Monday Night Football. Bad news is that Russell Wilson is poised like RG3. They're tough at home so maybe the football gods will even things out and screw them on a few calls this weekend.
Tiebreaker Situation: In favor of Redskins by virtue of conference record.
Cowboys (6-6) - LOSE TO BENGALS AWAY (Sunday 1pm)
	Despite all the dysfunction in Jerry's world and lack of consistency week to week, the Cowboys are still very much in the playoff hunt. The bad news is you never what Cowboys team you're gonna see. The good news is you never know what Cowboys team you're gonna see.
Tiebreaker Situation: In favor of Redskins by virtue of division record (December 30th game pending).
Buccaneers (6-6) - LOSE TO EAGLES AT HOME (Sunday 1pm)
	The Falcons have clinched the division so the Buccs are only fighting for a wild card right now. Coach Schiano is no joke and has his team playing tough. Can Reid and Foles finally end their 8-game losing streak?
Tiebreaker Situation: In favor of Redskins by virtue of head-to-head record.
Vikings (6-6) - LOSE TO BEARS AT HOME (Sunday 1pm)
	Minnesota is the third wheel in the NFC North and are primarily looking for a wild card berth. The Bears are shaky right now however so this one's a toss up.
Tiebreaker Situation: In favor of Redskins by virtue of head-to-head record.