NFL playoff picture: Cardinals, Seahawks both win

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks both secured big wins Sunday afternoon following the San Francisco 49ers own win over the New Orleans Saints. The Cardinals beat the St. Louis Rams 31-14, while the Seahawks beat the New York Giants 38-17.

The Cardinals improve to 8-1, but they face a tough road ahead. Carson Palmer suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter and had to be carted off the field. Drew Stanton finished off the game and will be the starter if Palmer misses any time. It looked like Palmer planted his foot awkwardly. Initially I figured it was an ankle injury, but there is speculation of a knee injury. It is too early to tell for certain, as Palmer likely will have an MRI on Monday. The Cardinals host the 7-2 Detroit Lions next week, and then head up to Seattle in Week 12. This is a huge stretch for them.

The Seahawks struggled to put the Giants away early, finding themselves trailing 17-14 at the half. However, the Seahawks took the lead in the third quarter, and then blew the doors open in the fourth quarter. They improve to 6-3, and remain a game up on the 49ers. Of course, the 49ers and Seahawks square off in Week 13 and 15, so there is plenty still to be determined.

The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, and given how this season is going, we very well could find the 49ers facing a win and in, lose and head home situation that Sunday. It could be quite the final seven games to close out the season.