After the Cowboys defeated the Eagles and the Buccaneers defeated the Falcons, there were significant changes to the NFC Playoff Picture.
Significant changes occurred in the NFC playoff landscape in Week 14. There were many thrilling games this week, including the New York Giants shocking the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears upsetting the Detroit Lions. Going into Week 15, there are two new division leaders and a new No. 1 seed, though not all of these games had an impact on the standings.
The NFL’s first team to secure a postseason berth did so in Week 14. Following the Packers’ defeat, the San Francisco 49ers became the first team to secure a postseason berth. The 49ers appear to be the team to beat in this conference after only one loss to an NFC team.
The wildcard spots are essentially up for grabs, much like in the AFC. Whichever of the top two NFC East teams doesn’t win the division will probably get the No. 5 seed. The most open spots are between the sixth and seventh seeds. Although the Vikings lead the other wildcard contenders by one game, Minnesota may find it difficult to maintain their lead due to their quarterback situation. The Packers, meanwhile, are barely hanging on to the seventh seed. During their three-game winning streak, they appeared certain to secure a Wild Card berth, but their loss to the Giants jeopardizes that.
1. San Francisco 49ers (10-3, 1st in NFC West)
For the 49ers, everything has gone according to plan since their bye week. They have defeated the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks twice in their last five games. Because the Cowboys defeated the Eagles this past weekend, the 49ers were able to lock up a postseason spot and take command of their own destiny. They will have home field advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs if they prevail. Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens games will be the hardest for them the rest of the season. Losing one could hurt their chances of being the top seed.
2. Dallas Cowboys (10-3, 1st in NFC East)
Following their victory over the Eagles in Week 14, the Cowboys saw one of the largest swings in the playoff standings. With the victory, Dallas shot up to the top of the NFC East and moved up from the No. 5 to the No. 2 seed. Naturally, Dallas would prefer to host a minimum of one playoff game in January. Nevertheless, with games against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions left, holding the division lead won’t be simple.
3. Detroit Lions (9-4, 1st in NFC North)
With an 8-2 start this season, the Lions were among the best teams. They were recently defeated by the Chicago Bears and Packers, though, so they don’t appear to be the same early-season squad. Fortunately, the Lions have enough of a lead to still make the playoffs and probably win the division, but they must exercise caution not to falter in the final moments. With two games remaining against the Vikings, the NFC North is still very much in play.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7, 1st in NFC South)
The Buccaneers and Cowboys both saw significant gains in the standings as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons. After losing to the Falcons in their opening game, they overcame them this time to oust Atlanta and return to the postseason. Since the NFC South is still the worst football division, the best chance goes to whoever wins the most games the remainder of the season.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3, 2nd in NFC East)
The Eagles’ situation has gotten out of control; their two consecutive losses have cost them the lead in the division and conference. The good news for Philadelphia is that they have a less difficult route than the Cowboys to win the East. Philly can take back the lead with four games left to win if they win all four and hope Dallas loses one. Sadly, they are at the mercy of the Cowboys to lose one; they are no longer in charge of their own destiny.
6. Minnesota Vikings (7-6, ranking second in the NFC North)
The Vikings defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 3-0 to maintain their slim one-game advantage over the remaining NFC playoff contenders. The Vikings haven’t been as exciting since Kirk Cousins’ injury and Josh Dobbs’ collapse. Nevertheless, they are in charge of their own fate in the wildcard race and are currently in the playoffs.
7. Green Bay Packers (6-7, 3rd in NFC North)
After losing to the Giants, the Packers just about managed to hang onto the final playoff spot. If they can prevail, Green Bay has the best chance of making it in; however, if they want to maintain this position, they cannot afford any more upsets. The outcome of the upcoming games against the Buccaneers and Vikings could significantly alter the playoff landscape.
8. Los Angeles Rams (6-7, 2nd in NFC West)
Lately, the Rams have appeared to be among the stronger wildcard contenders. They fell short against the Ravens in a close game, but they can win their next three. The Rams have an edge because they have defeated the Seahawks twice, but their matchup with the 49ers in Week 18 will be their hardest yet.
9. Seattle Seahawks (third in the NFC West, 6-7)
Lately, the Seahawks have suffered one of the biggest losses. Seattle was once thought to be a lock for the sixth or seventh seed, but after four straight losses, they were eliminated from the top seven seeds. Their four divisional losses have put them in a difficult situation to push for the playoffs. To reenter the playoffs, the Seahawks will probably need to win three games in a row and receive some assistance.
10. Atlanta Falcons (6-7, 2nd in NFC South)
After losing to the Buccaneers in a close game, the Falcons lost their lead in the NFC South in less than a week. They are now 3-1 after starting the season with a 3-0 record against the South. Although it’s difficult to depend on Atlanta to win games, the good news is that they’re still in contention for a wildcard spot. For the remainder of the season, their games against the Panthers and Saints will be crucial.
11. The third-place New Orleans Saints in the NFC South (6-7)
The Saints have defeated enough of their weak opponents to maintain their position in the playoff race, somehow. With losses to the Bucs and Falcons thus far, New Orleans essentially needs to defeat both teams in their rematches in order to have any chance of winning the South or remaining competitive for a wildcard spot.