MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 8: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings lines up for a play in the second quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The NFC playoff picture is becoming clearer, with several teams having secured postseason berths and others still vying for the remaining spot and seeding. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings and scenarios after Sunday of week 17.
1. Minnesota Vikings (14-2):
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
It all comes down to next week against the Lions for either the 5th seed or the first seed.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3):
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Clinched the number 2 seed with their week 17 win.
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6):
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Have clinched the NFC West division thanks to the Commanders win.
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (9-7):
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Leading the NFC South and can clinch the division title with a win next week OR a Falcons loss.
5. Detroit Lions (13-2):
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
It all comes down to next week against the Vikings for either the 5th seed or the first seed. With a win on MNF, they will jump back into the one seed for at least another week.
6. Washington Commanders (11-5):
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
They clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Falcons on SNF and moved into the 6th seed. They could still end up in 7th seed, too.
7. Green Bay Packers (11-5):
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
In the playoffs, but the loss to MIN moved them to the 7th seed. They could still end up in 6th seed.
In The Hunt: 8th Seed
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Their only way in would be a win in week 18 and a Bucs loss in week 18 (NFC South division)
