A look at the updated NFC playoff picture and the potential first-round matchups.
With the conclusion of the 1 p.m. ET games in Week 18, the NFC playoff picture is starting to become clear. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ win over the New Orleans Saints punched their ticket into the postseason, establishing the seven playoff teams in the NFC: The Lions, Vikings, Packers , Eagles, Commanders, Buccaneers, and Rams. The Atlanta Falcons were eliminated before their game against the Panthers finished.
Here’s a look at where the seedings currently stand after the early games.
- Lions: 14-2
- *Eagles: 14-3
- *Buccaneers: 10-7
- *Rams: 10-7
- Vikings: 14-2
- *Commanders: 12-5
- *Packers: 11-6
*Seeding cannot change
After the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks, they dropped to the four seed. Though they finished with the same record as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bucs have a better conference record. So prior to “Sunday Night Football,” two NFC playoff matchups have been set:
- Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s now only two things to be decide: who gets the NFC No. 1 seed, and who will fall to the fifth overall seed in the conference.
It’s very simple:
- If the Lions win or tie, they win the NFC North, earn the No. 1 seed, and get a first round bye. The Vikings will head on the road to play the rams
- If the Vikings win, Minnesota wins the NFC North, earns the No. 1 seed, and gets a first round bye. The Lions would face the Rams in Los Angeles.