The NFL playoff race is heating up, and the NFC is serving up plenty of drama. With just four weeks left in the 2024 regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. But there’s still plenty to play for, especially in the wild-card hunt, where several teams are battling to secure a spot.
Let’s break down the NFC playoff race and see who’s in, who’s on the bubble, and who could end up in the postseason.
Division Leaders
Detroit Lions (12-1, NFC North)
The Lions are the class of the NFC and have already punched their ticket to the NFL playoffs. At 12-1, they are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed. With an explosive offense and a stout defense, they’re poised to make a deep run. The rest of their schedule looks favorable, making a 15-2 finish a real possibility.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-2, NFC East)
The Eagles have also clinched a playoff berth and remain in contention for the top seed. They’ve been consistent on both sides of the ball and will likely finish with a stellar record. However, their sights are set on locking up home-field advantage for January.
Game Theory: Cynthia Frelund's projections for NFC West and AFC North playoff race https://t.co/sE1BM6N0Bt #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 15, 2024
Seattle Seahawks (8-5, NFC West)
Seattle holds a slim lead in the NFC West, but its margin for error is small. It faces tough games against the Packers and Rams, and with the Rams surging, the division crown is far from guaranteed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6, NFC South)
The Bucs lead a shaky NFC South and could still face competition from the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. If they can string together a few wins, a 10-7 finish and a division title are within reach.
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Also Read: Which Team Holds The NFC North Tiebreaker For The Division Title In The NFL Playoffs?
Current Wild-Card Standings
5. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
Remaining games: vs. Bears, @ Seahawks, vs. Packers, @ Lions
The Vikings look like a complete team after a dominant win over the Falcons in Week 14. Their high-powered offense and resilient defense have them all but locked into a playoff spot. With three divisional games left, including a showdown with the Lions, their final seeding could come down to the wire.
NFC North battle ✅
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 14, 2024
Monday Night Football ✅
Winter Whiteout ✅
Yeah, @usbankstadium is going to be on another level Monday. pic.twitter.com/Sli0CeM4Ax
6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
Remaining games: @ Seahawks, vs. Saints, @ Vikings, vs. Bears
The Packers missed a big chance to close the gap with the Lions in Week 14 but remain in solid playoff position. Their record against winning teams (1-4) raises questions about their ability to contend with top-tier opponents. Still, with winnable games ahead, they’re a near-lock for the postseason.
7. Washington Commanders (8-5)
Remaining games: @ Saints, vs. Eagles, vs. Falcons, @ Cowboys
The Commanders’ playoff hopes are alive and well, despite their midseason struggles. Led by young QB Jayden Daniels, they have a favorable remaining schedule, with three of their final four games against teams with losing records. They’re well-positioned to hang onto the final wild-card spot.
Teams In The Hunt
8. Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
Remaining games: @ Jets, vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks
The Rams are one of the hottest teams in the league, winning seven of their last nine games. They’re not just competing for the final wild-card spot; they’re also eyeing the NFC West title. Their Week 15 matchup against the Seahawks could determine their fate, and with two divisional games left, their path to the NFL playoffs is within reach.
9. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Remaining games: @ Raiders, vs. Giants, @ Commanders, vs. Panthers
The Falcons are in freefall, losing four straight games. Despite this, winning the NFC South is their best shot at making the playoffs. With a manageable remaining schedule, they’re not out of it yet. However, they must turn things around quickly to stay in the hunt.
10. Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
Remaining games: vs. Patriots, @ Panthers, @ Rams, vs. 49ers
The Cardinals’ playoff hopes are on life support after three straight losses. They’re still mathematically alive for both a wild-card spot and the NFC West title, but their margin for error is gone. Their Week 16 game against the Rams could make or break their season.
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
Remaining games: @ Dolphins, vs. Lions, @ Cardinals
The reigning NFC champs kept their playoff dreams alive with a win over the Bears in Week 14. However, their loss to the Rams could prove to be a dagger. A tough remaining schedule, including games against the Dolphins and Lions, makes their road to the postseason a long shot.
The NFC North isn’t just winning games, it’s making history.
— Nick (@HolzSportsCo) December 14, 2024
From a jaw-dropping +333 point differential to wild ATS records, the Lions, Vikings, Packers, and even the Bears are dominating like no division ever has.
Dive into the numbers: @OddsShark https://t.co/YJQlg6H4ZM
Final Predictions
Here’s how the NFC playoff picture could shake out:
- Detroit Lions (15-2, NFC North)
- Philadelphia Eagles (15-2, NFC East)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-6, NFC West)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, NFC South)
- Minnesota Vikings (13-4, wild card)
- Green Bay Packers (13-4, wild card)
- Washington Commanders (11-6, wild card)
One of the wildest projections? The NFC North sending three teams to the NFL playoffs, each with at least 13 wins. The Lions look set to host the postseason, but the Packers and Vikings will need to prove they can win on the road. With so much on the line, the final weeks of the regular season promise to be must-watch football.
Also Read: Which Team Holds The NFC West Tiebreaker In The NFL Playoffs Division Title Race?
