With two weeks left in the regular season, the NFC playoff picture is starting to take form, but much is still undecided. Only the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles have secured playoff spots, leaving the other five spots still in play. The race is shaping up to be an exciting one that may go down to the wire.
The Lions and Eagles have controlled their respective divisions for most of the year, but both face challenges from rising rivals as they aim to lock in their positions. Meanwhile, the NFC West and NFC South divisions are still in flux. The Los Angeles Rams managed to maintain their lead in the NFC West this week, but in the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons took back the division lead from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had briefly held it.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Falcons received some unexpected help in their bid for the division title. The Dallas Cowboys, eliminated from playoff contention just before their Sunday Night Football game, decided to spoil Tampa Bay’s hopes. They handed the Buccaneers an upset loss, pushing Tampa Bay out of the playoff picture—for now.
With the NFC playoff race tightening and the regular season winding down, let’s take a closer look at how the standings are shaping up as we approach the final weeks.
1. Detroit Lions (13-2, 1st in NFC North)
Despite facing injuries, the Lions held off the division rival Chicago Bears in Week 16. They made history by achieving their first 13-win season in franchise history. Detroit remains undefeated against NFC North opponents this year, though they face the Vikings in the season finale.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, 1st in NFC East)
The Eagles’ 10-game winning streak came to an end in Week 16. Philadelphia was outscored 22-12 in the second half, with all of Washington’s points coming in the fourth quarter. The loss was compounded by the injury to Jalen Hurts, who was placed in concussion protocol, leading to Kenny Pickett stepping in.
3. Los Angeles Rams (8-6, 1st in NFC West)
The Rams have scored fewer than 20 points in their last two games, but their defense has been dominant, allowing just 15 points combined during that stretch. They’re currently on a four-game winning streak and increased their division lead by defeating the Jets in Week 16.
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7, 1st in NFC South)
Week 16 went perfectly for the Falcons, including a solid debut by rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta cruised to a
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