The NFL playoff picture is starting to come into focus, although the NFC side of things is still chaotic with a bevy of contenders fighting it out.
We only have three weeks left in the NFL’s regular season, and divisions are finally being put to bed. The Philadelphia Eagles already clinched the NFC East last week in a win over the Los Angeles Rams, although it cost them the rest of Carson Wentz’s season.
On Sunday, the Vikings beat the Bengals to finish off the NFC North, winning their second division title in three years. The West and South weren’t clinched, although the Rams have a stranglehold on the West with a resounding win over the Seahawks in Seattle.
Going into the game on Sunday night, this is how the picture looks in the NFC:
1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
2. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-4)
4. New Orleans Saints (10-4)
5. Carolina Panthers (10-4)
6. Atlanta Falcons (8-5)
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7. Detroit Lions (8-6)
8. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
9. Dallas Cowboys (7-6)
10. Green Bay Packers (7-7)
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Minnesota and Philadelphia are the only teams who have their tickets punched for January, and the Saints took another step with a win over the New York Jets.
Next week can see a litany of positions locked up. The Rams can win the West by beating the Tennessee Titans on the road, while the Saints and Panthers can earn berths with another victory.
Finally, the Packers will be eliminated if the Falcons win on Monday. The Cowboys also face a de facto must-win on Sunday night against the Oakland Raiders. They would need a miracle to get into the playoffs.