In the NFC, the Falcons get back on their perch with a 12-4 record, two games better than last year. Due to the competitiveness of the conference, 12 wins will be enough to secure the top seed.
The Rams also move up the ranks, earning an extra win and getting a first-round bye. Los Angeles wins the tiebreaker because it beat both the Vikings and Eagles in our picks. Philadelphia slots in third with a victory over the Vikings.
The only new team here is the Packers, who won a tiebreaker with the Carolina Panthers to get into the dance.
1. Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
2. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
5. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
6. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
So how does it shake? Take the Eagles to handle the Packers, who have done nothing to fix what was a woeful secondary in 2017. The Vikings and Saints get a rematch in Minneapolis, and it’s another classic. However, the Saints find a way this time, giving Marcus Williams some relief from his nightmares.
1. Falcons vs. 5. Saints
2. Rams vs. 3. Eagles
These would be amazing matchups. In the first contest, the Falcons have the firepower to knock off the Saints, but the same is true in reverse. New Orleans has a tougher regular-season slate than Atlanta, and home-field matters here. Take the Falcons.
Los Angeles finally gets back into the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 17 years, taking down the defending Super Bowl champs. It’s insanely difficult to repeat.
1. Falcons vs. 2. Rams
Los Angeles has the better team. The Rams are loaded on both sides of the ball, making life very difficult for the Falcons. The game should be close, but Los Angeles goes to the Super Bowl.