Two weeks before the end of the season, the playoff picture in the NFL is slowly taking shape, but almost all places are still fiercely contested, both in the AFC and in the NFC more than ten teams are hoping for a postseason participation. Who has the best chance? What are the crucial games in the playoff race? We provide the overview.
The teams marked with an * already have their playoff ticket safe.
The playoff race in the NFC
1. Green Bay Packers (12-3)*
- Remaining opponents: Vikings (H), Lions (A)
Last weekend the Packers had to tremble for a long time against the Browns with an unconvincing Baker Mayfield, but ultimately retained the upper hand and were the first team in the league to secure victory in their own division. Thanks to the bankruptcy series of the Cardinals, number one in the NFC is also within reach. With a victory over the Vikings and a simultaneous defeat of the Cowboys against the Cardinals, Green Bay would have the number one seed in the conference already a week before the end of the regular season. For the Packers, the home advantage in the playoffs could be decisive: this season, the team has not yet lost a single game at their local Lambeau Field.
2. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)*
- Remaining opponents: Cardinals (H), Eagles (A)
The Cowboys have also been determined as the winners of their division, with the Raiders’ victory over the Broncos they even had first place in the NFC East before they swept over Washington. The franchise is already sure to have a home game at the start of the playoff. The first place in the conference is not yet out of reach, but Dallas would have to win its remaining games and hope for at least one defeat for the Packers. However, the two upcoming tasks for the cowboys are quite demanding. Dallas could also fall to fourth place in the NFC. Unpleasant.
3. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)*
- Remaining opponents: Ravens (A), 49ers (H)
The Rams benefit from the Cardinals’ losing streak and took first place in their division for the first time this season. Los Angeles also has a playoff spot thanks to the victory over the Vikings. Now the question arises: Will Los Angeles hold first place in the division or will the Cardinals pull past again? With a win over the Ravens and a simultaneous defeat of Arizona at the Cowboys, Los Angeles would bag the NFC West this week. However, the two upcoming tasks are not a sure-fire success.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4)*
- Remaining opponents: Jets (A), Panthers (H)
For the first time since 2007, the Bucs are back at the top of their division at the end of the season, which is clear two weeks in advance after the clear victory over the Panthers. The two remaining tasks are more than solvable, is it even possible to take first place in the NFC? Rather not. In addition to two wins, Tampa Bay also needs proper shooting help. If the Rams or the Cowboys are defeated in the coming week, Tom Brady and Co. could at least climb one place up again.
5. Arizona Cardinals (10-5)*
- Remaining opponents: Cowboys (A), Seahawks (H)
Three defeats in a row, after their excellent start with seven wins from the first seven games of the season, the Cardinals are suddenly no longer at the top of their own division. The playoff participation has been perfect since last weekend despite the bankruptcy against the Colts, but can Arizona secure the home advantage again in the first playoff round? A difficult undertaking. Arizona needs at least one loss for the Rams and must defeat the Cowboys and Seahawks at the same time. The failure of DeAndre Hopkins really hit the team, so it is quite possible that in the first playoff round a really tough chunk is waiting for Kyler Murray and Co. in an away game.
6. San Francisco 49ers (8-7)
- Remaining opponents: Texans (H), Rams (A)
The loss to the Titans was avoidable and hurts in the playoff race. San Francisco still holds sixth place in the conference, but if it slips further, it threatens to slip out of the ranks of the top seven teams in the conference. After all: With a home game against the Texans, the Niners have their fate almost in their own hands against a more than beatable opponent – but will probably have to do without Jimmy Garoppolo due to injury. If they beat Houston, the team could have their playoff spot safe this week. However, if San Francisco loses to Davis Mills and Co., the playoffs will probably be a long way off – and the door would be open to the Vikings, Falcons or Saints, especially the latter have a very simple rest schedule.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (8-7)
- Remaining opponents: Washington (A), Cowboys (H)
Philadelphia has been considered a veritable playoff candidate for a long time, despite a long rather less impressive record. The Eagles had the easiest game plan remaining and took full advantage of this. Philly has won his last three games and six of the last eight games, and his fate is in its own hands. With a win in Washington, the team could make the playoffs clear this weekend (if the Vikings, 49ers and Saints lose at the same time), with two wins in the last two weeks the entry would be perfect anyway. Philadelphia holds its fate in its own hands, but the away game with the Cowboys is also a really tough one.
Right behind:
Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
- Remaining opponents: Packers (A), Bears (H)
The path to the playoffs was relatively clear for the Vikings for a long time. After the defeat against the Rams, this picture becomes increasingly foggy. Minnesota needs a win at Lambeau Field, where the Packers haven’t lost a game this season. If the Vikings are also defeated this week, the playoffs will take place without Mike Zimmer’s team. This could mean the end of his time as head coach in Minneapolis.
Atlanta Falcons (7-8)
- Remaining opponents: Bills (A), Saints (H)
It wasn’t convincing, but by defeating the Lions the Falcons kept their theoretical playoff chances. In order to actually move into the postseason, Atlanta would have to beat the Bills and the Saints in the next two weeks – and also get support. The playoffs will take place without Cordarelle Patterson and Co.
New Orleans Saints (7-8)
- Remaining opponents: Panthers (H), Falcons (A)
The loss to the Dolphins hurts, the quarterback failures could end up costing New Orleans the playoffs. The game plan, however, is on the side of the Saints: With the Panthers and the Falcons, the team has two beatable opponents in front of their chest. With two wins in the remaining two games, New Orleans would still have a good chance of taking the final playoff spot.
Washington Football Team (6-9)
- Remaining opponents: Eagles (H), Giants (A)
Despite the bad clap against the Cowboys, Washington still has a mini-chance at the playoffs. Two wins from the last two games do not seem impossible in view of the rest of the program, but even this mini-series would not guarantee a playoff spot. A postseason participation of the football team would be a small miracle.
NFL Playoff Picture: Die NFC
| NFC Top-Seed | ||
| #1: Green Bay Packers (12-3) | Bye Week | |
| NFC Wildcard Roud | ||
| #2: Dallas Cowboys (10-4) | #7: Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) | |
| NFC Wildcard Round | ||
| #3: Los Angeles Rams (11-4) | # 6: San Francisco 49ers (8-7) | |
| NFC Wildcard Round | ||
| #4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4) | #5: Arizona Cardinals (10-5) |
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