FAVORITE TEAMS

With the 17-game/7-team playoff existing for a few seasons now, it proved that any team could qualify and nothing’s claimed until probably the last two weeks of the regular season. Even the under .500 teams could still find their way in.

The NFC is down to a 3-way race for the one seed. The Lions are hard to include because they’re winning just enough to get by, and usually nine wins is enough to be a playoff team in this era of the 7-team playoff format. As for the rest, there’s only one 7-win team (Vikings), and the rest are 6 wins and under. 11 of them are embedded in a ball of smoke fighting for basically the last three spots of the conference. As of right now, the Panthers are eliminated while Arizona and Washington are on the verge of joining them in the offseason. The Bears and Giants are reeling on a ninth loss that puts them in a very difficult spot. Meanwhile, the NFC South should be considered a parity in their parodied division.

Everyone should focus on the NFC South, the sixth and seventh wild card spot, and the one seed. It’ll be a wild finish in the last four weeks of the regular season.

NFC PLAYOFF STANDINGS AFTER WEEK 14

1) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (10-3)

They’re showing dominance and also some wear and tear with injuries. The only team stopping the 49ers are the 49ers…and maybe the Rams in Week 18 depending on the seeding situation. That matchup could decide their fate.

LAST FOUR: AT CARDINALS, RAVENS, AT COMMANDERS, RAMS

2) DALLAS COWBOYS (10-3)

The Cowboys gain ground on the division title, for now. However, the loss to Arizona in Week 3 could bite them later. They must win out their schedule that could be the most challenging compared to Philly’s last four games. Dallas plays three road games in the last four weeks.

LAST FOUR: AT BILLS, AT DOLPHINS, LIONS, AT COMMANDERS

3) DETROIT LIONS (9-4)

The Lions looked dominant early, but they’re not playing up to that level. Losing to their rival Packers and Bears could mean they’re not as good as most expected. Nine wins puts them in a good spot for the playoffs, but their last four could be a very bumpy one.

LAST FOUR: BRONCOS, AT VIKINGS, AT COWBOYS, VIKINGS

4) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-7)

The Bucs won three games in the last five weeks after starting 3-5. In an era where under .500 teams can win the division, the Bucs are still alive. The last four weeks could either send them to the postseason or to the offseason.

LAST FOUR: AT PACKERS, JAGUARS, SAINTS, AT PANTHERS

5) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-3)

The Eagles had plenty of turbulence since the season started, but the timing couldn’t be better. Their last four games are probably the easiest to close out for the division title and potentially the overall seed if things go their way.

LAST FOUR: AT SEAHAWKS, GIANTS, CARDINALS, AT GIANTS

6) MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-6)

The Vikings’ season was a big ebb and flow, and a 3-0 win against the Raiders at least put them on even footing in the wild card, for now. They’re already without Kirk Cousins, but if Justin Jefferson’s out again, their last four will be daunting. Also, Josh Dobbs was benched for Nick Mullens.

LAST FOUR: AT BENGALS, LIONS, PACKERS, AT LIONS

7) GREEN BAY PACKERS (6-7)

Green Bay’s currently between a rock and a hard place. They’re in a wild card spot, but nothing’s guaranteed. Despite defeating the Lions and Chiefs, they’re still beat up with injuries. They have the NFC South and their own division left, but which Packers are we getting in the last four weeks???

LAST FOUR: BUCS, AT PANTHERS, AT VIKINGS, BEARS

TEAMS IN THE HUNT

LOS ANGELES RAMS (6-7)

Los Angeles is far from done and their last four weeks back it up. Can they endure without anymore injuries? Can their backend defense come through for their front four?

LAST FOUR: COMMANDERS, SAINTS, AT GIANTS, AT 49ERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (6-7)

Earlier by assumptions, Seattle was a playoff contender and Pete Carroll continues believing the team isn’t rebuilding. After looking at their four-game losing streak, it’s likely over unless they can shell out a miraculous, winning performance against the Eagles.

LAST FOUR: EAGLES, AT TITANS, STEELERS, AT CARDINALS

ATLANTA FALCONS (6-7)

Atlanta’s looked offensively inconsistent. For whatever reason, they’re going away from their offensive identity and must put more emphasis onto their current players. They have Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, Scott Miller, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson, etc. They can still run the table for the division title, but they need consistency.

LAST FOUR: AT PANTHERS, COLTS, AT BEARS, AT SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-7)

Derek Carr’s a walking IR since becoming a Saint. Things aren’t looking good but he’s not quitting even if he’s playing with one working arm while the other is in a hard cast. Defense will carry, but the offense needs answers or Dennis Allen’s likely getting the boot.

LAST FOUR: GIANTS, AT RAMS, AT BUCS, FALCONS

NEW YORK GIANTS (5-8)

The Giants may have come on strong at 3-0 with Tommy DeVito after starting 0-2 under him. The team ain’t bad, but the last four games are. Can they run the table with Tommy down the stretch?

LAST FOUR: AT SAINTS, AT EAGLES, RAMS, EAGLES

CHICAGO BEARS (5-8)

The Bears won three games in the last four weeks. It’s uncertain if they can nab the last wild card spot, but we all know that it’s do-or-die with Justin Fields under center/shotgun. It’s up to him to lead this squad to an improbable playoff berth.

LAST FOUR: AT BROWNS, CARDINALS, FALCONS, AT PACKERS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (4-9)

The Commanders are on the edge of elimination. Unfortunately, they don’t have the roster power or the trenches to overcome the last four games they’re up against. I’d cringe at the last four opponents if I were Washington fans…

LAST FOUR: AT RAMS, AT JETS, 49ERS, COWBOYS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-10)

Cardinals are a game away from elimination whether it’s them or other NFC teams winning this weekend. We get to watch Kyler Murray cook as much as possible, but that’s all the entertainment Arizona will get. Go Suns, Wildcats basketball, Sun Devils basketball, and Grand Canyon basketball! 🤷‍♂️

LAST FOUR: 49ERS, AT BEARS, AT EAGLES, SEAHAWKS