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In this article, I’ll briefly overview the final stretch of the regular season and how I think the standings will shake out in the NFC.
NFC
1: Eagles
Whether he splits with Que or sweeps him (assuming he gets to play CPU this week), the one seed is his since the Commanders’ loss came to the Falcons, inside the conference, whereas the Eagles lost to the AFC’s Raiders.
2: Cardinals
There are conspiracies this is Cammy, but I just think it’s Miles Sr. It’s been an impressive season and he’s beaten good enough opponents to secure this high of a spot. He closes out the regular season against the Bengals and Rams, two teams that could engage in a shootout. I say he finishes at 13-4 but even 12-5 would be the 2 seed with his win over the Falcons.
3: Falcons
An easy division and schedule, but the Falcons will host a playoff game and almost definitely as the three seed. I think he closes strong against the Rams and Saints and comes in at 12-5. That win over Que proves they have it in them, but the loss to the Cardinals showcased holes.
4: Vikings
They lost a couple and moved out of the division lead, but just how they originally lost their chance to control their destiny, the Bears followed suit. Minnesota has looked more complete and I think they’ll take advantage of their chance this time and finish 10-7, with wins over the Giants, Lions, and Packers. If they drop those last two, the NFC North becomes a full four team race.
5: Commanders
Que’s only shot at the 1 seed was sweeping the Eagles and that won’t happen with him out of town. Still, he’s locked in where he’s at, regardless of finishing 15-2 or 14-3 (He won’t lose to Burn). The best defense in the NFC by a decent margin, but has to work from the 5 seed,
6: Seahawks
CB hasn’t looked all that great recently, outside a blowout win over the Falcons, but a jam-packed conference and an easy closing schedule should slide him in where he currently stands, allowing for a rematch with Atlanta. He plays the Rams, Panthers and 49ers and will win at least two, but I’m guessing all three and enter at a very respectable 11-6.
7: Cowboys
A huge win for the newcomer against the Chargers to position himself in the playoff picture with just two games to go. However, those two games are the Commanders and Giants and he’ll need to win both or get some help if he loses to Washington. That being said, I think that’s the most likely outcome. 2-0 or 1-1 and hope.
Just Outside: Bears, Packers, Lions, Oh My!
The NFC North became so jumbled, it will probably keep out all three of the division losers as the Bears would need 10-7, and the Packers and Lions would need 9-8 and help. The Bears crumbled late, and the Packers and Lions just took too long to figure it out.
