The NFC side of the Premier Madden League playoffs is set, and it’s shaping up to be an all-out war. The Philadelphia Eagles have dominated all season long, posting a league-best 15-1 record and earning the coveted first-round bye. But behind them sits a stacked field filled with offensive firepower, gritty defenses, and teams that have shown they can hang with anyone on any given week.
Let’s break down each matchup, look at the key stats that define these teams, and predict which NFC powerhouse will ultimately punch its ticket to the Super Bowl. We had 10 simulations go through AI and here is the outcome.
NFC Playoff Seeding
- Philadelphia Eagles — 15-1 | 45 points scored, 31 points allowed per game
- Arizona Cardinals — 11-6 | 47 points scored, 43 points allowed per game
- Atlanta Falcons — 10-6 | 40 points scored, 37 points allowed per game
- Minnesota Vikings — 9-8 | 37 points scored, 37 points allowed per game
- Washington Commanders — 13-4 | 40 points scored, 32 points allowed per game
- Dallas Cowboys — 11-6 | 40 points scored, 34 points allowed per game
- Seattle Seahawks — 9-8 | 43 points scored, 32 points allowed per game
Wild Card Round Matchups
(2) Arizona Cardinals vs. (7) Seattle Seahawks
This is a rematch of two explosive offenses and two defenses that, well, like to live dangerously. The Cardinals are second in the NFC in scoring at 47 points per game, but they also give up 43 points per game, making them the definition of a shootout team. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have been quietly dangerous down the stretch. They’re scoring 43 points per game themselves, but unlike Arizona, their defense has been more disciplined, allowing just 32 per game.
The key here will be turnovers. When Arizona protects the ball, they’re nearly unbeatable. But when games turn chaotic, Seattle has shown they can capitalize—especially behind an opportunistic secondary and an offense capable of quick-strike drives.
If this game turns into another high-scoring affair—and it almost certainly will—Seattle’s slightly more balanced approach gives them the edge.
Prediction: Seahawks 45, Cardinals 38
Seattle pulls off the upset and advances to face the top-seeded Eagles.
(3) Atlanta Falcons vs. (6) Dallas Cowboys
This one has the potential to be the most physical game of the first round. Both Atlanta and Dallas boast top-five offensesin the NFC, each averaging 40 points per game. Defensively, there’s not much separation either—Atlanta allows 37 points per game, Dallas 34.
The Falcons have been one of the league’s most consistent teams, led by a balanced attack and a defense that bends but doesn’t always break. However, the Cowboys are arguably the most dangerous wild card team in the bracket. When their offense finds rhythm, they can hang 50 points on anyone.
The difference in this matchup could come down to quarterback play. Atlanta’s offense thrives when they’re ahead, using the run game to control tempo. Dallas, on the other hand, is built to play from behind—explosive, fearless, and capable of scoring in bunches.
Expect a back-and-forth duel, but the Cowboys’ defensive front and ability to force key turnovers might be the deciding factor in crunch time.
Prediction: Cowboys 41, Falcons 34
Dallas advances to face the winner of Vikings vs. Commanders.
(4) Minnesota Vikings vs. (5) Washington Commanders
This might be the most intriguing matchup of the weekend. The Vikings enter as NFC North champions but just barely, sitting at 9-8. Their season has been marked by inconsistency—solid on offense (37 points per game) but unable to consistently stop opposing teams (37 points allowed per game).
The Commanders, on the other hand, come in red-hot. At 13-4, they’ve been one of the NFC’s steadiest teams, powered by a balanced offense and a top-tier defense. They’ve shown they can win in multiple ways—grinding out defensive battles or lighting up the scoreboard when needed.
Minnesota’s best chance lies in home-field advantage and their ability to establish rhythm early. But Washington’s defense is better equipped to handle the pressure moments. The Commanders’ pass rush and opportunistic secondary have been their calling card all season, and in the playoffs, that travels well.
Prediction: Commanders 35, Vikings 27
Washington continues their impressive campaign and moves on.
Divisional Round Predictions
(1) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (7) Seattle Seahawks
This will be a clash of heavyweights. The Eagles are the most complete team in the NFC, boasting the second-best defense in the conference (31 points allowed) and a dominant, explosive offense averaging 45 points per game. At 15-1, they’ve been nearly untouchable, with their lone loss coming in a late-season shootout.
Seattle will enter this game with confidence after knocking off Arizona, but this matchup is a different beast. The Eagles are deeper, more physical, and have an uncanny ability to control tempo on both sides of the ball.
Seattle’s offensive explosiveness will keep it close early, but the Eagles’ defensive front should eventually wear them down. Expect Philadelphia’s balance to shine—methodical drives, defensive stands, and a late touchdown to seal it.
Prediction: Eagles 38, Seahawks 28
Philadelphia advances to the NFC Championship.
(5) Washington Commanders vs. (6) Dallas Cowboys
A fierce NFC East rivalry in the Divisional Round—it doesn’t get much better than this. The Commanders and Cowboys know each other well, and both rank in the top five in scoring.
This one could come down to who wins the line of scrimmage. The Cowboys rely heavily on their ability to stretch the field, while Washington’s physical front seven can take that away.
In their regular season meetings, both teams traded blows, and this one feels destined for another tight finish. The Commanders’ defense, however, has been the more trustworthy unit. In the postseason, that matters.
Prediction: Commanders 31, Cowboys 27
Washington edges out Dallas in a thriller to reach the NFC Championship Game.
NFC Championship Game
(1) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (5) Washington Commanders
It’s an all-NFC East showdown for the conference title—two teams that have been on a collision course all season long. The Eagles, at 15-1, are the juggernaut: explosive on offense, stingy on defense, and well-rested after their bye. The Commanders, meanwhile, have fought their way through one of the toughest playoff paths imaginable, and they’re built to test Philly in every way.
The key matchup here will be in the trenches. The Eagles’ offensive line is the best in football, giving their quarterback time to pick apart defenses and opening lanes for their versatile rushing attack. Washington’s defensive front, however, has the personnel to make things uncomfortable—if anyone can disrupt Philadelphia’s rhythm, it’s them.
Early on, expect the Commanders to hang around, trading scores and forcing the Eagles to adjust. But as the game wears on, Philadelphia’s depth and explosiveness should take over. The combination of their precision passing attack and relentless defensive front is simply too much for most teams to handle.
In the end, the Eagles’ consistency and championship-level balance prove decisive.
Prediction: Eagles 34, Commanders 24
The Philadelphia Eagles are your NFC Champions and advance to the Super Bowl.
Final Thoughts
The NFC field is deep, talented, and dangerous from top to bottom. The Cardinals and Seahawks bring fireworks, the Cowboys and Commanders bring toughness, and the Falcons and Vikings are wild cards that can play spoiler.
But at the end of the day, the Eagles have been the NFC’s gold standard all season. A 15-1 record, a +14 point differential per game, and a roster without glaring weaknesses make them the clear favorite. Unless someone can match their efficiency on both sides of the ball, it’s hard to see anyone stopping them.
Philadelphia has been building toward this moment all year long—and if the numbers and momentum hold true, the path to the Super Bowl runs through the City of Brotherly Love.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles — NFC Champions
