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Here’s how the NFC teams slot in the playoff bracket:
1. Detroit Lions (15-2): The Lions have dealt with an extensive list of injuries to key players like Aidan Hutchinson, David Montgomery, Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis. However, the injury bug might not be enough to keep Detroit from appearing in its first-ever Super Bowl. Jahmyr Gibbs has taken over as a high-volume running back, Jared Goff leads one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn keeps finding ways to coax production from his defense. Dan Campbell is arguably the most aggressive head coach in the NFL, and he’ll consistently keep opposing teams off-balance. With home-field advantage, a week to rest, and a chance to possibly get some players back, the Lions will be extremely difficult to knock out of the postseason.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): The Eagles locked in the No. 2 seed before Week 18. So, on Sunday, they had no reason to play their starters other than to help Saquon Barkley break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record. Philadelphia opted to rest its key players with the long haul in mind. If the Eagles lose in the Wild Card Round, the city of Philadelphia may run head coach Nick Sirianni out of town. While we cannot blame Sirianni for prioritizing rest over records, his temperament has been questioned multiple times this season. The Eagles field high-level offensive and defensive units, but the question is will Sirianni make the best decisions in crucial situations? Interestingly, Sirianni must prove trustworthy despite leading his team to the Super Bowl two years ago.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): The Buccaneers are capable of winning a playoff game at home for the second straight season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing extremely well, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen consistently finds ways to expose weaknesses in opposing defenses. With offensive playmakers like Mike Evans, Bucky Irving and emerging rookie receiver Jalen McMillan in tow, Tampa can match points with just about anyone. However, the Bucs may not be built to go the distance. Their defense has been problematic all season and nearly allowed the New Orleans Saints to play spoiler in the season finale.
4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7): The Rams secured the NFC West in Week 17, meaning they had little to play for against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, L.A. rested many of its starters, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Puka Nacua, receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. With its offensive stars healthy, Los Angeles is poised to be a postseason factor. While the Rams’ defense hasn’t been particularly good, it does feature some exciting young playmakers. There are few coaches a team should trust more entering the playoffs than Sean McVay. A team that was 1-4 in early October now looks like a team that others won’t want to face in the playoffs.
5. Minnesota VIkings (14-3): Sunday’s loss to the Lions—only the Vikings’ third of the year—did raise some concerns. Minnesota’s secondary struggled, and Sam Darnold was under heavy pressure throughout the game. However, the loss did little to suggest that Minnesota will be an easy out in the playoffs. Darnold has been playing above-average football, the Vikings are loaded with skill players, and their defense can generate sacks and takeaways in bunches. This team didn’t get to 14 wins by accident, and it figures to be the most dangerous team in the entire playoff field.
6. Washington Commanders (12-5): The Commanders were one of the bigger surprise stories this season. Nearly a year after