NFC playoff picture update: 7 teams finalized, 1st-round matchups still at play

A look at the updated NFC playoff picture and the potential first-round matchups.

With the conclusion of the 1 p.m. ET games in Week 18, the NFC playoff picture is starting to become clear. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the New Orleans Saints punched their ticket into the postseason, establishing the seven playoff teams in the NFC: The Lions, Vikings, Packers, Eagles, Commanders, Buccaneers, and Rams. The Atlanta Falcons were eliminated before their game against the Panthers finished.

Here’s a look at where the seedings currently stand after the early games.

1. Lions: 14-2
2. *Eagles: 14-3
3. Rams: 10-6
4. Buccaneers: 10-7
5. Vikings: 14-2
6. *Commanders: 12-5
7. *Packers: 11-6

*Seeding cannot change

As of right now, only one first-round matchup is set: the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round.

Here’s everything that is still up for grabs:

3 vs. 4 seed

If the Rams lose to the Seahawks, they’ll drop to 10-7 and the fourth overall seed. If the Rams tie or beat the Seahawks, they’ll maintain the three seed and face the Commanders in the first round.

Remember that the Rams are resting many starters and are seven-point underdogs to Seattle.

1 vs. 5 seed

Lions vs. Vikings is for the the NFC’s top seed. Detroit holds onto that spot with a win or a tie. If the Vikings win, they take the No. 1 seed and the Lions go to the 5 seed.

So here’s a look at all the permutations of the remaining games:

Rams beat/tie Seahawks + Lions beat/tie Vikings

• Lions get first-round bye
• 2. Eagles vs. 7. Packers
• 3. Rams vs. 6 Commanders
• 4. Buccaneers vs. 5 Vikings

Rams beat/tie Seahawks + Vikings beat Lions

• Vikings get first-round bye
• 2. Eagles vs. 7. Packers
• 3. Rams vs. 6 Commanders
• 4. Buccaneers vs. 5 Lions

Rams lose to Seahawks + Lions beat/tie Vikings

• Lions get first-round bye
• 2. Eagles vs. 7. Packers
• 3. Buccaneers vs. 6 Commanders
• 4. Rams vs. 5 Vikings

Rams lose to Seahawks + Vikings beat Lions

• Vikings get first-round bye
• 2. Eagles vs. 7. Packers
• 3. Buccaneers vs. 6 Commanders
• 4. Rams vs. 5 Lions