The Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles are tied at the top with 12-2 records. The final three games will determine who gets the bye. Let’s take a look at each team.
Minnesota Vikings
Remaining Schedule – @ Seattle, v Green Bay, @ Detroit
The Vikings have the toughest remaining schedule of the group. Seattle looks like they will have Geno Smith as they are trying to hang on to their playoff spot. Green Bay is a good team. They’ve only lost to the three teams on this list. The game at Detroit will likely determine it all, if the Vikings can escape the next two games unscathed. The Vikes will likely have the strength of schedule tie-breaker over the Eagles if it comes to that. It would take some losses by Detroit, Green Bay and several wins by the NFCE for that to not be true.
Detroit Lions
Remaining Schedule – @ Chicago, @ San Francisco (MNF), v Minnesota
The Lions are still the one seed based on conference losses. Since one of their losses was to the Bills in the AFC, they will have the tie breaker over the Eagles if they win out. However, they have a tough remaining schedule. The Bears are always tough to play at. The 49ers on the road isn’t particularly scary since they’re out of the playoffs, but it is the last MNF game of the year. The finale will likely determine the NFCN and the 1 seed. Injuries are stacking up for the Lions, especially on defense. It’ll be interesting to see if they can still keep winning after three more big injuries last week.
Philadelphia Eagles
Remaining Schedule – @ Washington, v Dallas, v New York Giants
The Eagles finish with three divisional games. Their most likely loss is this week against the Commanders. They’re the most likely to win out, but they’re also the team that needs help to get the 1 seed. They will need the winner of the Lions v Vikings game to lose a game in the next two weeks. Alternatively, a Lions and Vikings tie would open the door for them as well. If the Eagles win this week, I believe they will be 15-2. I also believe that will not be enough this year for the 1 seed.
