As the NFL playoff picture currently stands, all four NFC North teams are in, and everyone is looking up at the Detroit Lions.
It may be a little early to look at the NFC playoff picture, but when you’re standing on top, why not take a minute to enjoy it?
At 5-1, the Detroit Lions are not only atop their division, but they’re atop the conference. But even more remarkably, the entire NFC North remains in a playoff spot through seven weeks of the NFL season.
Here’s a closer look at the playoff picture, starting with the divisional standings.
NFC North standings:
- Lions: 5-1
- Vikings: 5-1
- Packers: 5-2
- Bears: 4-2
With the Packers picking up a big win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, the division went 2-1 on the week, and everyone remains above .500. While the Lions hold the top spot right now, they could theoretically drop all the way to third next week. Things are tight, and with an upcoming game in Lambeau in a couple of weeks, Detroit will need to continue to win to hold their spot.
NFC playoff picture
Division leaders:
1. Detroit Lions (5-1)
2. Washington Commanders (5-2)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) *still to play on MNF*
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Wild card race:
5. Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
6. Green Bay Packers (5-2)
7. Chicago Bears (4-2, 2-0 NFC)
The Lions sit atop the NFC as just one of only two teams that have yet to lose a second game. The other, of course, is the Vikings, who now have to overcome Detroit’s head-to-head tiebreaker to take back the lead in the division. Right now, Detroit’s biggest competition for the top spot is likely the Buccaneers, who are the only team that currently holds the tiebreaker over the Lions.
Yes, if the season ended today, all four NFC North teams would make the playoffs, with the Chicago Bears barely edging out the Eagles thanks to a perfect 2-0 record in the NFC. It will be interesting to see how Chicago comes out of the bye, as they face the Washington Commanders, who may be with or without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels left the game Sunday with a rib injury, although early signs (via his mother) seem positive.
On the outside looking in:
8. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2, 3-2 NFC)
9. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
11. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
Falling behind:
12. Arizona Cardinals (2-4) *still to play on MNF*
13. Los Angeles Rams (2-4)
14. New Orleans Saints (2-5)
15. New York Giants (2-5)
Hopeless:
16. Carolina Panthers (1-6)
It was a pretty rough week for other NFC teams contending for a playoff spot. While the Eagles dismantled the lowly Giants, the Falcons and 49ers both handily lost their respective games. Even the Rams, who have a long way to go to get back into the picture, had a pretty uninspiring win over the hapless Raiders. The Saints, Giants, and Panthers may want to start firing up some mock drafts.
The way things are currently trending, it certainly seems like an all-NFC North Wild Card is very much on the table. But with only two NFC North games played thus far, it’s possible the division beats each other up enough for a team like the 49ers, Eagles, or Falcons to grab a spot.
