The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff spot with Sunday night’s 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. With the win, the NFC has six spots locked down. Washington and Green Bay hold two of the three Wild Card spots. The loser of next week’s NFC North championship game, Detroit or Minnesota, will receive the final Wild Card spot, and the winner takes the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed.
The NFC’s last remaining playoff spot is for the NFC South. With their win on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved into first place. They remained there when the Commanders defeated the Falcons.
Most of the seeding in the NFC will come down to next week’s games. If the Commanders finish the season with a win on the road against Dallas, they’ll be the NFC’s No. 6 seed ahead of Green Bay, whether the Packers win or lose. Winning the sixth seed avoids a January trip to Philadelphia — at least in the Wild Card round. Washington would travel to either Tampa Bay (assuming they finish the year with a win) or Los Angeles (Rams). If Atlanta wins the NFC South, the Commanders would be headed to L.A. — again, assuming they beat Dallas.
Here’s a look at the current NFC playoff picture ahead of Week 17. Remember, the Detroit Lions play on Monday night against the 49ers, so a win will put them back ahead of the Vikings—at least until next week.
- Vikings: 14-2 (NFC North)
- Eagles: 13-3 (NFC East)
- Rams: 10-6 (NFC West)
- Buccaneers: 9-7 (NFC South)
- Lions: 13-2 (play Monday night)
- Commanders: 11-5
- Packers: 11-5