NFC Standings – Syndication Server

NFC playoff picture: Rams move up again after 4th straight win

With two weeks to go, here’s an updated look at the NFC playoff picture, including the Rams’ current odds to make the postseason

From the depths of the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams have steadily climbed the standings and put themselves in the driver’s seat with two weeks to go. Once a last-place team, the Rams now lead the division and have a very good chance to clinch their second straight playoff appearance.

After notching their fourth straight win on Sunday, the Rams improved their record to 9-6, coming back from an incredibly slow start that saw them sitting at 1-4 after only five games. The job’s not done yet, but simply getting to this point is quite an accomplishment.

Just three weeks ago, the Rams were 10th in the NFC and sitting on the outside of the playoff picture, but they’ve become a legitimate Super Bowl contender and a team that could make some noise in January.

Here’s a look at the current standings in the conference heading into Week 17.

Lions: 13-2 (NFC North)
Eagles: 12-3 (NFC East)
Rams: 9-6 (NFC West)
Falcons: 8-7 (NFC South)
Vikings: 13-2 (wild card)
Packers: 11-4 (wild card)
Commanders: 10-5 (wild card)
Buccaneers: 8-7
Seahawks: 8-7

Thanks to the Rams’ win over the Jets and Buccaneers’ loss to the Cowboys, Los Angeles moved up another spot from No. 4 to 3. They can’t catch the Eagles for the No. 2 seed in the conference, but as long as they maintain a lead over the Falcons and Bucs, the Rams are tracking to be the third seed.

If the season ended today, the first-round matchups would look like this.

7. Commanders at 2. Eagles
6. Packers at 3. Rams
5. Vikings at 4. Falcons

There isn’t an easy first-round matchup for the Rams no matter how things shake out. The Packers already beat Los Angeles this season and the Vikings are a win away from taking over the No. 1 seed, while the Commanders boast an explosive offense led by rookie Jayden Daniels.

Of course, the Rams need to get into the playoffs first but according to the New York Times, they have an 88% chance to make the postseason as of now. With a win over the Cardinals on Saturday, that number increases to 99%, no matter what the Seahawks do on Thursday night.

Seahawks lose 27-24 to the Vikings as playoff chances slip further away

The Seattle Seahawks faced a critical showdown against the Minnesota Vikings to conclude their final regular season game at home, and what a fireworks show it was. Whenever these teams play each other in this venue, fans are almost always going to get their money’s worth of entertainment to say the least. Regrettably, the conclusion was not one the 12th Man wanted. The Vikings were favored by three going into this game, and that was the margin of victory.

Seattle got the ball to start the third quarter and took advantage of their opening drive with another successful Jason Myers field goal. Myers helped tie the game at 17-17. Minnesota immediately reclaimed the lead with a field goal drive of their own, however they had to settle for a field goal thanks to Jarran Reed tipping Sam Darnold’s pass on third down incomplete.

From there, the Seahawks and Vikings exchanged two consecutive punt drives each. Seattle finally managed to get something truly special going in the second half with an impressive 11-play, 83-yard scoring drive. The Seahawks overcame 15 penalty yards, and ended it with Geno Smith finding rookie tight end AJ Barner in the back of the end zone for a rather athletic touchdown. Seattle was finally up 24-20.

AJ for the lead. 😤 pic.twitter.com/qTFaj7jgvD

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 22, 2024

Sadly, the Seahawks lost the lead as quickly as they earned it. Sam Darnold drove the Vikings 60 yards in only four plays – aided by an unfortunately timed facemask penalty on Byron Murphy II, who had Darnold sacked. Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson for a 39-yard strike to take a 27-24 lead with 3:51 left in the game.

On their responding drive, Seattle made it all the way to to Minnesota’s 37-yard line before Geno Smith was sacked. Two plays later, the Seahawks were facing a daunting 4th-and-15 to come out of the two-minute warning. Seattle elected to attempt a 60-yard field goal, which was well short of success. Minnesota took over at the 50-yard line, with Seattle only able to stop the clock twice.

The Seahawks did manage to get a stop and get the ball back with 61 seconds left, but the comeback attempt was short lived. A false start penalty on Abe Lucas knocked Seattle back to the 12-yard line, and one play later, it was over on a Geno Smith desperation pass that was picked off.

A lump of coal has been delivered to Seattle’s playoff hopes.

The Seahawks will have little time to rest, as they are back on the road for a Thursday Night Football showdown in the Windy City against the Chicago Bears. Seattle’s chances of making the postseason went from slim to grim, as their destiny is no longer in their control. If they win their next two games, but the Rams win next week to ensure both teams finish with identical records, Los Angeles will still win the NFC West and block Seattle from making the playoffs.

The Seahawks will need to find a way to win in Chicago, and hope the Arizona Cardinals (who were eliminated from postseason contention) feel like playing spoilers and upset the Rams. Otherwise, everyone on the team will be watching the playoffs where they did last year: at home on their couches.

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Seahawks fighting for their playoff lives as Vikings look to win NFC North

The Seattle Seahawks suffered a costly defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Seattle was knocked from both their perch atop the NFC West (as the Los Angeles Rams have now taken over due to their head-to-head victory earlier this year) and out of the NFC playoff picture entirely. The Seahawks’ postseason odds plummeted after the blowout loss in prime time.

Seattle’s path forward does not get any easier, as the now 12-2 Minnesota Vikings are coming to town this weekend. The Seahawks’ backs are against the wall and are desperate for a win, but unfortunately for them, the Vikings have plenty to play for as well.

Thanks to the Detroit Lions losing 48-42 to the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota now controls their own destiny for both winning the NFC North… and even earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Yes, that’s right. The Minnesota Vikings with Sam Darnold at quarterback could have a first round bye in the playoffs. Should the Vikes beat the Hawks on Sunday, as well as winning against the Packers in Week 17 (Minnesota won in Lambeau earlier this year) and defeat the Lions in Week 18, they will be the No. 1 seed. Even if the Philadelphia Eagles also finish 15-2, the Vikings still edge them out.

So yeah, the Seahawks won’t be catching any kind of “break” from an opponent who doesn’t necessarily “need” a win this weekend. Seattle will be getting the best Minnesota has to offer, because the Vikings know how difficult the next two weeks will also be for them.

The Seahawks better hope quarterback Geno Smith’s optimism for being able to play this weekend isn’t misplaced.

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Rams keep pressure on Seahawks, defeat 49ers 12-6 on TNF

The pressure remains high for the Seattle Seahawks, who are defending a narrow lead over the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West. Seattle, at 8-5, is in first. Unfortunately, the Rams remain hot on their tail as they improved to 8-6 with their ugly 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

Los Angeles upset the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 with a thrilling 44-42 game, and they kept the momentum going in Santa Clara. It was an ugly, defensive battle by the Bay as both the Niners and Rams exchanged field goals. LA’s defense shut down San Francisco’s offense – as they were held to only 191 yards of offense and three points in the second half.

For years, the 12th Man (and myself) have been screaming to anyone who will listen that Brock Purdy is not a good quarter. In a cruel twist of fate, he proved all of us right in a moment when we desperately wanted to be wrong. Purdy was atrocious, completing 14-of-31 passes for 142 yards, no touchdowns and a horrendous interception late that sealed the deal for a Rams victory. On the final play of the game, Purdy also took a sack.

Once more, “Mr. Irrelevant” looked every bit of his nickname without the likes of running back Christian McCaffrey or left tackle Trent Williams.

Sadly, the 12’s were (with disgust) certainly rooting for the 49ers out of necessity. Had San Francisco won, it would have given the Seahawks a little cushion for their impending Sunday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers. Instead, the Seahawks are yet again in a situation where they must win in order to remain in first place. If Seattle loses, the Rams will move into the top spot due to their head-to-head win and a better divisional record.

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NFC playoff picture: Eagles, Lions clinch; Buccaneers take NFC South lead in Week 14

A look at the current NFC playoff picture after games in Week 14.

The playoff picture in the NFC has not changed much, but a couple of important things happened in Week 14. The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles officially punched their tickets to the postseason.

The Lions won their 11th game in a row, beating the Green Bay Packers 34-31 at home on Thursday night.

The Eagles won their ninth straight game, surviving the Carolina Panthers at home in a 22-16 win.

The NFC South has a new division leader. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their third straight game and took the division lead with the Atlanta Falcons losing their fourth straight game.

Here is what the NFC playoff standings currently look like with all games that matter in the books.

Detroit Lions, 12-1
Philadelphia Eagles, 11-2
Seattle Seahawks, 8-5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-6
Minnesota Vikings, 11-2
Green Bay Packers, 9-4
Washington Commanders, 8-5

In the mix:

L.A. Rams, 7-6
Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, all 6-7

Week 14 games that impacted standings

The Lions beat Green Bay 34-31
The Eagles beat Carolina 22-16
Seattle beat Arizona 30-18
Tampa Bay beat Las Vegas 28-13
Minnesota beat Atlanta 42-21
The Rams beat Buffalo 44-42
The 49ers beat the Bears 38-13

Week 15 games that impact NFC playoff picture

The Rams and 49ers face one another Thursday night in Santa Clara.
The Commanders are on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
The Cardinals host the New England Patriots.
The Lions host the Bills.
The Bucs are on the road against the L.A. Chargers
The Eagles play the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers at home.
The Packers and Seahawks play in Seattle on Sunday night.
The Vikings host the Bears on Monday night.
The Falcons are on the road against the Raiders on Monday night.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Updated NFC West standings headed into Week 14: Seahawks remain in 1st

It cannot be overstated how big of a seized opportunity it was for the Seattle Seahawks for winning on Sunday. The Seahawks survived a sloppy and bizarre game against the New York Jets, ultimately prevailing with a 26-21 victory on the road. As I say often, style points do not matter in this league, only wins count.

And count they do, as Seattle created a little distance between themselves and the rest of the division. The Seahawks won, but the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers did not. Arizona lost a narrow battle to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 with Kyler Murray throwing a game-losing interception in the final minute of the game.

Meanwhile the 49ers suffered their second-straight blowout loss. One week after being dog walked by the Packers to the tune of 38-10, they endured an almost identical fate by losing 35-10 to the Buffalo Bills.

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Rams are still somehow alive, being the only other NFC West team to prevail in Week 13. They also won on the road, taking down the New Orleans Saints 21-14. Below are the current divisional standings:

Seattle Seahawks 7-5
Arizona Cardinals 6-6
Los Angeles Rams 6-6
San Francisco 49ers 5-7

Arizona edges out Los Angeles for now due to a direct head-to-head tiebreaker over the Rams. The Cards obliterated them 41-10 in Week 2 of this season.

Speaking of the Red Birds, they are Seattle’s next opponent. The rematch of the season is already upon the Hawks, and the stakes are just as high. Should Arizona beat Seattle in Week 14, they will reclaim first place in the NFC West due to a better division record tiebreaker. Currently, the Seahawks are 2-2 in the division, while the Cardinals are 2-1.

Seattle did themselves a favor by winning, but that’s officially in the past. What matters now is finding a way to win in Week 14 to stave off Arizona, and a Los Angeles team that simply will not quit.

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NFC wild-card rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks enter Sunday’s Week 10 bye at 4-5. They currently sit outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC wild-card playoff rooting guide for the weekend.

Jacksonville Jaguars over Minnesota Vikings

The 6-2 Minnesota Vikings currently own the conference’s top wild card spot, because they trail the 7-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Vikings are heavy favorites over the 2-7 Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Jaguars would be doing the Seahawks (and the entire NFC) a massive favor by upsetting Minnesota on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys over Philadelphia Eagles

The 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles own the NFC’s No. 2 wild-card spot because they trail the shocking Washington Commanders in the NFC East. The Eagles have a divisional showdown versus the Dallas Cowboys, who lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a multi-week injury. We’re not holding our breath on this hopeful upset.

New England Patriots over Chicago Bears

The 4-4 Chicago Bears are slightly ahead of the Seahawks in the postseason race despite also being outside the playoffs as things stand. Caleb Williams’ Bears host Drake Maye’s New England Patriots in an exciting rookie-vs-rookie matchup. A Patriots upset would be helpful, but qualifies as unlikely.

Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks trail the Los Angeles Rams in both the NFC West and in the heated wild-card race. A Miami Dolphins victory over the Rams on Monday Night Football would be especially helpful. Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

A San Francisco 49ers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers tie?

It’s difficult to choose between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because the Seahawks trail both in the current postseason picture. When in doubt, root for the non-divisional option. A Buccaneers victory would be the preferred outcome if a tie feels unrealistic.

New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals

The 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sit atop Seattle’s division at 5-4. Should the Cardinals lose to Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets on Sunday, they’ll fall back into the wild-card hunt. Regardless, a Jets victory would enhance Seattle’s postseason chances.

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NFL standings: 49ers back out of playoff picture after Week 7 action

The 49ers are in a bad spot when it comes to the playoff hunt.

What a difference a week makes.

The San Francisco 49ers were riding high after a Week 6 road win over the Seattle Seahawks that launched them from the No. 14 seed in the NFC to the No. 4 seed thanks to their new lead in the NFC West.

Then came Week 7.

In Week 7 not only did the 49ers lose, they were the only NFC West team that didn’t win. Instead of sitting atop the division and holding onto a playoff spot, San Francisco now finds itself in survival mode just trying to get back into the playoff picture.

Seattle leads the NFC West at 4-3. The Arizona Cardinals are in second place at 3-4 thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker over the 3-4 49ers.

It’s imperative to note there are still 11 weeks of football to go and the NFC West doesn’t have a dominant force the 49ers can’t overcome. However, there are a slew of teams ahead of San Francisco that are just playing better football through seven weeks.

The No. 1 seed Detroit Lions have hit their stride, as has virtually the entire NFC North. Minnesota, Green Bay and Chicago hold seed Nos. 5-7 to round out the playoff picture. Washington is the No. 2 seed and looks unstoppable on offense. NFC West leader Seattle is in the No. 3 spot, and the Falcons are the No. 4 seed as the NFC South leaders.

We can scrap thoughts of the No. 1 seed for the 49ers. It feels out of reach even if San Francisco wins out. They just need to start stringing together some wins to get back into the playoff picture to begin with and separating themselves from some of the NFC’s bottom dwellers.

Once they do that we can start to worry about seeding. For now, they just need to get into that conversation.

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49ers skyrocket into NFC playoff picture after Week 6

The NFC playoff picture once again features the 49ers.

Week 6 may mark a turning point in the 2024 season for the San Francisco 49ers.

After stumbling through the first five weeks, the 49ers righted the ship with a 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. The win put San Francisco in first place in the NFC West by way of head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks.

With the Arizona Cardinals loss to the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers were guaranteed to end Week 6 with a share of first place in their division. They also skyrocketed up the NFC standings and firmly into the playoff picture.

The 49ers entered Week 6 at No. 14 out of 16 teams in the NFC thanks to a putrid 0-3 record in the conference that dropped them below other 2-3 teams because of tiebreakers.

After Week 6 the 49ers now find themselves in position to host a home playoff game. Here’s what the playoff picture looks like entering Week 7:

1. Vikings (5-0)
2. Falcons (4-2)
3. Commanders (4-2)
4. 49ers (3-3)
5. Lions (4-1)
6. Bears (4-2)
7. Buccaneers (4-2)

Step 1 for the 49ers was getting themselves back into the playoff picture after starting the year on the outside looking in. A third of the way through the year they’re in a better spot and their path ahead is clear.

San Francisco’s goal is obtaining the No. 1 seed. That still seems a ways off since they’re 2.5 games back of the Vikings for that spot and Minnesota holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The more immediate focus should just be climbing the standings and trying to gain some separation from their NFC West rivals.

Moving ahead isn’t going to be easy for the 49ers. They host the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys before their bye week. Those games won’t be easy, but thanks to Week 6, San Francisco is in a position to perhaps get as high as No. 2 in the NFC before getting a much-needed week off where reinforcements could be coming off of IR.

Week 6 was big for the 49ers, but it only put them back on track. Every game moving forward will be even bigger if they’re going to re-assert their dominance in the NFC.

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How the 49ers got a win without playing Sunday of Week 6

The 49ers didn’t play Sunday, but they managed to find a win thanks to the Packers.

The San Francisco 49ers got to kick their feet up Sunday after playing Thursday night to kick off Week 6 of the regular season.

Despite not suiting up while most of the rest of the NFL was in action, the 49ers still managed to find a win via the Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay blew out the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 at Lambeau Field on Sunday morning West Coast time. That dropped the Cardinals to 2-4 and ensured the 49ers would enter Week 7 with the lead in the NFC West.

Had the Cardinals won, they would’ve been 3-3 and tied with the 49ers and Seahawks. By way of tiebreakers the 49ers would have been knocked out of the top of the division. Instead, the 49ers will be in first since they’re tied with the Seahawks and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker thanks to their Thursday night victory at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Here is what the division standings look like after Sunday’s action:

1. 49ers (3-3)
2. Seahawks (3-3)
3. Cardinals (2-4)
4. Rams (1-4)

The Rams were idle with a Week 6 bye, so they didn’t get a chance to keep up with the rest of the division.

Leading the division by tiebreaker isn’t where the 49ers want to be after six weeks. It’s certainly better than where they were entering the week — a third-place team in desperate need of a victory.

They still need to start stringing together wins, but they’ve now put themselves in position to play from ahead. They control their own destiny starting Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs at home.

Thanks to Week 6’s results, if the 49ers start playing better football, they’ll be able to separate themselves from the rest of the division and turn their sights toward the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

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