NFL Playoff Prediction: Who gets in and who falls short in the NFC?

While not quite as balanced as the AFC, the NFL playoff picture in the NFC is no less intriguing with several teams that look capable of making a run.

The best part is the sheer diversity of team archetypes involved. There are two teams with elite offenses leading the way and they’re closely followed by two teams with elite defenses. It’s easy to see any one of them suddenly catching fire and getting to the Super Bowl. The question is who among them will be in the best position to do so? With three games left to play, here is how things should set up once the regular season concludes.

NFC:

#1 seed – New Orleans Saints

The Saints should thank Chicago profusely. Their knocking off of the Rams last Sunday night pulled the two teams even in the standings. Having beaten L.A. earlier in the season, they hold the tiebreaker in the race for homefield advantage. That’s why they end up with the #1 seed. Expect them to close the year strong to ensure that everybody has to go through the Superdome. Not exactly what the NFC was hoping for.

#2 seed – Los Angeles Rams

Their loss in Chicago was an ugly one, but the Rams are still a good team and will rebound. They should close out the rest of the year without mishap, their offense getting back on track without having to face any more elite defenses and frigid temperatures. Their path to a first round bye shouldn’t be hindered too much, having faced their toughest division foe twice already. They will get at least one home game.

#3 seed – Chicago Bears

Matt Nagy was just voted Coach of the Year by an AP poll of football writers. It’s not hard to see why. He took over a 5-11 team this year and has them one win away from a division championship. Something the Bears haven’t done since 2010. Not only that but he’s in control of arguably one of the most balanced teams in the league, one featuring a top defense and an offense that has enough talent to score when they want. This is a dangerous team.

#4 seed – Dallas Cowboys

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They may not be a perfect team, but the Cowboys know who they are now. They’re a defensively-driven team that can run the ball with Ezekiel Elliott and throw it deep to Amari Cooper. That may sound overly simplified but the fact is they’re 5-1 since that identity was established. This is a good team who have proven they can win tough games. It may not always be pretty, but nobody else in the NFC East is ready to challenge them.

#5 seed – Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll may not be Coach of the Year but he deserves prime consideration for what he’s done with the Seahawks in 2018. This team had not made the playoffs for the first time in years last season. So what did he do? He purged much of the veteran core on the roster and fired both of his coordinators. He wanted a fresh start. People thought he was crazy. Now the Seahawks are 8-5 and in prime position to grab a wild card spot. Amazing.

#6 seed – Minnesota Vikings

There’s no denying that this season has been disappointing for the Vikings. They were 13-3 last year and in the NFC championship game. Now they’re barely clinging to the final wild card spot and may need to win out to get it. Luckily their remaining schedule appears manageable save for the finale against Chicago. However, the Bears will almost certainly have nothing to play for in that game, so it should allow for Minnesota to squeeze in.

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