NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 15

We didn’t really learn much about the NFC in Week 13 that we already didn’t know. The NFC East isn’t very good. The Saints are the only team in the NFC South that is better than mediocre. The NFC North’s two-team race is still the same — although the Bears could make a theoretical run if they win their next game. The NFC West’s two top teams may be the best in the NFC. Both are making it to the postseason tournament.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles 6-7

It took 13 weeks but the Eagles are finally atop the NFC East. There is literally one game that matters more than any other on their schedule and that’s against the Cowboys. They need to win the other games, but the Cowboys game will be for the NFC East.

Remaining Games: @Redskins, Cowboys, @Giants

Dallas Cowboys 6-7

This is what happens when Jason Garrett is your coach. Now the Cowboys have to face off against the scorching hot Rams and then go to Philadelphia to beat the Eagles. That’s not going to be easy even if the Eagles are as banged up as they are right now.

Remaining Games: Rams, @Eagles, Redskins

NFC North

Green Bay Packers 10-3

No one should trust the Packers right now. Their offense moves in fits and starts. The defense is susceptible to the run. Somehow they are currently the two seed. They need to show they can beat a Bears team that is currently surging. They then need to beat the Vikings in Minnesota. An 11-5 record and a wild card berth are not out of the question.

Remaining Schedule: Bears, @Vikings, Lions

Minnesota Vikings 9-4

Minnesota can not afford to slip up against the Chargers this weekend. They need to go to Los Angeles and win if the Vikings want any chance at winning the NFC North. They’ve looked good the past few weeks — even in their loss to Seattle — so Minnesota fans should prepare for some type of letdown because that’s what the Vikings have a history of doing to their fans.

Remaining Schedule: @Chargers, Packers, Bears

NFC South

New Orleans Saints 10-3

The Saints have clinched the NFC South. Their loss against the Niners hurts any chance at the top seed since San Francisco has a tie-breaker. New Orleans can still shoot for a bye and their schedule should allow them to do so.

Remaining Games: Colts, @Titans, @Panthers

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers 11-2

San Francisco won a class game against the Saints and they had to do it because the last two weeks of their season are pretty tough. The Rams won’t be an easy out and will be looking to sneak into the playoffs. Facing the Seahawks in Seattle won’t be easy either. The Niners could still end up 13-3.

Remaining Games: Falcons, Rams, @Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks 10-3

The Seahawks lost to the Rams and their weaknesses were kind of exposed. If they can’t run the football, the passing game struggles. Russell Wilson can’t do everything — although sometimes it sure seems like he can. Seattle will face two teams that have no shot at the playoffs before facing off against the Niners in what could be a battle for the NFC West.

Remaining Games: @Panthers, Cardinals, Niners

Los Angeles Rams 8-5

The Rams are rounding into form, but it could be too late. They may have to win every single game remaining on their schedule to make the playoffs. The Cowboys look beatable, but the game in San Francisco could decide the Niners season.

Remaining Games: @Cowboys, @Niners, Cardinals

Projected Finishes and Seeding next . . .