Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders narrowly defeated Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime.
This has solidified the Commanders’ a spot in the NFC Playoffs. The question is where.
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In fact, there are still plenty of variables that could change before the end of the regular season next week.
So here’s the NFC Playoff picture as it stands right now and what fans can expect before Week 18.
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No. 1/No. 5 Spot: Minnesota Vikings/Detroit Lions
Since the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, they are still in a fighting position for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The only team standing in front of them is the Detroit Lions who face the San Francisco 49ers in Monday Night Football. However, it doesn’t matter whether Detroit wins or loses, as long as they don’t tie.
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Since the Lions beat the Vikings when they last faced each other, the Lions would break a tie if they had the same record.
Therefore, whoever wins in Week 18 will get a bye in the first round of the NFC Playoffs and home field advantage in the second round. The loser will take the No. 5 seed and face the No. 4 seed at their stadium.
No. 2 Spot: Philadelphia Eagles
With the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the rival Dallas Cowboys and a 13-3 record, Philadelphia has firmly established themselves at the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
This will give the Eagles home field advantage over the No. 7 seed in the first round of the playoffs.
No. 3 Spot: Los Angeles Rams
The Commanders beating the Falcons didn’t just cement their place in the NFC Playoffs. It also guaranteed the Los Angeles Rams the No. 3 seed in the NFC Playoffs.
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Now, whether the Rams win or lose in Week 18, they will have home field advantage in the first round.
No. 4 Spot: Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Atlanta Falcons
The final contested NFC Playoff spot is in the NFC South between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Falcons.
Had the Falcons beat the Commanders, they would have all but cemented their spot in the postseason. Instead, it comes down to whether Tampa Bay beats the New Orleans Saints.
If the Bucs win next week, they take the fourth seed. If they lose and the Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta will head to the playoffs.
No. 6/7 Spot: Washington Commanders/Green Bay Packers
The last two Wild Card spots belong to the Commanders and the Green Bay Packers. However, there is still some question as to who goes where.
Since both teams have an 11-5 record, it comes down to who has a better position in their conference.
If Washington beats the Cowboys in Week 18, then they will nab the sixth seed. If they lose and the Packers beat the Chicago Bears, Green Bay will be at No. 6.
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