NFC Playoff Picture: Chicago Bears Back in First Place of the North

NFC Playoff Picture: Chicago Bears Back in First Place of the North
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Earlier today, the Chicago Bears beat the Cleveland Browns, which ensured them a spot in the postseason tourney for at least another week, but then things got even better. Thanks to the Denver Broncos beating the Green Bay Packers, the Bears are back in first place in the NFC North. They also went from the seventh seed up to the two seed.

But wait, there’s more!

Thanks to the Rams beating the Lions, Chicago’s playoff chances received a boost as they are two games ahead of Detroit.

There’s one more game with NFC teams this week: Sunday Night Football, with the Vikings at the Cowboys, but that game will not affect the current playoff standings.

NFC Playoff standings for Week 15

1. x-Los Angeles Rams (11-3, win over SEA)
2. Chicago Bears (10-4, 6-3 NFC)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
5. Seattle Seahawks (11-3, loss to LAR)
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4, 8-2 NFC)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)

x – The Rams beating the Lions today clinched a playoff spot.

The Panthers’ loss to the Saints moved the Buccaneers back into the division lead and the four seed.

In The Hunt

8. Detroit Lions (8-6)
9. Carolina Panthers (7-7)
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1) vs the Vikings on SNF

Eliminated

11. Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at the Cowboys
12. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
13. New Orleans Saints (4-10)
14. Washington Commanders (4-10)
15. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
16. New York Giants (2-12)

NFC North standings after Week 15

1. Chicago Bears (10-4)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
3. Detroit Lions (8-6)
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-7)

The Bears and Packers play on Saturday night (December 20) with the division lead on the line. The Lions host the Steelers next Sunday.