Windy City Gridiron
With their last three wins coming against teams currently in NFC playoff spots, the Los Angeles Rams are playing outstanding football. Their six-game winning streak is the best in the Conference, and L.A. quarterback Matthew Stafford is the current favorite for NFL MVP.
With a better conference record, the Philadelphia Eagles have the edge over the Chicago Bears for the two seed, but they play each other this Friday. Head-to-head is the first tiebreaker, making this a huge game as they jockey for playoff position.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the four seed because they lead the NFC South, even though they have a worse record than the three wildcard teams.
NFL.com lists each team’s playoff probability, and at 61%, the Bears have a lower chance than the in-the-hunt Lions at 76%, but the games are played on the field and not on a calculator.
1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3, 7-2 NFC)
3. Chicago Bears (8-3, 5-2 NFC)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)
5. Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)
7. San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
8. Detroit Lions (7-4)
9. Carolina Panthers (6-6, win over DAL)
10. Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1, loss to CAR)
11. Atlanta Falcons (4-7, win over MIN)
12. Minnesota Vikings (4-7, loss to ATL)
12. Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
14. Washington Commanders (3-8)
15. New Orleans Saints (2-8)
16. e-New York Giants (2-10)
The New York Giants were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss.
1. Chicago Bears (8-3)
2. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)
3. Detroit Lions (7-4)
4. Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
The Bears are through with the Vikings, but they play the Packers in Week 14 at Lambeau and then again in Week 16 in Chicago, and they close the season against the Lions in the season finale at Soldier Field.
