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NFL Playoff Scenarios: The 8 NFC Teams with Something to Gain or Lose in Critical Week 18

Andre IfillBy Updated:No Comments4 Mins Read
Philadelphia Eagles Landon Dickerson NFL playoff scenarios
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65), guard Isaac Seumalo (56), center Jason Kelce (62) and center Landon Dickerson (69) against the New York Giants during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Although five teams are in, Week 18’s NFL playoff scenarios still revolve around half of the NFC’s franchises. The NFC East and NFC South are both up for grabs, along with the final wild-card spot. The San Francisco 49ers (#1) are looking down and laughing, while the Detroit Lions know they’ll host their first-round matchup as either the #2 or #3 seed.

So, there are plenty of NFL playoff scenarios to watch out for in the NFC, since a lot of teams are still alive. Almost every game is going to have massive implications on who clinches a playoff spot or division crown. Here’s a look at how each club can keep their Super Bowl hopes alive or make the road much easier.

NFL Playoff Scenarios by Team: NFC Edition

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
NFL playoff scenarios for the Dallas Cowboys

To win the NFC East:

  1. DAL win
  2. DAL tie + PHI tie
  3. PHI loss

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL playoff scenarios for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bucs Helmet/via buccaneers.com).

To win the NFC South:

  1. TB win
  2. TB tie + NO loss or tie

To clinch wild-card berth:

  1. TB tie + SEA loss + GB loss or tie

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers
Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; General view of a Atlanta Falcons helmet during warm ups against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

To win the NFC South:

  1. ATL win + TB loss

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Carolina Panthers
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 03: A New Orleans Saints helmet is pictured during a game at the Caesars Superdome on October 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

To win the NFC South:

  1. NO win + TB loss or tie
  2. NO tie + TB loss

To clinch wild-card berth:

  1. NO win + SEA loss or tie + GB loss or tie
  2. NO tie + SEA loss + GB loss

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson
Nov 3, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles helmet on the sideline during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

To clinch the NFC East:

  1. PHI win + DAL loss or tie
  2. PHI tie + DAL loss

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks
NFL playoff scenarios for the Seattle Seahawks Photo courtesy of Seattle Travel

To clinch wild-card berth:

  1. SEA win + GB loss or tie
  2. SEA tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie
  3. SEA tie + GB loss + NO loss or tie

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers
Aug 26, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

To clinch wild-card berth:

  1. GB win
  2. GB tie + SEA loss or tie + NO loss or tie
  3. GB tie + SEA loss + TB loss
  4. GB tie + SEA tie + TB loss or tie
  5. MIN loss or tie + SEA loss + TB loss
  6. MIN loss or tie + SEA loss + NO loss

Minnesota Vikings

To clinch wild-card berth

  1. MIN win + GB loss + SEA loss + TB loss
  2. MIN win + GB loss + SEA loss + NO loss

For More Football News or NFL playoff scenarios:

Follow me on Twitter at @TowerTalkSports. You can also reach out to Andre Ifill via email at andre.ifill.jr@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!

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I write about sports with Gridiron Heroics and Winners and Whiners. Follow me on Twitter @TowerTalkSports

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