The entire NFC North is currently playoff-bound. Yeah, things are going to get interesting in this division in the weeks ahead.
It could've looked a lot differently. The Minnesota Vikings had opportunities to put away the Detroit Lions and improve to 6-0, while the Green Bay Packers barely survived at home against the Houston Texans. A loss would've seen Matt LaFleur's team fall to 4-3. Instead, three teams atop the NFC North have five wins. The division is too close to call.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football has shaken up the NFC playoff picture.
Here's where things stand after Week 7.
Updated NFL playoff standings after Week 7
NFC playoff standings
- Detroit Lions (5-1)
- Washington Commanders (5-2)
- Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
- Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
- Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
- Green Bay Packers (5-2)
- Chicago Bears (4-2)
NFC playoff matchups if the season ended today
- Bears (7) at Commanders (2)
- Packers (6) at Seahawks (3)
- Vikings (5) at Falcons (4)
You couldn't ask for three playoff matchups with more storylines than this. Caleb Williams versus Jayden Daniels in a battle of the top two 2024 draft picks? Yeah, that works.
A rematch of one of the Packers' most heartbreaking playoff exits in their history? Sure, Green Bay eliminated Seattle in Matt LaFleur's first season, but this would be the Packers' first road playoff matchup against the Seahawks since the game we must never mention. It may have been a decade ago, but we still aren't over it.
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And how about the Kirk Cousins Bowl in Atlanta? Sam Darnold and the Vikings would have the chance to get the perfect revenge on Cousins. Or Cousins could eliminate the Vikings. Even better.
Count us in.
AFC playoff standings
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)
- Houston Texans (5-2)
- Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
- Buffalo Bills (5-2)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
- Indianapolis Colts (4-3)
- Denver Broncos (4-3)
AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today
- Broncos (7) at Texans (2)
- Colts (6) at Ravens (3)
- Steelers (5) at Bills (4)
Admittedly, these matchups aren't nearly as fun as the NFC's. It feels like three straight blowout wins for the home teams. Maybe the Steelers could give the Bills a game? We could get another Joe Flacco vs. Ravens matchup, but there's no way that game is close.
Just give the Chiefs a bye to the Super Bowl and save us all some time.