Welcome this year to weekly panoramas of Playoffs NFL by conference, in this case the AFC. The countdown to the Super Bowl LVI postseason has begun in the 18-week first season, so we begin to analyze the landscape of the 2022 preseason.
Last week we commented by way of introduction that the NFC owns the best teams so far and they begin to stretch the season beyond the regular season. Although the Packers, Buccaneers and Cardinals must mathematically close out their rankings, they depend on themselves and will almost irreversibly be in the postseason. The question is how they will be located.
The other teams, except the Lions, have possibilities. Although the record average remains low, this last week it has risen considerably compared to the AFC.
Division overview after week 13 on the NFC
NFC East
NFC East is still the most even and underperforming division when compared to the others. However, a series of results leveled everything up. On the one hand, Cowboys (8-4) returned to victory and remain in first place. At the moment, the 2-0 divisional record keeps him a favorite. Secondly, Washington (6-6) achieved his fourth consecutive victory and looks like the rival to beat. This week, both will play their first divisional duel, which will be one of the main games of the week.
For their part, Eagles (6-7) also returned to victory and remain in third place. In addition to having to rest this week, they have a 0-2 divisional record that keeps them from being favorites to winning the division. But just like the Giants (4-8), opportunities are open to reach the last seeds of the conference.
NFC North
The Packers (9-3) have already had their rest and are ready to reach the postseason in the SNF at the home of the Bears (4-8). If they win or draw this duel, the HC Matt LaFleur team will be in the NFL playoffs. However, there is more: if to this panorama we add a defeat of the Vikings (5-7), Green Bay will have won the divisional title for the third year in a row.
Minnesota for its part, has fallen again, and this time against the weakest rival in the entire NFL, the Lions (1-10-1). The chances of obtaining the division are almost impossible, however, like the Bears (4-8), must be replaced if they want to play the wild cards. In the last place, Detroit must win every game and wait for several results to be able to get excited. Today the chances are below 1% and, if they lose this week, they will be the first to be eliminated.
NFC South
As in the north, NFC South is clearly dominated by Buccaneers (9-3) and like Green Bay, if they win this week at the Bills’ home, they will be classified directly for the NFL playoffs. But unlike Wisconsin’s, the division title will have to wait a little longer.
This is because Panthers (5-7) and Falcons (5-7) will play each other to see who gets closer to the wild cards. In the event of a winner, the Bucs will have to wait another week. But if they win and their rivals tie, they will have won their second division title in a row. On the other hand, there are also the Saints (5-7) who, if they win this week, will continue to race for the last positions of the NFC. To do this, they must cut a negative streak of 5 games.
NFC West
This division is undoubtedly the most interesting in the NFC for several reasons. First of all, it has as its leader the team that so far has the best record in the NFL. The Cardinals (10-2) will also enter the playoffs by winning the next game. However, it will be their turn to visit the Rams (8-4). On paper this will undoubtedly be the best match of the week. It will be necessary to see if both fulfill the expectations in the MNF. If they win, they will be very close to the division title, since they will be 3 games away from Los Angeles and with a divisional record of 5-0.
In addition, the Los Angeles franchise is the only one that remains in second place with a positive brand and gives competitiveness to the division. They need victory against the Cards to dream of the divisional title or begin to secure a spot in the NFL playoffs.
Third, the 49ers (6-6) had a stumble last week, but are still among the top-ranked, alongside WAS, and are the bottom seed in the NFC. This week he can bounce back if they beat the Bengals. Finally, in the Seahawks (4-8) still don’t give up hope if they get a good streak of games. The game against Texans will be crucial.
Conclusions towards Week 14
Cards (10-2), el Pack (9-3) and Bucs (9-3) are currently the top 3 in the NFL and are one game away from making the playoffs. In turn, among these teams – added to Cowboys (8-4) and Rams (8-4) – will be the franchise that obtains the number 1 seed, which is very important to rest for a week in the face of divisional games.
Also, the north and south are practically defined, as Green Bay and Tampa Bay are very close to obtaining their divisional titles. It will be this week or next. On the other hand, the east and west are more closed, but both divisions will have their leaders facing divisional games against the latter. WAS and LA have great opportunities to take advantage of
Outside of these franchises, and excluding the Lions (1-10-1), eight teams have a good chance of reaching the bottom seeds, since the difference between the seventh and the fifteenth is only 2 games.
Summary of the NFL Playoffs Landscape in the NFC for Week 14
Qualified teams:
Teams that can qualify in week 14:
- Cardinals (10-2): Must win or draw next game against Rams to reach playoffs
- Packers (9-3): Winning or drawing against the Bears they reach the postseason. Added to this, if Vikings loses their game, GB will win the divisional title.
- Buccaneers (9-3): Winning or drawing against Bills will qualify for the NFL playoffs. If he wins, added to a loss by the Saints and a draw between the Falcons and Panthers, he will win the division title.
They are also still in the fight:
- Cowboys (8-4)
- Rams (8-4)
- Washington (6-6)
- 49ers (6-6)
- Eagles (6-7)
- Vikings (5-7)
- Panthers (5-7)
- Falcons (5-7)
- Saints (5-7)
- Giants (4-8)
- Bears (4-8)
- Seahawks (4-8)
- Lions (1-10-1)
Teams officially eliminated:
Matches of week 14 that can be defined by the NFC:
- Rams vs Cardinals
- Cowboys vs Washington
- Bears vs Packers
- Falcons vs Panthers
Taking into account the situation of each team, what will be the next division champions? What other teams will make the NFC postseason? Do you have any favorites? Leave us your comments under this article and on our social networks.
