CFZ Week 17 NFC Playoff Contenders - Record against winning teams

dreameaglegreen

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Note: I am counting the Commanders as a winning team, even with a .500 record

13-2 Eagles: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Vikings, Commanders, Cowboys and Giants
Losses: Commanders, Cowboys
Eagles only losses have come against winning teams. They have beaten every team with a losing schedule. They have two games remaining against the Saints and Giants. A win against the Saints this week will allow them to rest their starters against the Giants, having wrapped up the NFC East division, and the #1 seed in the NFL. But the Giants may also be resting their starters if they secure the #6 seed this coming weekend, and in a week 18 game of Eagles backup players against Giants backup players, the Eagles should be favored to win.
Likely Final Record: 15-2
12-3 Vikings: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Dolphins, Commanders, Bills, Giants
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys
The Vikings only losses against winning teams have been to arguably the two best teams in the NFC. Their other loss came on the road against the surging Lions. They have two games remaining against the Packers and Bears, and should be favored to win both of them. The Vikings must keep winning to secure the #2 seed, and have a chance at the #1 seed if the Eagles falter.
Likely Final Record: 14-3
11-4 49ers: 3-1 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
Losses: Chiefs
The wins that the 49ers have against winning teams are against teams at or barely over .500, and they were blown out by the only team they've faced that has a potent offense. It may currently be sexy to pick the 49ers, but they're impressive defense may be a bit of an illusion, as they haven't played many potent offenses this season. They have two games remaining against the weak Raiders and Cardinals.
Likely Final Record: 13-4
11-4 Cowboys: 6-1 against winning teams
Wins: Bengals, Giants, Commanders, Vikings, Giants, Eagles
Losses: Eagles
The Cowboys have only lost 1 game against a team with a winning record, while winning 6, which is easily the most impressive record against teams with winning records. Other than the loss to the Eagles when Cooper Rush was playing QB, the Cowboys have lost 3 games to teams with 7-8 records, all of whom are pushing to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys have two games remaining against the struggling Titans, and the Commanders. If the Eagles tie up the NFC east title this coming weekend, the Cowboys won't have a reason to play their starters against the Commanders in week 18, as they will be locked into the #5 seed.
Likely Final Record: 12-5 (if they rest their starters against the Commanders in week 18)
8-6-1 Giants: 2-4-1 against winning teams
Wins: Ravens, Commanders
Losses: Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings
Ties: Commanders
The Giants can secure the #6 seed this weekend with a win over the lowly Colts. That could make their final game against the Eagles pointless, since both teams can secure their seeds in the playoffs this weekend.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1
7-7-1 Commanders: 1-5-1 against
Wins: Eagles
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants, 49ers
Ties: Giants
The Commanders claim to fame this season is ending the unbeaten streak of the Eagles. Other than that, they have a dismal record against winning teams. With two games remaining against the Browns and Cowboys, they need to win both of them to secure a winning season, and the #7 playoff seed. However, if the Eagles win this weekend, the Cowboys could choose to rest their starters in week 18, giving the Commanders the opportunity to become the 4th NFC East team to qualify for the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1 (if the Cowboys rest their starters in week 18)
7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs. But a loss could see them on the outside of the playoffs. Fortunately, the game against the Panthers is at home, and they still have Tom Brady at the helm, If they win this weekend, they could rest their starters in Week 18. But if they lose, then they'll need to win in week 18 against the Falcons, and count on the Saints to beat the Panthers to get into the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
7-8 Seahawks: 2-3 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Giants
Losses: 49ers, 49ers, Chiefs
The Seahawks have had a surprising run in what was widely considered to be a rebuilding year. With two games remaining against the QB-less Jets, and the struggling Rams, they should be favored to win both games. But the Seahawks are not a lock to win against the Jets, who are also hoping to get into the playoffs, and the Rams game is a divisional game. Even if they win out, the Seahawks will need the Giants to lose both their final games, or the Commanders to lose at least one game. They also will need at least one loss by the Packers, because if both the Packers and Seahawks win out, then the Packers win the tie breaker with a better conference record (7-5) against the Seahawks (6-6). It is possible that the Seahawks and the Packers could make the playoffs if the Giants lose both their remaining games, the Commanders lose one game, and both the Seahawks and Packers win out. What the Seahawks need is for the Vikings to beat the Packers this week, and the Cowboys to beat the Commanders next week. Then, winning out will secure them the final playoff spot.
Likely Final Record: 9-8
7-8 Lions: 3-5 against winning teams
Wins: Commanders, Giants, Vikings
Losses: Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills
The Lions have easily had the toughest schedule with 8 of their games coming against winning teams. Their offense has been spectacular at home, but not so good away from home - especially in cold weather. With two games remaining at home against the Bears, and away against the Packers, they will likely only be favored against the Bears. The loss last week against the Panthers really hurt their playoff chances. They need to win out to eliminate the Packers, and count on two losses by the Giants, or at least one loss by the Commanders. If both the Seahawks and the Lions win out, they will be in a tie with 9-8 records. The Seahawks beat the Lions during the season, giving them the tie breaker, so the Lions also need the Seahawks to lose a game.
Likely Final Record: 8-9​

7-8 Packers: 2-5 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys, Dolphins
Losses: Vikings, Giants, Commanders, Bills, Eagles
The Packers have the luxury of having their final two games at home against the Vikings and Lions. But the Vikings will be playing this week to stay ahead of the 49ers in order to secure the #2 seed. So, it will be hard to win against them. The Lions don't play well away from home or in cold weather, so the Packers should be favorites to win against them in the final game of the season. If the Commanders lose one game, or if the Giants lose two games, the Packers can secure the final playoff spot by winning out. Their better divisional record (7-5) would give them the tie breaker over the Seahawks (6-6) if both teams finish with 9-8 records.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
6-9 Panthers: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Giants, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens
The Panthers control their destiny. If they win their final two games against the Buccaneers and Saints, they will be the NFC South Division Champion, and host a playoff game against the likely 5th seed Cowboys. A loss against the Buccaneers will eliminate them from the playoffs. If they beat teh Buccaneers, but then lose to the Saints, they could still be division winners if the Buccaneers lose to the Falcons in Week 18, and the Saints lose to the Eagles in week 17. If the Buccaneers lose out, and Panthers and Saints split their final two games, each team will finish with a 7-10 record. The Panthers would win the division with a better division record (4-2) over the Buccaneers (3-3) and the Saints (3-3).
Likely Final Record: 7-10
6-9 Saints: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Vikings, Bengals, Ravens, 49ers
The Saints are a very long shot to get into the playoffs. They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons, and they need to win their final two games against the Eagles and Panthers to win the NFC South division with an 8-9 record, while the Buccaneers and Panthers end with 7-10 records. It is unlikely that they beat the Eagles this coming week, but if they do, both the Cowboys and Eagles will be playing their starters in week 18, trying to secure the NFC East. This could change the wildcard scenarios for several teams. But the only path for the Saints to make the playoffs is by winning the NFC South division outright.
Likely Final Record: 6-11​

If the jaguars, lions, and packers win this week, they would be considered winning teams at .500, going by your criteria with the .500 commanders? That would make the eagles 7-2 and the cowboys 7-3. Even though that makes the eagles look better, it's just silly to include a .500 team with the actual winning teams.
 

Diehardblues

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I want to say yes. I feel like it might have been us, or someone in our division.
There has been but none in our division.

There is one WC team in NFL history with 12 wins and one with 13 wins. Both went to SB. Only 1 won.

Hint: back to back seasons
 

guag

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There has been but none in our division.

There is one WC team in NFL history with 12 wins and one with 13 wins. Both went to SB. Only 1 won.
Was one of them Patriots with Brady?
 

Jumbo075

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If the jaguars, lions, and packers win this week, they would be considered winning teams at .500, going by your criteria with the .500 commanders? That would make the eagles 7-2 and the cowboys 7-3. Even though that makes the eagles look better, it's just silly to include a .500 team with the actual winning teams.

Okay, Fine. You don't want me to count the Commanders as a winning team.

Here are the revised records for the 12 NFC playoff contenders against winning teams (since you're too lazy to do it yourself, and only take shots at others who actually do the research.)

1. Eagles: 3-2
2. Vikings: 3-2
3. 49ers: 2-1
4. Buccaneers: 1-4
5. Cowboys: 5-1
6. Giants: 1-4
7. Commanders: 1-5-1
8. Seahawks: 2-3
9. Lions: 2-5
10. Packers: 2-4
11. Panthers: 0-4
12. Saints: 0-4
 

StarOfGlory

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There has been but none in our division.

There is one WC team in NFL history with 12 wins and one with 13 wins. Both went to SB. Only 1 won.

Hint: back to back seasons
Off the top of my head, I think Denver won as a wild card during the Terrell Davis/John Elway years when Kansas City was very good. They must have had 12 or 13 wins. Can't think of the other team though.
 

plymkr

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Note: I am counting the Commanders as a winning team, even with a .500 record

13-2 Eagles: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Vikings, Commanders, Cowboys and Giants
Losses: Commanders, Cowboys
Eagles only losses have come against winning teams. They have beaten every team with a losing schedule. They have two games remaining against the Saints and Giants. A win against the Saints this week will allow them to rest their starters against the Giants, having wrapped up the NFC East division, and the #1 seed in the NFL. But the Giants may also be resting their starters if they secure the #6 seed this coming weekend, and in a week 18 game of Eagles backup players against Giants backup players, the Eagles should be favored to win.
Likely Final Record: 15-2
12-3 Vikings: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Dolphins, Commanders, Bills, Giants
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys
The Vikings only losses against winning teams have been to arguably the two best teams in the NFC. Their other loss came on the road against the surging Lions. They have two games remaining against the Packers and Bears, and should be favored to win both of them. The Vikings must keep winning to secure the #2 seed, and have a chance at the #1 seed if the Eagles falter.
Likely Final Record: 14-3
11-4 49ers: 3-1 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
Losses: Chiefs
The wins that the 49ers have against winning teams are against teams at or barely over .500, and they were blown out by the only team they've faced that has a potent offense. It may currently be sexy to pick the 49ers, but they're impressive defense may be a bit of an illusion, as they haven't played many potent offenses this season. They have two games remaining against the weak Raiders and Cardinals.
Likely Final Record: 13-4
11-4 Cowboys: 6-1 against winning teams
Wins: Bengals, Giants, Commanders, Vikings, Giants, Eagles
Losses: Eagles
The Cowboys have only lost 1 game against a team with a winning record, while winning 6, which is easily the most impressive record against teams with winning records. Other than the loss to the Eagles when Cooper Rush was playing QB, the Cowboys have lost 3 games to teams with 7-8 records, all of whom are pushing to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys have two games remaining against the struggling Titans, and the Commanders. If the Eagles tie up the NFC east title this coming weekend, the Cowboys won't have a reason to play their starters against the Commanders in week 18, as they will be locked into the #5 seed.
Likely Final Record: 12-5 (if they rest their starters against the Commanders in week 18)
8-6-1 Giants: 2-4-1 against winning teams
Wins: Ravens, Commanders
Losses: Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings
Ties: Commanders
The Giants can secure the #6 seed this weekend with a win over the lowly Colts. That could make their final game against the Eagles pointless, since both teams can secure their seeds in the playoffs this weekend.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1
7-7-1 Commanders: 1-5-1 against
Wins: Eagles
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants, 49ers
Ties: Giants
The Commanders claim to fame this season is ending the unbeaten streak of the Eagles. Other than that, they have a dismal record against winning teams. With two games remaining against the Browns and Cowboys, they need to win both of them to secure a winning season, and the #7 playoff seed. However, if the Eagles win this weekend, the Cowboys could choose to rest their starters in week 18, giving the Commanders the opportunity to become the 4th NFC East team to qualify for the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1 (if the Cowboys rest their starters in week 18)
7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs. But a loss could see them on the outside of the playoffs. Fortunately, the game against the Panthers is at home, and they still have Tom Brady at the helm, If they win this weekend, they could rest their starters in Week 18. But if they lose, then they'll need to win in week 18 against the Falcons, and count on the Saints to beat the Panthers to get into the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
7-8 Seahawks: 2-3 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Giants
Losses: 49ers, 49ers, Chiefs
The Seahawks have had a surprising run in what was widely considered to be a rebuilding year. With two games remaining against the QB-less Jets, and the struggling Rams, they should be favored to win both games. But the Seahawks are not a lock to win against the Jets, who are also hoping to get into the playoffs, and the Rams game is a divisional game. Even if they win out, the Seahawks will need the Giants to lose both their final games, or the Commanders to lose at least one game. They also will need at least one loss by the Packers, because if both the Packers and Seahawks win out, then the Packers win the tie breaker with a better conference record (7-5) against the Seahawks (6-6). It is possible that the Seahawks and the Packers could make the playoffs if the Giants lose both their remaining games, the Commanders lose one game, and both the Seahawks and Packers win out. What the Seahawks need is for the Vikings to beat the Packers this week, and the Cowboys to beat the Commanders next week. Then, winning out will secure them the final playoff spot.
Likely Final Record: 9-8
7-8 Lions: 3-5 against winning teams
Wins: Commanders, Giants, Vikings
Losses: Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills
The Lions have easily had the toughest schedule with 8 of their games coming against winning teams. Their offense has been spectacular at home, but not so good away from home - especially in cold weather. With two games remaining at home against the Bears, and away against the Packers, they will likely only be favored against the Bears. The loss last week against the Panthers really hurt their playoff chances. They need to win out to eliminate the Packers, and count on two losses by the Giants, or at least one loss by the Commanders. If both the Seahawks and the Lions win out, they will be in a tie with 9-8 records. The Seahawks beat the Lions during the season, giving them the tie breaker, so the Lions also need the Seahawks to lose a game.
Likely Final Record: 8-9​

7-8 Packers: 2-5 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys, Dolphins
Losses: Vikings, Giants, Commanders, Bills, Eagles
The Packers have the luxury of having their final two games at home against the Vikings and Lions. But the Vikings will be playing this week to stay ahead of the 49ers in order to secure the #2 seed. So, it will be hard to win against them. The Lions don't play well away from home or in cold weather, so the Packers should be favorites to win against them in the final game of the season. If the Commanders lose one game, or if the Giants lose two games, the Packers can secure the final playoff spot by winning out. Their better divisional record (7-5) would give them the tie breaker over the Seahawks (6-6) if both teams finish with 9-8 records.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
6-9 Panthers: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Giants, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens
The Panthers control their destiny. If they win their final two games against the Buccaneers and Saints, they will be the NFC South Division Champion, and host a playoff game against the likely 5th seed Cowboys. A loss against the Buccaneers will eliminate them from the playoffs. If they beat teh Buccaneers, but then lose to the Saints, they could still be division winners if the Buccaneers lose to the Falcons in Week 18, and the Saints lose to the Eagles in week 17. If the Buccaneers lose out, and Panthers and Saints split their final two games, each team will finish with a 7-10 record. The Panthers would win the division with a better division record (4-2) over the Buccaneers (3-3) and the Saints (3-3).
Likely Final Record: 7-10
6-9 Saints: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Vikings, Bengals, Ravens, 49ers
The Saints are a very long shot to get into the playoffs. They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons, and they need to win their final two games against the Eagles and Panthers to win the NFC South division with an 8-9 record, while the Buccaneers and Panthers end with 7-10 records. It is unlikely that they beat the Eagles this coming week, but if they do, both the Cowboys and Eagles will be playing their starters in week 18, trying to secure the NFC East. This could change the wildcard scenarios for several teams. But the only path for the Saints to make the playoffs is by winning the NFC South division outright.
Likely Final Record: 6-11​
Wow, nice write up. Thank you
 

DandyDon52

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Three big things have happened this year that have my attention:
  • The Cowboys have won 12 or more games in back to back seasons for the first time since 94-95.
  • Cowboys have made the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time since 06-07.
  • Mike McCarthy is the first HC since Barry S to do both the above accomplishments in back to back seasons.
If the Cowboys win a road playoff game this yr, Big Mac will be the first Cowboys HC since Jimmy to accomplish that.
sounds good, but it is a very low bar to brag about that.
that just shows how pathetic cowboys have been since the late 90's
 

Bobhaze

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Here’s a trivia question for you guys. Has there ever been a 12 win Wild Card team?
Yes. Several made or won the SB:
  • 1980 Cowboys were 12-4 WC. Lost in NFC championship game.
  • 1997 Broncos were 12-4 WC team and SB winner
  • 1999 Titans 13-3 WC AFC winner
  • 2000 Ravens 12-4 WC team and SB winner
Several 11-5 WC teams have won or at least made SBs-‘84 raiders (won SB), ‘89 rams, ‘92 Bills, 2005 Steelers (won SB)…I’m sure I’m forgetting several.
 

StarOfGlory

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Yes. Several made or won the SB:
  • 1980 Cowboys were 12-4 WC. Lost in NFC championship game.
  • 1997 Broncos were 12-4 WC team and SB winner
  • 1999 Titans 13-3 WC AFC winner
  • 2000 Ravens 12-4 WC team and SB winner
Several 11-5 WC teams have won or at least made SBs-‘84 raiders (won SB), ‘89 rams, ‘92 Bills, 2005 Steelers (won SB)…I’m sure I’m forgetting several.
The first WC team to win a Super Bowl was the Oakland Raiders. They defeated the Eagles in 1980-81, 27-10. That felt good, since the Eagles beat us in the NFCCG that year, 20-7.
 

America's Cowboy

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Dak came back just in time. The way this defense has played since November they would be lucky to have even 8 wins right now if Rush was still starting.
So glaringly obvious, but the Dak haters refuse to stand to reason.
 

CowboyoWales

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Note: I am counting the Commanders as a winning team, even with a .500 record

13-2 Eagles: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Vikings, Commanders, Cowboys and Giants
Losses: Commanders, Cowboys
Eagles only losses have come against winning teams. They have beaten every team with a losing schedule. They have two games remaining against the Saints and Giants. A win against the Saints this week will allow them to rest their starters against the Giants, having wrapped up the NFC East division, and the #1 seed in the NFL. But the Giants may also be resting their starters if they secure the #6 seed this coming weekend, and in a week 18 game of Eagles backup players against Giants backup players, the Eagles should be favored to win.
Likely Final Record: 15-2
12-3 Vikings: 4-2 against winning teams
Wins: Dolphins, Commanders, Bills, Giants
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys
The Vikings only losses against winning teams have been to arguably the two best teams in the NFC. Their other loss came on the road against the surging Lions. They have two games remaining against the Packers and Bears, and should be favored to win both of them. The Vikings must keep winning to secure the #2 seed, and have a chance at the #1 seed if the Eagles falter.
Likely Final Record: 14-3
11-4 49ers: 3-1 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
Losses: Chiefs
The wins that the 49ers have against winning teams are against teams at or barely over .500, and they were blown out by the only team they've faced that has a potent offense. It may currently be sexy to pick the 49ers, but they're impressive defense may be a bit of an illusion, as they haven't played many potent offenses this season. They have two games remaining against the weak Raiders and Cardinals.
Likely Final Record: 13-4
11-4 Cowboys: 6-1 against winning teams
Wins: Bengals, Giants, Commanders, Vikings, Giants, Eagles
Losses: Eagles
The Cowboys have only lost 1 game against a team with a winning record, while winning 6, which is easily the most impressive record against teams with winning records. Other than the loss to the Eagles when Cooper Rush was playing QB, the Cowboys have lost 3 games to teams with 7-8 records, all of whom are pushing to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys have two games remaining against the struggling Titans, and the Commanders. If the Eagles tie up the NFC east title this coming weekend, the Cowboys won't have a reason to play their starters against the Commanders in week 18, as they will be locked into the #5 seed.
Likely Final Record: 12-5 (if they rest their starters against the Commanders in week 18)
8-6-1 Giants: 2-4-1 against winning teams
Wins: Ravens, Commanders
Losses: Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings
Ties: Commanders
The Giants can secure the #6 seed this weekend with a win over the lowly Colts. That could make their final game against the Eagles pointless, since both teams can secure their seeds in the playoffs this weekend.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1
7-7-1 Commanders: 1-5-1 against
Wins: Eagles
Losses: Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Giants, 49ers
Ties: Giants
The Commanders claim to fame this season is ending the unbeaten streak of the Eagles. Other than that, they have a dismal record against winning teams. With two games remaining against the Browns and Cowboys, they need to win both of them to secure a winning season, and the #7 playoff seed. However, if the Eagles win this weekend, the Cowboys could choose to rest their starters in week 18, giving the Commanders the opportunity to become the 4th NFC East team to qualify for the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 9-7-1 (if the Cowboys rest their starters in week 18)
7-8 Buccaneers: 1-4 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys
Losses: Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Bengals
The Bucs lone win against good teams came in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who stumbled out of the gate. Since that time, they've been very unimpressive. Their next game against the resurgent Panthers under interim coach Steve Wilkes is likely to be a division deciding game. A win against the Panthers, along with a win by the Eagles over the Saints will secure the NFC South Division, and the #4 seed in the playoffs. But a loss could see them on the outside of the playoffs. Fortunately, the game against the Panthers is at home, and they still have Tom Brady at the helm, If they win this weekend, they could rest their starters in Week 18. But if they lose, then they'll need to win in week 18 against the Falcons, and count on the Saints to beat the Panthers to get into the playoffs.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
7-8 Seahawks: 2-3 against winning teams
Wins: Chargers, Giants
Losses: 49ers, 49ers, Chiefs
The Seahawks have had a surprising run in what was widely considered to be a rebuilding year. With two games remaining against the QB-less Jets, and the struggling Rams, they should be favored to win both games. But the Seahawks are not a lock to win against the Jets, who are also hoping to get into the playoffs, and the Rams game is a divisional game. Even if they win out, the Seahawks will need the Giants to lose both their final games, or the Commanders to lose at least one game. They also will need at least one loss by the Packers, because if both the Packers and Seahawks win out, then the Packers win the tie breaker with a better conference record (7-5) against the Seahawks (6-6). It is possible that the Seahawks and the Packers could make the playoffs if the Giants lose both their remaining games, the Commanders lose one game, and both the Seahawks and Packers win out. What the Seahawks need is for the Vikings to beat the Packers this week, and the Cowboys to beat the Commanders next week. Then, winning out will secure them the final playoff spot.
Likely Final Record: 9-8
7-8 Lions: 3-5 against winning teams
Wins: Commanders, Giants, Vikings
Losses: Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Dolphins, Bills
The Lions have easily had the toughest schedule with 8 of their games coming against winning teams. Their offense has been spectacular at home, but not so good away from home - especially in cold weather. With two games remaining at home against the Bears, and away against the Packers, they will likely only be favored against the Bears. The loss last week against the Panthers really hurt their playoff chances. They need to win out to eliminate the Packers, and count on two losses by the Giants, or at least one loss by the Commanders. If both the Seahawks and the Lions win out, they will be in a tie with 9-8 records. The Seahawks beat the Lions during the season, giving them the tie breaker, so the Lions also need the Seahawks to lose a game.
Likely Final Record: 8-9​

7-8 Packers: 2-5 against winning teams
Wins: Cowboys, Dolphins
Losses: Vikings, Giants, Commanders, Bills, Eagles
The Packers have the luxury of having their final two games at home against the Vikings and Lions. But the Vikings will be playing this week to stay ahead of the 49ers in order to secure the #2 seed. So, it will be hard to win against them. The Lions don't play well away from home or in cold weather, so the Packers should be favorites to win against them in the final game of the season. If the Commanders lose one game, or if the Giants lose two games, the Packers can secure the final playoff spot by winning out. Their better divisional record (7-5) would give them the tie breaker over the Seahawks (6-6) if both teams finish with 9-8 records.
Likely Final Record: 8-9
6-9 Panthers: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Giants, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens
The Panthers control their destiny. If they win their final two games against the Buccaneers and Saints, they will be the NFC South Division Champion, and host a playoff game against the likely 5th seed Cowboys. A loss against the Buccaneers will eliminate them from the playoffs. If they beat teh Buccaneers, but then lose to the Saints, they could still be division winners if the Buccaneers lose to the Falcons in Week 18, and the Saints lose to the Eagles in week 17. If the Buccaneers lose out, and Panthers and Saints split their final two games, each team will finish with a 7-10 record. The Panthers would win the division with a better division record (4-2) over the Buccaneers (3-3) and the Saints (3-3).
Likely Final Record: 7-10
6-9 Saints: 0-4 against winning teams
Wins: None
Losses: Vikings, Bengals, Ravens, 49ers
The Saints are a very long shot to get into the playoffs. They need the Buccaneers to lose against the Panthers and Falcons, and they need to win their final two games against the Eagles and Panthers to win the NFC South division with an 8-9 record, while the Buccaneers and Panthers end with 7-10 records. It is unlikely that they beat the Eagles this coming week, but if they do, both the Cowboys and Eagles will be playing their starters in week 18, trying to secure the NFC East. This could change the wildcard scenarios for several teams. But the only path for the Saints to make the playoffs is by winning the NFC South division outright.
Likely Final Record: 6-11​
The fact that we won't be playing any of the winning teams in the play-offs means these stats don't really hold-up to relevancy. Indeed the one that's closest to being relevant to reoccurring is the game we lost.
 
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