2021 NFL playoff picture: Ranking NFC teams fighting for wild card spots as Trey Lance could energize 49ers

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2021 NFL playoff picture: Ranking NFC teams fighting for wild card spots as Trey Lance could energize 49ers

Let's assess the crowded NFC competition for playoff spots

 

By Cody Benjamin

 

 

Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With 16 weeks of NFL games in the books, the 2021 NFL playoff picture is really starting to take shape. And the NFC, in particular, is playing host to a circus of a wild card race, with at least a half-dozen teams fighting over two postseason berths. With Week 17 fast approaching, which teams look the most formidable in the race? We're taking stock of the entire pool of them.

Find current NFC division leaders below, as well as our rankings of the current wild card contenders:

Current NFC division leaders

Here are your top four seeds as the playoff picture currently stands:

1. Packers (12-3)*
2. Cowboys (11-4)*
3. Rams (11-4)
4. Buccaneers (11-4)*

Note: * = clinched division

NFC wild card contenders, ranked

This is how we'd sort the candidates, but keep in mind only three of these will actually make the playoffs (the Cardinals have already locked up a playoff berth):

1. 49ers (8-7)

Remaining schedule: vs. Texans, at Rams  

Jimmy Garoppolo is hurt again, but his expected absence may give Kyle Shanahan an excuse to keep Trey Lance under center, which could bode really well for them. The defense is still stingy, and Lance would help them lean deeper into the run.

2. Cardinals (10-5)

Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Seahawks 

Talent-wise, they belong with the division leaders. But execution has been a real issue, as has been the case for literally every team coached by Kliff Kingsbury late in the season. Kyler Murray will keep them in any game, but they can't be trusted.

3. Eagles (8-7)

Remaining schedule: at Washington, vs. Cowboys  

They start too slow, and Jalen Hurts has had some awful moments as a passer. But somehow, some way, they keep it together. A solid run game and reliable DeVonta Smith keep them fighting, and their veteran defense makes plays at the right time.

4. Vikings (7-8)

Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Bears  

The trip to Lambeau couldn't come at a worse time. Getting Dalvin Cook back would be nice, and Justin Jefferson always gives them a chance. But their "D," despite a strong start against L.A. in Week 16, is far too vulnerable.

5. Saints (7-8)

Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, at Falcons

Dennis Allen's defense is just fine, giving New Orleans the big shutout upset of Tom Brady and mostly holding Miami in check in prime time. But they're just not moving the ball. Neither Taysom Hill nor Ian Book nor, heck, Blake Bortles is inspiring at QB.

6. Falcons (7-8)

Remaining schedule: at Bills, vs. Saints

Sneaking by the Lions is very representative of their season: the record isn't horrendous, but they're just not a good team. Matt Ryan may have delusions of a surprise run, but he'd be better off plotting to make a real run with another team in 2022.

Out of the mix

Sorry, fans of the following teams, but it's time to look ahead to 2022:

• Washington (6-9): They're way too banged up to rebound. Time to start looking for QBs (again).
• Panthers (5-10): Maybe Matt Rhule will rotate Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker next!
• Bears (5-10): Nick Foles deserves so much better. Seriously.
• Seahawks (5-10): Imagine telling Seahawks fans in August this would be the team's record.
• Giants (4-11): Good news, Giants fans: Joe Judge and Daniel Jones are coming back in 2022!
• Lions (2-12-1): They might beat the Giants nine times out of 10, despite their record.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-playoff-picture-ranking-nfc-teams-fighting-for-wild-card-spots-as-trey-lance-could-energize-49ers/

 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

I actually think the Saints are going to get in. I look at their schedule and I just think it is right there for them. And sure it is right there for us too but I don't like our chances of winning both of our remaining games. 

[proveagle]

13 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I actually think the Saints are going to get in. I look at their schedule and I just think it is right there for them. And sure it is right there for us too but I don't like our chances of winning both of our remaining games. 

Most likely scenario for the Eagles is a win next week at WFT and then Packers beating Vikings and 49ers beat the Texans.  That locks up a wildcard spot this weekend.

Step 1, beat WFT this weekend. 🙂