Final NFL Playoff Schedule: Wild Card Weekend Predictions & Full Postseason Schedule | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours


Lions QB Jared Goff

Lions QB Jared GoffMike Mulholland/Getty Images

Here's how NFC teams stack up in the playoffs:

1. Detroit Lions (15-2): The Lions have dealt with an extensive list of injuries to key players such as Aidan Hutchinson, David Montgomery, Alim McNeil and Carlton Davis. However, the injury bug may not be enough to keep Detroit from appearing in its first Super Bowl. Jahmyr Gibbs has taken over as a bulk quarterback, Jared Goff leads one of the league's most dynamic passing attacks, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn continues to find ways to coax production out of his defense. Dan Campbell is arguably the most aggressive head coach in the NFL, and will constantly keep opposing teams off balance. With home field advantage, a week off and a chance to return some players, the Lions will be extremely difficult to knock out of the postseason.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): The Eagles were the No. 2 seed before Week 18. So on Sunday, they had no reason to play their starters other than to help Saquon Barkley break Eric Dickerson's record. Philadelphia decided to rest their key players with the long haul in mind. If the Eagles lose in the Wild Card round, the city of Philadelphia could run head coach Nick Sirianni out of town. While we can't blame Sirianni for prioritizing rest over records, his temperament has been questioned several times this season. The Eagles field high-level offensive and defensive units, but the question is, will Sirianni make the best decisions in key situations? Interestingly, Sirianni has to prove reliable despite leading his team to the Super Bowl two years ago.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): The Buccaneers are capable of winning the playoffs at home for the second straight season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing extremely well, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen is constantly finding ways to find weaknesses in opposing defenses. With offensive playmakers like Mike Evans, Bucky Irving and rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan in the game, Tampa can match up with anyone for points. However, the Bucs may not be built to go the distance. Their defense has struggled all season and nearly allowed the New Orleans Saints to play spoiler in the season finale.

4. Los Angeles Rams (10-7): The Rams clinched the NFC West in Week 17, meaning they had little to play for against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Not surprisingly, LA rested many of its starters, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Puk Nacu, receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. With healthy offensive stars, Los Angeles is poised to be a factor in the postseason. While the Rams' defense hasn't been particularly good, it does feature some exciting young playmakers. There are few coaches a team should trust more heading into the playoffs than Sean McVay. A team that went 1-4 in early October now looks like a team others won't want to face in the playoffs.

5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3): Sunday's loss to the Lions – just the Vikings' third of the year – raised concerns. Minnesota's secondary struggled, and Sam Darnold was under a lot of pressure throughout the game. However, that loss did little to suggest that Minnesota would easily make the playoffs. Darnold plays above-average football, the Vikings are loaded with skill players, and their defense can generate sacks and take it in droves. This team did not reach 14 wins by chance and is considered the most dangerous team in the entire playoff field.

6. Washington Commanders (12-5): Commanders were one of the biggest surprise stories this season. Almost a year after “earning” the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, Washington clinched a playoff berth in Week 17. The Commanders used the second overall pick on quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is probably the biggest reason why this team could steal a playoff game on the road. The LSU product was a legitimate difference maker and consistently played like a seasoned vet. Washington's defense is questionable, but the Commanders have been stout against the pass and are well coached on that side of the ball. Dan Quinn has previously led a team to a Super Bowl, and Washington will be well prepared for the Wild Card round.

7. Green Bay Packers (11-6): This is not the way the Packers wanted to end the regular season. Sunday's last-second loss to the rival Chicago Bears was ultimately meaningless as Washington's win dropped Green Bay to the No. 7 seed regardless. However, Green Bay watched quarterback Jordan Love (elbow) and wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) go out with injuries. While love injury is not looks seriousWatson's is a different story. The Packers are also without star running back Jaire Alexander (injured reserve, PCL injury) and just lost their first game of the year against an offseason team. Green Bay has an improved defense, an elite running back in Josh Jacobs and can potentially make some noise if Love is healthy. However, Green Bay doesn't feel as threatening right now as an 11-win team probably should.



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