NFC Playoff Picture Week 17: Cowboys sink ship, Lions secure berth with division title, Packers keep knocking

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NFC Playoff Picture Week 17: Cowboys sink ship, Lions secure berth with division title, Packers keep knocking
NFC Playoff Picture Week 17: Cowboys sink ship, Lions secure berth with division title, Packers keep knocking

We have an intriguing NFC playoff picture heading into Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season. While a few teams have already confirmed their playoff berths, others are still hunting for the postseason.

Some teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, have sealed their divisional titles with two matchdays remaining. Here's a look at the NFC playoff picture near the end of Week 16.


NFC Playoff Picture heading into Week 17

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

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Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys (10-5) suffered their second defeat in a row when they lost 22-20 to the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Eve in Week 16. Mike McCarthy's team has already qualified for the playoffs but remains second in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles (10-4).

The Eagles will now look to snap their three-game losing streak when they host the New York Giants on Monday. A win for Philadelphia will put the team in the driving seat to clinch the division.


Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions (11-4) continued their impressive run in Week 16, recording an impressive 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). The victory helped the Lions clinch their NFC North divisional title as well.

Detroit is considered one of the strongest teams in the conference this season. Dan Campbell's team will finish the regular season with a trip to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 before facing the Vikings again in Week 18.


Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers (7-8) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 33-30 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. Matt LaFleur's team is currently third in the NFC North but still has an outside chance of reaching the playoffs.

The Packers will have to beat the Vikings in Week 17 and the Chicago Bears in Week 18 to remain in contention for the playoffs. With Jordan Love finding some form in recent weeks, there's still a chance for Green Bay to play in the postseason.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) lead the NFC North division after Week 16. Todd Bowles' side is currently on a four-game win streak.

The Buccaneers will square off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. A win could put them in a firm place to qualify for the playoffs.


Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks (7-8) are third in the NFC West. They recently took down the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.

The Seahawks will reach the playoffs if they win both their games in hand.


Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams (7-8) are still in contention to reach the playoffs heading into Week 17. Sean McVay's side beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 to continue their good run.

If the Rams can get two wins in their remaining two regular season games, they will make it to the postseason.


New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints (7-8) lost to the Rams in Week 16. However, they still have an outside chance of making the playoffs.

If the Saints win their two remaining games, they could finish at the summit of the NFC North. They face the Buccaneers in Week 17 before hosting the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18.


Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons (7-8) kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. However, they will need to continue that momentum heading into Week 17.

The Falcons have an outside chance of reaching the playoffs but will need to depend on other results to qualify for the postseason.

Detroit Lions Fans! Check out the latest Lions Schedule and dive into the Detroit Lions Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Anantaajith Raghuraman
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