Week 15 NFC Playoff Picture: Eagles get reality check, 49ers find back momentum, Vikings assert dominance, and more

Every team in the NFC has four games left in the 2024 regular season, and the playoff picture looks significantly clearer. The Philadelphia Eagles got a reality check from the Carolina Panthers, the San Francisco 49ers remembered how to be dominant against the Chicago Bears, and the Minnesota Vikings ran riot in the return of a franchise icon.

Ahead of Week 15, let's examine the NFC Playoff Picture and where each team in the conference currently stands.

NFC playoff picture heading into Week 15

1. The Philadelphia Eagles get a reality check against the Panthers

The Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) came into the game against the Carolina Panthers as clear favorites. They were on a nine-game winning streak, Saquon Barkley was on a historic stretch, and their defense was frustrating opponents at a steady clip.

However, the Eagles needed a late-game drop from rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette to defeat the lowly Carolina Panthers. Nick Sirianni's side wasn't their usual dominant self, and this wake-up call could prove vital in a couple of weeks when the playoffs begin.

2. The Minnesota Vikings assert dominance over sorry Falcons

Kirk Cousins returned to the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) for the first time since he took his talents to Atlanta to play for the Falcons. It was a nightmare return for the perennial Pro Bowler as the Vikings routed the Falcons in a display of dominance.

Sam Darnold was thoroughly impressive, Justin Jefferson was impeccable, and the Vikings are now 11-2. In January, the Vikings will be a nightmare opponent for an unlucky NFC team in the wildcard round.

3. The San Francisco 49ers find momentum in statement win over the Chicago Bears

Many analysts wrote off the 49ers ahead of their Week 14 clash against the Chicago Bears. Hence, it must have pleased 49ers' fans when Brock Purdy and Co. put up 38 points on the Caleb Williams-led Chicago Bears.

The victory puts the 49ers on 6-7 heading into Week 14. They have fixtures against the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals to close the season. It will be a dicey home stretch for Kyle Shanahan's side.

Overview of NFC playoff picture after Week 14

1. Detroit Lions - 12-1

2. Philadelphia Eagles - 11-2

3. Seattle Seahawks - 8-5

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 7-6

5. Minnesota Vikings - 11-2

6. Green Bay Packers - 9-4

7. Washington Commanders - 8-5

Currently out of playoff spots

8. Los Angeles Rams - 7-6

9. Atlanta Falcons - 6-7

10. Arizona Cardinals - 6-7

11. San Francisco 49ers - 6-7

12. Dallas Cowboys - 5-8

13. New Orleans Saints - 5-8

14. Chicago Bears - 4-9

15. Carolina Panthers - 3-10

16. New York Giants - 2-11 - Eliminated