Welcome back to the Weekly, let’s talk NFC! Last week we went over the situation in the AFC, so now it’s on to the other half of the league. As of last week, there were three NFC teams eliminated. The Giants joined the ranks of the disappointed after losing to the Eagles by eight, bringing the tally to four. Elsewhere in the East, the Cowboys and Commanders both lost. Dallas’ loss to the Dolphins means each of those teams, thanks to very, very favorable schedules, have clinched a playoff spot while sporting just one win against a winning team. And the Cowboys’ defeat of Philadelphia is looking a bit less impressive every week, as Philly looks to be fading down the stretch. However, thanks to snapping their three game losing streak (albeit in decidedly unimpressive fashion), the Iggles are in the driver’s seat due to a game cushion and a cushy final two games against Arizona and the Giants. The Cowboys do get to finish against Washington, but have to face Detroit this weekend. And although I think they’ll beat the Lions (they’ve been dominant at home and Micah Parsons spells trouble for Goff), all the Eagles need to do is win out. I believe they will.

In the North, the title has been decided. The Lions have finally won the North for the first time (they last won the old Central 30 years ago), and despite giving up big play after big play (after big play) against Nick Mullens in the passing game, they also managed four interceptions against that same Nick Mullens. This includes the game sealer near the Detroit goal line by Ifeatu Melifonwu, who appears to have found his niche as a big play safety who can also contribute QB pressure. The Vikings and Packers are now both in a group of four battling it out for the final wildcard, which makes this weekend’s tilt especially important. The loser is in real trouble, so both teams will be fired up. Definitely one to watch. The Bears are still alive, but just. They are playing two other teams in the hunt in Atlanta and Green Bay, but even if they win those two, they’ll need tons of help.

Out West, the 49ers have the division clinched. If they drop either of their last two (Commanders and Rams), they are in danger of losing the #1 seed, so they still have something to play for. The team that’s really rolling is the Rams, who have won five of six and get to play the Giants next. Seattle is even with L.A. at 8-7, and appears to have recovered from that four game losing streak with a pair of 20-17 victories over the Eagles and Titans. Even so, I’d give the edge to the Rams (despite that impending S.F. season closer) because Stafford is rolling again and he can beat anyone when he’s on. The Cardinals are eliminated and will need to decide what to do about Kyler Murray next year. A full tear down looks entirely possible. The Warner and Fitzgerald days are feeling pretty far way right about now.

And the division with the most intrigue is the South, with three teams within a game of each other. Tampa Bay leads Atlanta and New Orleans thanks to four straight wins. They’re also getting some pretty solid quarterback play for Baker Mayfield. The Saints are fortunate enough to get to play the Bucs and the Falcons to close out the season, so they have a strong hand in shaping their destiny. Atlanta gets to play the Bears, but Chicago is 5-4 in their last nine, so it will be no gimme. Tampa is both playing the best, but has to face the Saints (the tougher of the two others challengers, in my opinion), and then the Panthers. Carolina is terrible, so that gives the Buccos one to go with the one game lead they already have. I think that’s enough. All this infighting in the South bodes well for the other wildcard aspirants (the Rams, the Cowboys, the Seahawks, the Vikings, and the Packers). If I had to guess, the three wildcards will go to the Rams, Cowboys, and Packers. No matter who gets in, it should be a thrilling finish to a very unpredictable year!