NFL playoff picture takes on a different look after Washington win

Week 13 saw the majority of NFC teams retain their spot in the playoff picture with only one team dropping out. The Cardinals, the Bucs, the Cowboys and the Rams all secured vital wins, while a poor loss for the Vikings seems to have them dumped out altogether.

Every week there are going to be huge ramifications on games, and this week was no different.

SK takes an in-depth look at the NFC playoff picture.

NFC Playoff Picture: Where do the teams rank?

#1 - Arizona Cardinals (10-2)

This week: 33-22 w v Chicago
Top performer: James Connor (20 rush attempts, 75 yards)
Next week: Monday v Rams, (8:15 pm, ESPN)

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Kyler Murray made his return to the team in Sunday's win over the Bears. Murray only threw 15 times for the game as Kliff Kingsbury went with a more run-oriented gameplan. James Conner totaled 20 carries for 75 yards.

The defense picked off Andy Dalton four times, with Jordan Hicks grabbing two sacks as the Cardinals ran out easy winners.

#2 - Green Bay Packers (9-3)

This week: Bye
Top performer: NA
Next week: Sunday v Bears (8:20, NBC)

The Packers finally got their bye, and it came at the perfect time. Aaron Rodgers and a host of other starters got some much-needed rest as they continued to build up for a Super Bowl assault.

The team best positioned for a Super Bowl run other than the Cardinals, the Packers will face the Bears on Sunday night as they look to continue their supreme form.

#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3)

This week: 30-17 W v Falcons
Top performer- Chris Godwin (15 rec, 143 yards)
Next week: Sunday v Bills (4:25, CBS)

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers dealt with the Falcons rather easily, even though the scoreline suggests a tight game. Chris Godwin had his way with 15 catches for 143 yards. Rob Gronkowski grabbed another two touchdowns in the win.

The Buccaneers are hitting their straps at the right time, and we will get a better idea of just where they sit when they face the Bills next week.

#4 - Dallas Cowboys (8-4)

This week: 27-17 W v Saints
Top performer: Ceedee Lamb (7 rec, 89 yards, 1 rush, 33 yards)
Next week: Sunday v Washington, (1pm Fox)

Dallas secured a much-needed win over the Taysom Hill-led Saints. While still not the most well-oiled team we saw in the opening weeks, the Cowboys did enough to get the win.

Dallas face a red-hot Washington twice in three weeks, so we will get a better understanding of the NFC East picture. Dallas are still a force in the NFC, but they need to iron out their kinks to mount a serious challenge.

#5 - Los Angeles Rams (8-4)

This week: 37-7 W v Jaguars
Top performer: Sony Michel (24 carries, 121 yards)
Next week: Monday @ Cardinals (8:15pm, ESPN)

After being seriously out of form, the Rams got back to winning ways, as many thought they would, against the Jaguars. Sony Michel led the way on the ground with 121 rushing yards. Cooper Kupp did his thing yet again, catching eight passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.

We will know everything we need to know about the Rams next Monday night after their clash with the Cardinals. If the Rams want to have any hope of winning the division and knocking the Cardinals out of the number one seed spot, a win is a must.

#6 - Washington Football Team (6-6)

This week: 17-15 W v Raiders
Top performer: Antonio Gibson (23 carries, 88 yards)
Next week: Sunday @ Cowboys (1pm, FOX)

In the biggest surprise of the weekend. Taylor Heinicke and Washington catapulted themselves into the playoff picture to become the number six seed.

On the back of a four-game winning streak, Washington are quietly going about their business. Heinicke is playing consistent football, Antonio Gibson is giving them a run game, and Terry McLaurin is a threat wherever he lines up.

#7 - San Francisco 49ers (6-6)

This week: 30-23 L v Seahawks
Top performer: George Kittle ( 9 rec, 181 yards 2 TD)
Next week: Sunday @ Bengals ( 4:25 p.m., CBS)

The 49ers saw their three-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday thanks to Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Despite the loss, the 49ers did not move in their playoff seeding, which will be a relief for fans.

Jimmy Garoppolo was picked off twice by the Seahawks while tight end George Kittle was back with an almighty bang, catching nine passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.

Current NFC Playoff Matchups

No. 1 Arizona (bye)
No. 7 San Francisco @ No. 2 Green Bay
No. 6 Washington @ No. 3 Tampa Bay
No. 5 Los Angeles Rams @ No. 4 Dallas

Also check out: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

About the author

Adam Schultz is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 5 years of experience. He prides himself on the accurate reporting of facts by double-checking every piece of information in his articles, and knows what exactly to highlight in them owing to his in-depth knowledge of the teams he covers.

Adam is a supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, who were the first team he saw play. Dez Bryant is his all-time favorite player, mostly due to the wide receiver's athleticism and the unique lack of weaknesses in his game.

If Adam could go back in time and watch any game, he would want to witness the “Dez Caught It” playoff game from January 2015, where Bryant and the Cowboys lost 26-21 to the Green Bay Packers in highly controversial circumstances at Lambeau Field.

When he isn't writing about or watching football, Adam enjoys doing sports photography.

Know More

Green Bay Packers Fans! Check out the latest Packers Schedule and dive into the Green Bay Packers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Piyush Bisht

NFL Playoff Picture: Washington move into playoff spot, Vikings drop out after embarrassing loss to winless Lions