Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders narrowly defeated Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime.

This has solidified the leaders’ place in the NFC playoffs. The question is where.

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In fact, there are still a lot of variables that could change before the end of the regular season next week.

So, here’s the NFC Playoff picture as it stands now and what fans can expect heading into Week 18.

LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 29: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

Scott Teach/Getty Images

No. 1/No. 5th place: Minnesota Vikings / Detroit Lions

Since the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, they remain in a fighting position for the top seed in the NFC.

The only team standing ahead of them is the Detroit Lions who face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. However, it doesn’t matter whether Detroit wins or loses, as long as it doesn’t tie.

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Since the Lions beat the Vikings when they last faced each other, the Lions would have broken the tie if they had the same record.

So, whoever wins in Week 18 will get a bye into the first round of the NFC playoffs and home-court advantage in the second round. The loser will take the No. 5 seed and face the No. 4 seed at home.

Second place: Philadelphia Eagles

With the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the rival Dallas Cowboys and a 13-3 record, Philadelphia has firmly established itself as the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

This would give the Eagles a home advantage over the No. 7 seed in the first round of the playoffs.

Third place: Los Angeles Rams

The leaders who beat the Falcons didn’t just cement their spot in the NFC playoffs. It also secured the Los Angeles Rams the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs.

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Now, whether the Rams win or lose in Week 18, they will have home-field advantage in the first round.

Fourth place: Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Atlanta Falcons

The last contested spot in the NFC Playoff is in the NFC South between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Falcons.

Had the Falcons beaten the Leaders, they would have solidified their spot in the postseason. Instead, it’s about whether or not Tampa Bay beats the New Orleans Saints.

If the Bucs win next week, they will take the No. 4 seed. If they lose and the Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta will head to the playoffs.

No. 6/7 Place: Washington Commanders/Green Bay Packers

The last two Wild Card spots belong to the Commanders and Green Bay Packers. However, there are still some questions about who goes where.

Since both teams have an 11-5 record, it comes down to who has a better position in their conference.

If Washington beats the Cowboys in Week 18, they will capture the sixth seed. If they lose and the Packers beat the Chicago Bears, Green Bay will be in sixth place.

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For more NFL news, head to Newsweek Sports.

By BBC

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