NFC Playoff Image and Wild Card standings after Week 5 [Updated]

Let’s verify the heart beat on the NFC Playoff Image and NFC Wild Card standings now that we’re via Week 5 of the season. 

It’s by no means too early to start out eager about the NFL Playoffs, particularly this time of 12 months.

Issues will undoubtedly change primarily based on the huge quantity of soccer left to play however there’s nothing stopping us from taking the heart beat on the place issues stand. The truth is, checking in now will assist us chart the trail to the postseason and watch which groups settle right into a groove and which of them squander excellent positioning.

It’s additionally cool to see which groups are approach out of the image however discover themselves within the thick of issues when every thing comes into focus later within the season.

Observe: This might be up to date after the late slate video games conclude. No NFC groups play in primetime in Week 5. 

Up to date NFC Playoff Image after Week 5

Right here’s a take a look at what the NFC Playoff Image can be if the playoffs began immediately. Clearly, they don’t and there’s nonetheless lots of soccer left to play. So method this realizing that and take a giant deep breath if you end up getting labored up about how issues are going to vary between now and the top of the season.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
4. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
5. New York Giants (4-1)
6. Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
7. Inexperienced Bay Packers (3-2)

Based mostly on these standings, right here’s what the playoff matchups would appear to be for the primary weekend of motion:

• (2) Minnesota Vikings vs. (7) Inexperienced Bay Packers
• (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. (6) Dallas Cowboys
• (4) San Francisco 49ers vs. (5) New York Giants

Every higher-seeded staff would host its Wild Card Weekend matchup. The Philadelphia Eagles would have a first-round bye with the No. 1 seed and host any playoff recreation they play in.

NFC Wild Card standings after Week 5

Identical to final 12 months, the NFC can have three Wild Card groups. In years previous solely two Wild Card groups punched a ticket to the playoffs, however the brand new postseason construction means there’s an additional staff enjoying on Wild Card Weekend.

Usually the lowest-seeded staff would play the third-best division winner. Now the lowest-seeded staff performs the second-best staff — which looks as if a uncooked deal however won’t find yourself mattering an excessive amount of primarily based on the parity within the NFC this season.

Right here’s what the Wild Card standings appear to be after Week 5:

1. New York Giants (4-1)
2. Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
3. Inexperienced Bay Packers (3-2)
4. Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
5. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
6. Seattle Seahawks (2-3)
7. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
8. Chicago Bears (2-3)
9. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
10. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
11. Detroit Lions (1-4)
12. Washington Commanders (1-4)

NFC Playoff Image Tiebreaker Eventualities

With so many groups tied within the standings, a handful of tiebreakers come into play primarily based on varied components associated to the schedule.

• 49ers win a tiebreak over the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals primarily based on head-to-head win share.
• Rams win a tiebreak over the Cardinals and Seahawks primarily based on head-to-head win share.
• Falcons win a tiebreak over Bears primarily based on power of victory.
• Panthers maintain a tiebreak over New Orleans primarily based on head-to-head win share.
• Lions win tie break over Washington primarily based on head-to-head win share.