NFC Playoff Picture, Week 13: Packers drop to 10th place, Cowboys move into 4th

While it’s true that the Green Bay Packers are still technically alive in the NFC playoff race, it sure feels like last night’s 24-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was a death knell for their postseason hopes in 2018. At 4-6-1 with five games left, the Packers sit essentially two games back of Washington, the NFC’s current sixth seed, with three other teams between the Green and Gold and the Wild Card.

It’s an ugly situation to be in, and the team knows it. Aaron Rodgers talked about it after Sunday’s game, acknowledging that the team has to win out and get some help to have any hope of making a playoff run.

Meanwhile, results around the conference shook up a few playoff spots this week. Seattle’s win in Carolina draws both teams even at 6-5, and Dallas’ victory over Washington did the same. The Cowboys now hold a lead in the NFC East, however, with Washington clinging to tiebreakers over the Seahawks and Panthers for the time being.

Here’s a look at where things stand heading into week 13.

Current Playoff Teams

1. New Orleans Saints (10-1)
2. Los Angeles Rams (10-1)
3. Chicago Bears (8-3)
4. Dallas Cowboys (6-5)
5. Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1)
6. Washington (6-5)

Still in the hunt

7. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
8. Carolina Panthers (6-5)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
10. Green Bay Packers (4-6-1)

Probably done

11. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
13. Detroit Lions (4-7)
14. New York Giants (3-8)
15. Arizona Cardinals (2-9)
16. San Francisco 49ers (2-9)