Entering Week 7 of the 2018 NFL season, the NFC is as top-heavy as expected, as only seven teams have winning records. The conference has a clear-cut favorite in the league's only undefeated team, but there are some surprises in terms of what teams have experienced slow starts.
With the Rams rolling, there are 10 other teams battling for five spots, including a notable squad currently under .500.
NFL playoff picture: NFC
Who would be in:
1. Rams (6-0), first in NFC West
The Rams are making their methodical march toward home-field advantage. Their biggest concern in that regard is their game against the surging Saints on the road in three weeks. Even a 14-2 record might not be enough to lock up this seed.
2. Saints (4-1), first in NFC South
The Saints stubbed their toe in a shootout with the Buccaneers in Week 1 and also survived the Browns at home in Week 2. Since then, though, they've gotten stronger defensively and now have their running game where they want it. They will be hard to knock down from at least this seed.
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3. Redskins (3-2), first in NFC East
The Redskins have a decent resume with wins over the Packers and Panthers. But their results against the Colts and Saints are just as confusing. This feels more like an 8-8 team than a division winner over the Eagles or Cowboys.
4. Bears (3-2), first in NFC North
The Bears could be 5-0, but they couldn't finish in the fourth quarter against the Packers and Dolphins. Their offense is revving it up, but now their defense doesn't look as invincible. In the end, they still look like the third best team in the division.
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5. Panthers (3-2), wild card
The Panthers have impressive home wins over the Cowboys and Bengals and frustrating road losses to the Falcons and Redskins; the escape against the Giants lies somewhere in between. The maddening home-away inconsistency makes them either an 11-win team or a seven-win team.
6. Packers (3-2-1), wild card
Aaron Rodgers came through against the 49ers, but the Packers need to work on their defensive issues during the bye. Their next two games, against the Rams and Patriots, are on the road. There will be nothing easy for them the rest of the way, as they also need to play in Seattle, Minnesota and Chicago.
Who would be just out:
7. Vikings (3-2-1)
8. Seahawks (3-3)
9. Cowboys (3-3)
10. Eagles (3-3)
Any outcome other than the Vikings and Eagles winning their respective divisions is less realistic now that both teams are playing as expected. They should soon join the Rams and Saints as no-brainer repeat teams.
Although the Seahawks beat the Cowboys, Dallas has an edge with a more favorable second-half schedule.
Who can still get in:
15. Falcons (2-4)
The Buccaneers (2-3) and Lions (2-3) have slightly better records, but they should be lumped in with the Cardinals (1-5) as non-contenders. As for the Falcons, even with their major defensive injuries, Matt Ryan and the offense are keeping them in every game, and their upcoming schedule outside of the division is favorable.
Atlanta will not win the NFC South, but it can fight for a wild card in a conference where 9-7 might do it.
