NFC Playoff Picture: Saints on top of NFC heading into Week 14

Week 14 kicks off tomorrow with the Bears hosting the Cowboys in a battle of .500 teams looking to improve their status in the NFL Playoff Picture. For the New Orleans Saints (10-2), it was quite a good week, as they were able to clinch the NFC South for the third straight year while simultaneously eliminating the Falcons from the playoffs. What’s even better for the black and gold is moving into the top spot in the NFC Playoff hunt after the Seahawks knocked off the Vikings. You can find the full NFL playoff picture here.

NFC Playoffs - At a Glance

1. Saints (10-2)
2. Seahawks (10-2)
3. Packers (9-3)
4. Cowboys (6-6)
5. 49ers (10-2)
6. Vikings (8-4)
7. Rams (7-5)
8. Bears (6-6)
9. Buccaneers (5-7)
10. Eagles (5-7)
11. Panthers (5-7)
12. Redskins (3-9)
13. Lions (3-8-1)
14. Cardinals (3-8-1)
15. Falcons (3-9)
16. Giants (2-10)

Around the NFC South: The Falcons are out of the playoff hunt for 2019, while the Buccaneers and Panthers cling to a prayer to get into the postseason. Ron Rivera got fired on Tuesday, which was quite a shock given the timing. Carolina travels to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, while the Tampa Bay hosts the Colts. Both are noon kickoffs.

The Saints have already clinched a playoff berth, and currently hold home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Matchups to watch: The Seahawks and Rams duel on Sunday Night Football, while the Saints host the 49ers at noon. The Packers entertain the lowly Redskins, who actually beat the Panthers last week. Finally, the Vikings host the Lions.

Playoff clinching scenarios: The 49ers and Seahawks can earn a playoff berth by doing the following this week.

San Francisco clinches playoff berth with:

1. SF win + LAR loss or tie OR
2. SF tie + LAR loss

Seattle clinches playoff berth with:​

1. SEA win or tie