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The NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer by the week. Several spots have already been determined. With just over a month remaining in the regular season, a few division title races still hang in the balance. In some cases, these races will only affect playoff seeding. In others, those who fall short will miss the playoffs entirely. I’ve predicted the NFL’s closest division title races.
NFC North
The NFC North is the best division in the NFL by a mile. Heading into Week 14, the Lions, Vikings, and Packers all still have a shot at claiming the division title. Each team has been dominant for stretches of the year. The Vikings have been the most surprising team in the league this season, led by a career resurgence from Sam Darnold. The Packers have continued last year’s red-hot form, bowling over lesser opponents. The Lions, however, have stood head and shoulders above the rest. Detroit’s forceful, calculated style of play will carry them to the division title.
NFC South
Now that the league’s best division is out of the way, let’s address its worst. Throughout the early stretch of the season, the Falcons and Buccaneers both seemed to be true contenders. As the season has progressed, the entirety of the division has regressed to what we’ve known it to be. Atlanta has let a substantial lead slip away, as they’re currently tied with Tampa Bay in the standings. I have no trust whatsoever in the Falcons’ defensive front. For that reason, I’ll pick the Buccaneers to win the division for the fourth straight year.
NFC West
The NFC West may be the most confusing division in the NFL this season. The defending NFC champion 49ers are on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the two teams in the division that missed the playoffs in 2023 are fighting for the top spot. Arizona has been a pleasant surprise but may lack the talent on defense to sustain success. Seattle has leaned on a highly variable offense to carry them to their current 7-5 record. The Seahawks’ defense has improved significantly in recent weeks. These two teams face off on Sunday afternoon in Arizona. I have the Seahawks winning and taking control of the division.
AFC North
Before the season started, we knew that two teams would contend for the AFC North title. We didn’t know that the Steelers would be one of them. Pittsburgh has relied on an elite defensive front and a relatively mistake-free version of Russell Wilson to lead them to a 9-3 record. At 8-4, Baltimore is not far behind. On most weekends, the Ravens look unstoppable. But just when you begin to trust Baltimore’s dominance, they fall flat. Still, it’s hard not to pick Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to earn another division title.
