NFL Playoffs predictions for NFC: Cowboys, Buccaneers win divisions, Saints sneak in
The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but some postseason seeding and berths are still up for grabs in Week 18 of the NFL regular season schedule.
Which teams will seize the moment and make the postseason with their performances in Saturday and Sunday's games?
We predict the NFL playoff bracket and NFL postseason field for the NFC based on our NFL Week 18 game picks and predictions for the 16 games this week, with one surprise team sneaking into the NFC field after some big NFL Week 18 upsets.
Agree with our postseason prediction for the NFC? Do you think it will play out differently?
NFL Playoffs predictions for AFC: Division leader plummets after Week 18 loss
NFL Week 18 picks: Steelers at Ravens | Texans at Colts | Falcons at Saints | Browns at Bengals | Jaguars at Titans | Vikings at Lions | Jets at Patriots | Buccaneers at Panthers | Bears at Packers | Chiefs at Chargers | Eagles at Giants | Cowboys at Commanders | Broncos at Raiders | Rams at 49ers | Seahawks at Cardinals | Bills at Dolphins | Power rankings | Playoffs: AFC | NFC | Odds | TV
NFL Playoffs prediction: NFC playoff seeds
No. 1 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) - NFC West winner, top seed in conference
The 49ers have locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC. We're predicting they'll rest key players this week against the Los Angeles Rams and lose the game, giving them two weeks off with the bye in the first round of the playoffs.
More: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NFL in Week 18?
No. 2 Dallas Cowboys (12-5) - NFC East winner
We predict that the Cowboys will beat the Washington Commanders this week, giving them the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason, also giving them a chance to play at home at least until the NFC Championship Game.
More: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders picks, predictions, odds: Who wins in NFL Week 18?
No. 3 Detroit Lions (12-5) - NFC North winner
The Lions have locked up the NFC North, but we think they'll still play hard enough to beat the Minnesota Vikings this week and keep their NFC North rival out of the postseason.
More: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NFL Week 18 game?
No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) - NFC South winner
All the Buccaneers have to do to win the NFC South and the home playoff game that comes with it is beat the Carolina Panthers this week. We predict that they will get it done.
More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers picks, predictions: Who wins NFL Week 18 game?
No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) - Wild Card
The Eagles have struggled down the stretch, which likely will cost them the NFC East title. We think they'll beat the New York Giants this week, but Dallas' win over the Commanders will keep Philadelphia in the first wild-card spot.
More: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants picks, predictions, odds: Who wins in NFL Week 18?
No. 6 Los Angeles Rams (10-7) - Wild Card
The Rams are locked into a playoff spot, but could still end up as the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. We think they'll beat the 49ers on Sunday to get the No. 6 spot.
More: NFL Week 18 predictions, win probabilities for Rams vs. 49ers, other NFL Week 18 games
No. 7 New Orleans Saints (9-8) - Wild Card
Surprise? We’ve predicted that the Saints will beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday and with our predicted losses for the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, that will vault New Orleans from No. 9 in the NFC playoff standings to No. 7, giving them the final playoff berth in the conference.
More: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NFL Week 18 game?
NFL Playoffs prediction: NFC Wild-Card matchups
No. 7 New Orleans Saints at No. 2 Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys haven't lost a game at home all season and would likely be a huge favorite over the Saints, if this matchup were to happen.
NFC playoff picture Week 18: Buccaneers, Packers, Seahawks, Saints, Vikings, Falcons alive
No. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford returning to Detroit for a playoff game as the QB of the Lions? We're hoping this prediction comes true because this game would be very intriguing.
Who will win 2024 Super Bowl? San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens favored before Week 18
No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles at No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Philadelphia's consolation prize for losing the NFC East title would be their second trip to Tampa this season, if our prediction is accurate. The Eagles beat the Buccaneers on the road in Week 3, 25-11.
Click here to see the current NFC playoff picture, including playoff clinching scenarios for each team still in NFL postseason contention in the conference.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL Playoffs predictions for NFC: Postseason bracket after NFL Week 18
