NFC Playoff Betting: Contenders, Predictions, and Futures Before Week 15

As for the rest of the NFC, longshot or not, every team has at last a shred of hope to make the playoffs. At least statistically speaking. We can, however, pass over some of the bigger longshots in the interest of time. Teams like the Chicago Bears, who somehow are still alive at 4-9, can be ignored, especially because they have the most brutal schedule left in the entire league, with their final four opponents boasting an average win rate of .769.

Here’s a quick rundown of what is happening near the top of the NFC playoff race.

• Lions: 13-2, closing in on the No. 1 seed.
• Eagles: 12-2, maintaining pressure.
• Vikings: 12-3, solidifying the No. 3 seed.
• Buccaneers: 8-6, NFC South champs.
• Packers: 10-4, dangerous Wild Card team.
• Seahawks: 8-6, clinging to the No. 6 spot.
• Commanders: 9-5, surviving the chase from the Rams.

It’s time to dig a little deeper and discuss where each of these contenders is and what the NFL news might hold for them in the coming weeks.

I make a few NFL predictions today to keep your sportsbook app open and ready to wager on a few futures.

6 NFL Playoff Predictions for the NFC Conference

1. Lions Locking Up the No. 1 Seed

The Lions (12-1) are in prime position to secure the top spot in the NFC. They control their destiny with a 75% chance of clinching the No. 1 seed, especially with a critical Week 18 matchup against the Vikings. However, their fifth-ranked strength of schedule leaves room for potential upsets, particularly against a Bills team fighting for its own playoff positioning.

Prediction: The Lions split their remaining games but still claim the No. 1 seed due to their head-to-head tiebreaker over the Eagles. They’re an excellent NFL expert pick to win the conference

The Lions are getting dangerously close to having four 1,000-yard weapons on offense pic.twitter.com/mwqrDSBvuU

— Barstool Detroit (@BSMotorCity) December 11, 2024

Bet on the Detroit Lions to Win the NFC (+135)

2. Eagles on Cruise Control, Secure No. 2 Seed

Philadelphia (11-2) has a lighter remaining schedule than the Lions and Vikings, giving them a solid path to at least the No. 2 seed. However, their narrow escape against the Panthers shows they’re not invincible. Their showdown against the Commanders in Week 16 could be a trap game.

Prediction: The Eagles finish 14-3, securing the No. 2 seed while keeping the pressure on Detroit.

3. Vikings Face Tough Climb, Go to Wild Card Round

The Vikings (11-2) have the fourth-hardest remaining schedule, which could derail their hopes of overtaking the Lions. Their Week 18 clash with Detroit is crucial, but even with a win, they’d need help to leapfrog them in the standings.

Prediction: The Vikings drop at least one game and settle for the No. 3 seed, relying on home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.

4. Packers and Seahawks Battle for Positioning

The Packers (9-4) and Seahawks (8-5) are on a collision course for a potential Wild Card Weekend rematch. Sunday’s showdown could serve as a playoff preview. Green Bay’s consistency gives them an edge, but Seattle’s stakes are higher, as a loss jeopardizes their playoff hopes.

Prediction: The Packers win, clinching their spot and sending the Seahawks into a must-win scenario in Week 16.

5. Commanders and Rams in a Tug-of-War

The Commanders (8-5) have a solid grip on the No. 7 seed but face pressure from the Rams (7-6), who have a slightly more favorable schedule. A tie between the Rams and 49ers in Week 15 would help Washington immensely, but their destiny is in their hands even without one.

Prediction: The Commanders hang on to the final spot while the Rams falter against more formidable opponents. Consider betting online on them to make the playoffs.

Bet on the Washington Commanders to Make the Playoffs (-500)

6. Buccaneers Hold the South, Win Division

The Bucs (7-6) lead a weak NFC South and benefit from their remaining schedule. While Atlanta (6-7) has a glimmer of hope, Tampa Bay’s tiebreaker and experience give them the edge.

THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS ARE IN FIRST PLACE!!! pic.twitter.com/Bi1VBp9hXI

— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) December 8, 2024

Prediction: The Buccaneers clinch the division with a 9-8 record, leaving the Falcons short.

Long Shot Hopes and Eliminations

• Falcons, Cardinals, and 49ers: They’ll need a miracle and help from other teams. Of these, the Falcons have the best chance but likely fall short.
• Cowboys, Saints, Bears, Panthers: These teams are all but eliminated and can only play spoiler. Don’t waste your money on these guys even with some tempting NFL odds for a historic comeback.

Bet on the NFL Playoffs at BetUS

Questions Of The Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets