Which NFC contenders will miss the playoffs?

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Montez Sweat #98 of the Chicago Bears tackles Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at Lumen Field on November 02, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images With the Chicago Bears’ emphatic win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, the NFC playoff picture is starting to become more clear, and it sure involves a lot of NFC North teams. After eight weeks, here’s the full playoff picture in the NFC.Division leaders:49ers: 6-1Vikings: 6-1Giants: 4-2-1Panthers: 3-4Wild Card race (top three advance) 5. Bears: 6-26. Lions: 5-27. Packers: 5-38. Seahawks: 4-49. Rams: 4-410. Buccaneers: 3-511. Falcons: 3-512. Cardinals: 3-513. Cowboys: 3-514. Commanders: 2-4-115. Saints: 2-516. Eagles: 2-6The way I currently see it, the only teams truly in contention are the top nine teams listed in the standings. Granted, the Bucs and Falcons could very well jump the Panthers in the NFC South, but it feels like a pretty safe bet at this point that only one of those three teams will make the postseason. Combine that with a Giants team comfortably in the lead in the NFC East, and there are really only five other playoff spots that seem up for grabs and seven teams vying for those five spots:49ersVikingsBearsLionsPackersSeahawksRamsAll seven of those teams have seen varying levels of success, and each team has some very strong strengths, and some weak weaknesses. So today’s Question of Day is: Which two teams amongst those seven contenders will miss the playoffs? My answer: First, I just want to point to how difficult this question is. I think all seven of these teams are likely worthy of the postseason, and it’s unfortunate we have to let an NFC South team take at least one of their places. Let me go backwards and announce the teams I’m most comfortable in making the playoffs. I think the Bears and 49ers both have a strong case for best team in the conference, as they are the only teams in the NFC that have both a top-10 scoring offense and defense. Interestingly, the Rams are the next closest team with the 10th and 12th ranked offense/defense, so I’m going to have them IN, as well, despite their slow start. They’ve got a couple of cupcake games (Commanders, Cardinals) before their bye, and they should be much healthier by then. It’s admittedly a gauntlet of games after that (Packers, Chiefs, 49ers, Seahawks x2), but I’ve got them in.I’m not 100% confident in the Lions, but I’m going to have them in, too. Their offense is humming with back-to-back strong performances against two of the best defenses in football (despite the low scoring). However, I am still significantly worried about their defense, particularly with the recent injuries. The defense played well over the last three games, but those were three poor offenses (Cardinals, Packers, Vikings). That leaves the Vikings, Packers, and Seahawks fighting for the final spot. Before I dive into them, it’s worth considering strength of remaining schedule. The Vikings have by far the hardest road of these three teams.Remaining strength of schedule, by opponent’s win percentage:Vikings: .580Packers: .561Seahawks: .486However, Minnesota has a two game lead over Green Bay and three over Seattle. Could the Vikings truly fall out of playoff contention after a 6-0 start? The next three games (vs. Bills, at Packers, at 49ers) will tell us a lot. But they also have games against the Falcons, Panthers, Commanders, and Jets remaining. I think they likely get to 10-11 wins, which will probably be enough to make it.The Packers and their struggling run game will also be tested soon. Their next three games are Patriots, Vikings, and Rams—with the Bills, Bears, and Lions still on the docket. They lose all of those games, and they’re already at nine losses. And while the Seahawks have the easiest schedule, with games against the Raiders, Cardinals, Cowboys, Eagles, and Panthers remaining, I can see them dropping games to the 49ers, Giants, and Rams (x2) still. That offense is looking putrid right now, and I’m not sure how much their admittedly elite defense can help.So my two teams out are the Packers and Seahawks. However, I think every NFC team outside the Bears and 49ers are capable of falling out of the race. Which two teams do you think will fall out of the race? Answer in the comment section below. Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.