NFC Playoff Picture: Carolina Panthers win, but can’t move into playoff spot

The Carolina Panthers were in first place for a few minutes in the NFC South but after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a moments after the Panthers did, the Bucs are back in front. The two teams play twice in the final three weeks of the season, so there is plenty of opportunity still.

Elsewhere in the playoff picture, the Chicago Bears ascended to the top spot, passing the Los Angeles Rams who lost on Sunday. The Bears’ Black Friday win also knocked the Philadelphia Eagles to third in the NFC.

The Seattle Seahawks rocked the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon to stick in the fifth spot.

The Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers both won on Sunday to secure wild card slots for another week.

The Detroit Lions lost on Thanksgiving and stay outside of the playoff picture for now followed by the Sallas Cowboys and the Panthers.

NFC South standings after Week 13

The Panthers and Buccaneers both won on Sunday, so the order stays the same with Tampa Bay in first and the Panthers just behind them. The Atlanta Falcons lost a late heartbreaker and the New Orleans Saints were eliminated from the playoff picture in Week 13.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)2. Carolina Panthers (7-6)3. Atlanta Falcons (4-8)4. New Orleans Saints (2-10)

NFC standings during Week 13

1. Chicago Bears (9-3, 6-2 AFC)2. Los Angeles Rams (9-3, win over SEA, 4-3 NFC)3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)5. Seattle Seahawks (9-3, loss to LAR)6. Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)8. Detroit Lions (7-5)9. Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)10. Carolina Panthers (7-6)11. Atlanta Falcons (4-8)12. Minnesota Vikings (4-7)13. Washington Commanders (3-8)14. e-Arizona Cardinals (3-9)15. e-New Orleans Saints (2-9)16. e-New York Giants (2-10)

The New York Giants were eliminated from playoff contention previously and now the Arizona Cardinals are also eliminated along with the Saints.