DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are in a really good spot in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed.
After their win over the Vikings last weekend, Detroit and Minnesota are tied atop the conference at 5-1. Since the Lions currently own the head-to-head tiebreaker, they would be the No. 1 seed if the postseason began today.
But it doesn‘t. There‘s still nearly two-thirds of the season left to play. So we probably don’t know nearly as much about these teams as we think.
As of right now, the NFC has been a bit of a surprise. Sure, the North was expected to be deep, but all four teams have winning records and they all look like legit playoff contenders.
In the West, the San Francisco 49ers are off to a shocking 3-4 start. It‘s largely because of injuries, but that doesn’t matter in the standings -- 3-4 is 3-4. The fact that the Lions have a three-game lead in the loss column is a major advantage.
The Cowboys have looked awful, and nobody in the South appears to be a true No. 1 seed contender, considering Tampa Bay’s recent injuries.
So who are the biggest threats?
1. Minnesota Vikings
I know, the Lions just beat the Vikings on the road. But I still think this is the most dangerous team for Detroit.
Minnesota is one play away from being 6-0 with a two-game lead in the North. And it has the point differential to back up its hot start.
The tiebreaker between the Vikings and Packers: The Vikings already went into Green Bay and came out with a win, and Jordan Love played in that game.
With Justin Jefferson healthy and Sam Darnold solidifying the quarterback position, the Vikings have the two pieces that were missing from last year’s team.
It also helps that the next four games -- Rams, Colts, Jaguars, Titans -- give the Vikings a chance to start another winning streak.
2. Green Bay Packers
I’m staying in the division once again. How many teams could lose their star quarterback for two games and still start 5-2?
Love has been a little turnover prone early in the season, but the Packers have still been one of the best teams in the league. Their only losses came by two points to the Vikings and five points to the Philadelphia Eagles.
One factor that‘s working in Green Bay’s favor is that it still has both head-to-head games against the Lions. And when the two teams meet in Week 9, the Lions will be without the suspended Jameson Williams.
The Packers have a pretty tough remaining schedule, but it looks like they’ll hang around near the top of the division for the long haul.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The 49ers are going to make a run at some point this season. But they‘ve already spotted the Lions three games. So I’m going with the Eagles at No. 3.
Philadelphia completely fell apart late last year and has looked iffy at times this season. But at 4-2, this team is still within striking distance.
Saquon Barkley has been a difference-maker for the Eagles, and now Jalen Hurts has both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith back on the field.
The defense has been solid all season, with the exception of the Buccaneers game. It’s a very complete team, on paper.
The Eagles have tricky road games remaining against the Bengals, Ravens, and Commanders, but there are mostly winnable games in between. It’s a team worth keeping an eye on.
