2023 NFL playoffs: Breaking down the final NFC wild card contenders, with remaining schedules, predictions

With Week 16 in the books, the majority of the NFC’s playoff spots are accounted for. The Eagles (13-2), Vikings (12-3), 49ers (11-4) and Cowboys (11-4) are all guaranteed entry, and two of those teams have already clinched their respective divisions. So what’s left to play for? A lot, actually. Both the NFC East and NFC South are still up for grabs, with Philly and Dallas fighting for the former and three different teams vying for the latter. And then there’s the crowded wild card race.

Because both the Eagles and Cowboys have already clinched playoff berths, one of the NFC’s three wild card spots is already filled; whichever of those rivals fails to claim the East will be no lower than the No. 5 seed in the conference. The final two spots, No. 6 and No. 7, are much more unclear, with seven different teams mathematically in contention.

Here’s a look at all seven of those hopefuls, including their remaining schedules, projected outlooks and predicted finishes:

Overview: Brian Daboll’s squad has been just skating by lately; after a 7-2 start, they’ve won just one of their last six. Saquon Barkley is usually a wrecking ball when featured, and Daniel Jones has shown a lot of grit in a contract year with a makeshift receiving corps. But Wink Martindale’s defense has also been hit or miss, allowing 27+ points four times in the last month. They are built to win ugly in January, to be sure, but their ceiling, especially throwing and defending the pass, remains limited.

Remaining schedule: vs. Colts (4-9-1), at Eagles (13-2)

Overview: A three-game November win streak put them in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot, but they’ve not won since Thanksgiving Weekend, and now Carson Wentz may officially be back under center after replacing the turnover-happy Taylor Heinicke. Theoretically, Wentz offers more upside to a team with legitimate weapons outside, but they’ve been mercurial all year, boasting a feisty defensive front but too often failing to put up their own points.

Remaining schedule: vs. Browns (6-9), vs. Cowboys (11-4)