Updated NFC playoff picture after the Vikings bye in Week 13

Despite not playing a game in Week 13, the Minnesota Vikings actually rose up the standings in the current NFC playoff picture.

After 12 straight games, the Minnesota Vikings finally got to take some much-needed time off in Week 13. The Vikings will be back on the field in Week 14, but when they return from their bye, they'll be a higher seed in the NFC playoff picture than when they last played a game.

It's getting closer to the end of the season though, so if Minnesota wants to keep their current spot in the NFC playoff bracket, then they're going to have to win the majority of the five games they have left on their 2023 schedule.

Unfortunately, the top of the NFC North also became even further out of reach for the Vikings during their bye as the Detroit Lions were able to get their ninth win of the season on Sunday. Unless something drastic happens, Minnesota's best bet to get into the 2023 playoffs will likely be as one of the three wild-card teams.

NFC Playoff Picture after Week 13: Where do the Minnesota Vikings stand?

Following all of the games that were played around the conference during the last few days, below is how the NFC playoff picture currently looks.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)*
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)*
3. Detroit Lions (9-3)*
4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)*
5. Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
6. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
7. Green Bay Packers (6-6)

* = Division Leader

In the Hunt

8. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
9. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
11. New Orleans Saints (5-7)

The Rest

12. New York Giants (4-8)
13. Chicago Bears (4-8)
14. Washington Commanders (4-9)
15. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
16. Carolina Panthers (1-11)

First-Round Matchups if the Playoffs Started Today

• Green Bay Packers (7) at San Francisco 49ers (2)
• Minnesota Vikings (6) at Detroit Lions (3)
• Dallas Cowboys (5) at Atlanta Falcons (4)

(Philadelphia Eagles (1) have a bye until the second round)