NFC playoff picture: Division crowns still up for grabs

Ten weeks are in the books and the NFC playoff picture is still difficult to discern.

By James Dator Nov 12, 2013, 6:57pm EST

Week 10 in the NFL made only one division race more clear as the Seattle Seahawks extended their lead in the NFC West to three games.

San Francisco needed a win over Carolina to narrow the gap, but that task is extremely difficult following their loss. The 49ers still hold a wild card spot at 6-3, but the head-to-head loss made Carolina leapfrog San Francisco in the conference standings. This wont play a role now, but could set up an interesting scenario if Arizona continue to win games and pressure for a playoff spot. Importance could be placed on a Week 16 matchup with the Cardinals to determine final seeding.

The NFC East remains firmly up in the air following a Cowboys' loss and Eagles' victory. Both teams are currently at 5-5, with Dallas currently holding the playoff spot due its head-to-head win. These sides will meet again in Week 16, which could determine the division winner. The Giants and Redskins are still in the hunt, but are two games behind at 3-6.

Quarterback injuries in the NFC North could shape the division for the rest of the season. It's unclear if the Green Bay Packers can remain in the hunt after losing Aaron Rodgers while Chicago have less of a long-term issue with Jay Cutler. These factors have combined to give Detroit a one game lead, but they are the only healthy team in the division without quarterback issues.

The NFC South could be the most interesting division to watch in the last six weeks. New Orleans hold a one game lead, but Carolina is just one game back and still have two games against the Saints in hand. Everything will come down to those two games in Week 14 and 16, with the winner almost assuredly getting the top seed.