NFC wild-card standings: How Rams win, Bears loss impacts the playoff picture in Week 14

The Week 14 victories by the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers had a drastic effect on the top of the NFC playoff picture, scrambling both the division and Wild Card races.

The Rams' big win moved their record to 10-3, elevating them back into the coveted No. 1 overall seed in the NFC and securing a crucial first-round playoff bye, contingent on conference tiebreakers. Their victory also intensified the NFC West race, as they are battling the Seattle Seahawks (10-3) for the division lead going into the final weeks of the season.

The most significant immediate impact, however, came from the Packers' dramatic win over the Chicago Bears. The victory, moving Green Bay to 9-3-1, instantly propelled them into first place in the NFC North division, bumping the Bears (9-4) out of a guaranteed playoff spot and straight into the congested Wild Card crowd.

This outcome changed the entire playoff seeding, turning the Packers from a Wild Card contender into a division leader, and simultaneously created a three-way logjam at the top of the NFC North/wild card race with the Bears and the Detroit Lions (8-5).

Here's how the two late games caused some chaos in the NFC.

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff pictures in Week 14

NFC wild-card standings

*Wild card spot

After Sunday, the division leaders are:

• Los Angeles Rams (NFC West)
• Green Bay Packers (NFC North)
• Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South)

Overall, the Rams, Packers and Seahawks wins on Sunday served to solidify the positions of the teams currently in the playoff field while making the battle for the remaining spots an absolute sprint. The NFC playoff picture is now composed of three 10-win teams, two 9-win teams, and two 8-win teams, meaning almost every remaining game involving a contender is now a must-win to secure favorable seeding or simply clinch a spot.

It's safe to say both the Rams and the Seahawks will make the playoffs, and the NFC West runner-up has a good chance to be the No. 5 seed. This team will go on the road to face the NFC South champion if things stay the same. Right behind the 10-3 Rams and Seahawks is the 9-4 San Francisco 49ers, who sit one game behind the division leaders while also holding the seventh wild card spot.

MORE BEARS-PACKERS NEWS:

• How Jordan Love is putting Packers on his back
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• Packers pass Bears for first place in NFC North
• How NFC wild-card race shapes up after Rams, Packers wins 

The Detroit Lions are currently the No. 8 seed, but if they keep winning, can set up a pivotal Week 18 clash against the Chicago Bears. The Lions beat the Bears in Week 2 and have the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Carolina Panthers also have a path to the playoffs, but it coming through the wild card is unlikely. But, Carolina is in a tie with Tampa Bay for the NFC South, with two games coming up against one another.

Rams remaining schedule

After the win, Los Angeles sits in the No. 1 spot in the NFC. One matchup stands out the most: Week 15 against the Seahawks in Seattle.

Bears remaining schedule

Chicago does not lead the NFC North anymore but still sits in a playoff spot after the loss.

Lions remaining schedule

Detroit has a tough schedule, with three teams in playoff position left.