Updated NFC playoff rankings: Detroit Lions separate from pack

The Detroit Lions went 7-1 on Sunday, giving themselves some breathing room at the top of the division and conference. Now there are still a few teams nipping at their heels, but it's clear the Lions are one of the few in the NFC and that's unlikely to change anytime soon.

Here's a look at the updated NFC playoff rankings through Week 9 (“Monday Night Football” between the Chiefs and Buccaneers is pending)

NFC North standings:

1. Detroit Lions: 7-1

2. Minnesota Vikings: 6-2

3. Green Bay Packers: 6-3

4. Chicago Bears: 4-4

With the Lions' victory over the Packers, they now have two fewer losses than Green Bay and also the temporary direct tiebreaker. And even though the Vikings were back on the winning side against the Colts, they still trail by a full game – with Detroit also holding the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The bears seem to be rushing towards reality. As I said, Chicago had their easiest schedule yet (according to DVOA) entering the week, but they would face the toughest remaining schedule of any NFL team. The second half schedule didn't get off to a good start as the Arizona Cardinals scored a 29-9 win. Chicago has yet to win a road game, and they have never faced an NFC North opponent. Things could get ugly quickly. While they have the Patriots next week, after that it's the Packers, Vikings, Lions, 49ers, Vikings, Lions, Seahawks, Packers. Good luck.

NFC playoff image

Head of department

1. Lions: 7-1
2. Commanders: 7-2
3. Falcons: 6-3
4. Cardinals: 5-4

Each division winner won in Week 9, meaning it could be a tight race for the conference's No. 1 seed. The Commanders in particular seem to be the biggest thread in Detroit. However, their schedule has been pretty easy lately (Panthers, Bears, Giants in the last three weeks). They had some defensive issues early on, so let's see how they handle the Steelers and Eagles in the next two games.

Wildcard leader:

5. Vikings: 6-2
6. Eagles: 6-2
7. Packers: 6-3

There are currently three NFC North teams still in the playoffs, and all three of those teams are still in the conversation to win their respective divisions. The Eagles suddenly look dangerous, having won four straight, including a comfortable win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. However, they almost blew a 22-point lead against the Jaguars.

On the hunt:

8. Buccaneers: 4-4
9. Bears: 4-4
10. Rams: 4-4
11. 49ers: 4-4
12. Seahawks: 4-5

In this group, there are clearly some teams that are increasing their inventory and decreasing their inventory. The Rams have won three straight and are within striking distance of the division-leading Cardinals. Now that they're finally healthy, it looks like they could be a real threat in the playoffs. The 49ers are also getting healthier and better. This was their bye week, so I'm sure they agreed to give their struggling squad some rest.

However, things are going in the wrong direction for the Bears and Seahawks. Chicago has only scored 23 points in their last two games, and they have the aforementioned brutal schedule. The Seahawks have lost five of their last six games and are now 0-2 in their division. Your season goes by quickly.

Mock draft season

13. Cowboys: 3-5
14. Panthers: 2-7
15. Saints: 2-7
16. Giants: 2-7

Maybe it's premature to put the Cowboys in that category, but it's certainly hard to find a bright spot in their three-game losing streak. With the Eagles, Texans and Commanders next up, things don't get any easier for this very flawed Dallas team.

Hey, remember when the Saints were 2-0? That was crazy.