Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As the NFL season hits its halfway mark, the playoff landscape is becoming clearer, particularly in the NFC where four teams boast a record of 6-2. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams are all vying for top seeding and a crucial first-round bye. Here’s a breakdown of how these teams compare as they approach the second half of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Struggle with Defense
Despite missing key receiver Mike Evans, the Buccaneers continue to showcase one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has elevated his play, earning MVP consideration as rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka emerges as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. The expected return of running back Bucky Irving could provide a much-needed boost to their rushing game, which currently ranks 26th in total yards.
However, the Buccaneers face challenges on defense. Although defensive tackle Vita Vea leads a strong run defense, their pass defense ranks among the bottom ten in the league. They struggled against elite quarterbacks, as evidenced by their two postseason losses during Mayfield’s tenure, primarily due to an inability to contain opposing offenses.
Seattle Seahawks on the Rise
The Seattle Seahawks are gaining momentum, with quarterback Sam Darnold proving the doubters wrong. Coming off a dominant performance against the Commanders, where he threw four touchdowns and completed 87.5% of his passes, Darnold is showing signs of improvement as the season progresses.
Rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba is becoming a significant receiving threat, potentially challenging Calvin Johnson‘s single-season receiving record. The Seahawks’ defense is also notable, ranking fifth in points allowed per game and allowing the fewest yards per carry in the NFL. However, concerns linger regarding their inexperience in high-pressure situations, which may affect their playoff performance.
Philadelphia Eagles Seek Consistency
The Philadelphia Eagles have not demonstrated championship form during the first half of the season. Despite their struggles, they remain the defending Super Bowl champions with a wealth of talent on their roster. They currently rank in the lower half of the league for both defensive points and yards allowed.
With a new offensive coordinator, the Eagles experienced growing pains but showed improvement before their bye week, scoring a combined 66 points in their two best offensive performances of the season. The addition of linebacker Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins is expected to enhance their pass rush, which has missed Josh Sweat. As the Eagles prepare for a tougher second half, their talent suggests they could still be serious contenders.
Los Angeles Rams Lead the Pack
Although the Eagles have defeated the Los Angeles Rams in their last two meetings, the Rams currently appear to be the most complete team in the NFL. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is enjoying a standout season, leading the league with 21 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 113.2. The combination of All-Pro wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua has proven particularly difficult for defenses to manage.
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Rams’ defense is performing exceptionally well. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and have allowed just two rushing touchdowns this season. With a strong roster and a seasoned head coach in Sean McVay, the Rams are well-positioned for a deep playoff run.
As the NFL season progresses, these four teams are set to battle for supremacy in the NFC, with each squad showcasing unique strengths and challenges as they aim for postseason success.
