Overrated and Underrated NFL Teams: Week 15 NFC Contenders and Pretenders

While the AFC has a ton of teams right in the thick of the playoff race, the NFC seems to have a clear divide between its top contenders and bottom-of-the-barrel squads. With the NFL playoffs set to begin in just over a month, contenders and pretenders continue to reveal themselves with each passing slate of games.

There are no official "rankings" in the NFL, so we'll examine recent hype and public perception of some of the potential NFC playoff teams after Week 14.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of the NFL and examine the overrated and underrated teams that have emerged as contenders or pretenders in the NFC ahead of Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season.

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Week 15's Most Overrated NFC Team

Minnesota Vikings

• Record: 7-6
• Current Division Standing: Second Place (NFC North)

Early on in Joshua Dobbs' Vikings career, he looked like he might provide enough of a spark to keep Minnesota rolling. Although the Vikings weren't considered a real Super Bowl contender, many believed Dobbs could have the chance to at least lead the organization to one playoff victory.

However, his last two games have been disastrous. Against the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders, Dobbs has totaled 32 completions on 55 attempts for 248 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. The Vikings lost to Chicago and won a 3-0 game against Las Vegas. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens led them to the lone scoring drive.

Heading into Week 15, it looks like the Dobbs era is coming to an end, and it's tough to believe in a Mullens-led offense. To make matters worse, Justin Jefferson lasted fewer than one quarter of action in his return from injured reserve after taking a big hit to the chest. His injury isn't viewed as long-term, but a hobbled Jefferson certainly can't help their postseason chances. If Minnesota makes the playoffs, expect a first-round exit.

This is exactly the type of pass that Tom Brady was talking about when he was addressing how very few quarterbacks today have accountability to keep their receivers safe.

I never want to see Justin Jefferson take a snap with Josh Dobbs again. pic.twitter.com/p1xQQVHFOY

— Dominique Clare (@DomClare) December 10, 2023

Other NFC Pretenders

• Atlanta Falcons
• Seattle Seahawks

Despite the Falcons' struggles this season, they had the opportunity to take the lead in the NFC South in a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in Week 14. Desmond Ridder, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London were all productive, yet they lost the game. No one in this division is likely to win a playoff game as they'll likely face the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles, but this was a crushing "L" ahead of Week 15.

Whether Geno Smith or Drew Lock is under center, the quarterback play has not been good enough in Seattle this year. The Seahawks are now on the outside looking in for an NFC Wild Card spot.

Week 15's Most Underrated NFC Team

Los Angeles Rams

• Record: 6-7
• Current Division Standing: Second Place (NFC West)

Although the Rams lost in Week 14, they hung with the AFC No. 1 seed on the road in what was supposed to be another dreadful year for the franchise. Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns against a Baltimore defense that ranks No. 2 in DVOA this season. The Ravens had only allowed one 30-point game this season prior to this overtime thriller, so Sean McVay's offense looks fully back.

If Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams can stay healthy and reach the playoffs, this L.A. team could be a tough out for one of the top seeds in the NFC Wild Card round. The Rams know how to win when it matters. Let's see if they do it in the coming weeks against favorable opponents including the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants.

Great efforts and degree of difficulty on these two catches in the rain by our two star receivers.

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are just dawgs. They just want to compete and whether rain or shine or sleet or snow these guys would be out there ball for free! pic.twitter.com/ZNuv1wALne

— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 11, 2023

Other NFC Contenders

• Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts has now lost two straight games for the first time since Week 6 and Week 7 of the 2021 NFL season. Eagles fans are likely panicking, but Philadelphia still has two top-10 wide receivers, a top-three offensive line, and a ferocious front seven. They still control their own destiny in the NFC East and have the right pieces to get back to the NFC Championship game. Relax.

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