Assessing the NFC playoff race after Wentz's injury

The Philadelphia Eagles's massive win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday should have cemented the dominant NFC East champs as the premier team in the conference.

But with quarterback Carson Wentz potentially tearing his ACL in the game, the NFC now appears more wide open than it has all season.

Here's how the conference playoff race breaks down with three weeks to play:

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 11-2
Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Raiders, vs. Cowboys

The Eagles clinched their division Sunday, but the mood has to be anything but celebratory due to Wentz's injury. The second-year pivot had a legitimate claim to be the league MVP to date, but it could be Nick Foles' show for the remainder of the season. The Eagles' rushing attack is among the best in the NFL, but with teams likely to stack the box going forward, how will the offense look? Still, with a road matchup against the lowly Giants and then two home games to end the regular season, expect Philadelphia to have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

2. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 10-3
Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Packers, vs. Bears

We probably shouldn't take too much away from the Vikings' loss at Carolina on Sunday, as it was Minnesota's third straight road game. The defense remains solid, but questions will continue to linger about Case Keenum's status as the starting quarterback - two costly interceptions and a fumble from the veteran pivot cost his team against Carolina. The Vikings would get a bye and a home playoff date if they win their two remaining road games, and they should get the job done against the Bengals and Bears.

3. Los Angeles Rams

Record: 9-4
Remaining schedule: at Seahawks, at Titans, vs. 49ers

Despite their loss to the Eagles, the Rams remain in first place in the NFC West thanks to the Seahawks' defeat in Jacksonville. Next week's road trip to Seattle is a massive contest for the Rams' playoff and division title hopes. The offense remains strong, but the defense giving up 43 points to the Eagles has to be scary with Russell Wilson on deck.

4. New Orleans Saints

Record: 9-4
Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, vs. Falcons, at Buccaneers

The Saints' narrow loss to the Falcons on Thursday was a momentary setback, but they're still in good shape to win the NFC South. Two of their three remaining games are against teams with losing records, and they'll get the rematch against Atlanta at home. With a strong running game and a standout defense, the Saints are as well-suited as any team to make a run at the conference title.

5. Carolina Panthers

Record: 9-4
Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, vs. Buccaneers, at Falcons

Don't look now, but the Panthers are in great shape to make some noise in the NFC after a big home win over the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers might be back for the Packers next week, but after such a long layoff, he might not be his usual brilliant self in Carolina. Two home wins would get the Panthers to 11 victories before they head to Atlanta to close the season. It won't be easy, but Carolina should be favored to make the playoffs at this point.

6. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 8-5
Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, at Saints, vs. Panthers

Thanks to a win over the Saints on Thursday, the Falcons still control their destiny in the NFC South, and the club finishes the year with three straight divisional contests. It's unlikely that three teams from the South will reach the playoffs, so Atlanta may have to run the table. The team will certainly need Matt Ryan to play better than his three-interception performance against New Orleans.

7. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 8-5
Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, at Cowboys, vs. Cardinals

The Seahawks' list of defensive worries grew even more in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, as K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner left with injuries. With Cliff Avril, Kam Chancellor, and Richard Sherman already sidelined, Russell Wilson's brilliance may not be enough to overcome the walking wounded. Next week's home game against the Rams is a must-win to keep Seattle's NFC West hopes alive.

8. Detroit Lions

Record: 7-6
Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Bengals, vs. Packers

Despite an injured throwing hand, Matthew Stafford led the Lions to a huge road win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. Favorable matchups with the Bears and Bengals await before the season-ender at home against the Packers. The Lions are on the outside looking in and need some help, but they could put serious pressure on a bunch of teams with three straight wins.

9. Green Bay Packers

Record: 7-6
Remaining schedule: at Panthers, vs. Vikings, at Lions

How is a team that needed overtime to beat the winless Browns still in the playoff race? Rodgers might be back under center next week, that's how. The Packers probably don't stand a chance with Brett Hundley, but if their star pivot returns against the Panthers, the high-octane offense should be firing on all cylinders again. With three straight games against winning teams left on the schedule, it's unlikely Green Bay will be in the postseason, but with Rodgers, anything is possible.

10. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 7-6
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Seahawks, at Eagles

The Cowboys are in a similar situation to the Packers, with Ezekiel Elliott playing the role of Rodgers. Next week is the last game of the star running back's suspension, and a 10-6 record could get the Cowboys into the postseason. With the Eagles likely down Wentz and firmly in the No. 1 slot, Dallas could have a huge advantage in the season-ending contest. If you want to lay a small wager on a 7-6 team making the playoffs, this is your best bet.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)