It may be a little early to look at the NFC playoff picture, but if you’re at the top, why not take a minute to enjoy it?

At 5-1, the Detroit Lions are not only at the top of their league, but also at the top of the conference. What’s even more notable, however, is that the entire NFC North remains in a playoff spot for seven weeks into the NFL season.

Here’s a closer look at the playoff picture, starting with the division standings.

NFC North standings:

1. Lions: 5-1
2. Vikings: 5-1

3. Packers: 5-2

4. Bears: 4-2

With the Packers picking up a big win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, the division went 2-1 on the week and all remain above .500. While the Lions currently hold the top spot, they could theoretically fall as low as third next week. Things are tight and with a game coming up at Lambeau in a few weeks, Detroit needs to keep winning to keep its spot.

NFC playoff picture

Head of department:

1. Detroit Lions (5-1)
2. Washington Commander (5-2)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) *still plays at MNF*
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Wildcard race:

5. Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
6. Green Bay Packers (5-2)
7. Chicago Bears (4-2, 2-0 NFC)

The Lions are at the top of the NFC and are one of only two teams that have yet to lose a second game. The others are of course the Vikings, who now have to overcome Detroit’s direct tiebreaker to regain the lead in the division. Currently, Detroit’s biggest competition for the top spot is likely the Buccaneers, who are the only team currently holding the tiebreaker over the Lions.

Yes, if the season ended today, all four NFC North teams would make the playoffs, with the Chicago Bears narrowly edging out the Eagles thanks to a perfect 2-0 record in the NFC. It will be interesting to see how Chicago comes out of the break when they take on the Washington Commanders, who may be playing with or without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels left Sunday’s game with a rib injury, although early signs (via his mother) appear to be positive.

Looking from the outside in:

8. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2, 3-2 NFC)
9. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
11. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)

Falling behind:

12. Arizona Cardinals (2-4) *still playing on MNF*
13. Los Angeles Rams (2-4)
14. New Orleans Saints (2-5)
15. New York Giants (2-5)

Hopeless:

16. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

It was a pretty tough week for other NFC teams fighting for a playoff spot. While the Eagles dismantled the lowly Giants, the Falcons and 49ers both lost their respective games by significant margins. Even the Rams, who still have a long way to go to get back in the game, had a pretty boring win over the hapless Raiders. The Saints, Giants and Panthers may want to start putting some mock drafts on the market.

The way things are trending right now, it certainly seems like a pure NFC North wild card is on the line. But with only two NFC North games played so far, it’s possible the division could beat each other enough for a team like the 49ers, Eagles or Falcons to clinch a spot.