NFC playoff picture: Eagles fall behind Cowboys after shocking loss to Cardinals
The Eagles entered Sunday controlling their own destiny in the NFC, while still having opportunity to move up as far as No. 1 with help.
That plan was demolished, as Arizona upset Philadelphia 35-31 at Lincoln Financial Field, upending the NFC race, while sending Nick Sirianni’s team to the No. 5 seed, and a date on the road against the NFC South’s division winner.
With fans and pundits in shock, here’s an updated look at the NFC playoff picture.
1. San Francisco 49ers (12-4), NFC West champions
The 49ers survived a strong effort from the Commanders to secure a 27-10 win. San Francisco then watched the Eagles lose to the Cardinals at home, securing the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs.
Remaining schedule: vs. Rams
2. Dallas Cowboys (11-5), NFC East leaders:
Dallas extended their winning streak at AT&T Stadium to 16 games with a controversial win over Detroit on Saturday night.
The Cowboys then reclaimed first place in the division Sunday thanks to the Eagles loss vs. the Cardinals and a better record (8-3) in conference games.
If Dallas defeats Washington next week, they’ll win the NFC East, and lock down the No. 2 overall seed.
Remaining schedule: at Commanders
3. Detroit Lions (11-5), NFC North champions:
Dan Campbell went for the win three times at Dallas, and the melodrama of the Matthew Stafford trade will resurface when the quarterback and the Rams potentially return to Ford Field for WildCard Weekend.
Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8), NFC South leaders:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) suffered a loss on Sunday against New Orleans, but the Bucs can still earn third straight division crown by beating Carolina in Week 18.
Remaining schedule: at Panthers
5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5), wild card No.1:
Philadelphia has melted down after clinching a playoff spot weeks ago and the shocking loss to Arizona dropped them all the way down to the No. 5 seed.
The Eagles need a win next week plus a Dallas loss to win the NFC East.
Remaining schedule: at Giants
6. Los Angeles Rams (9-7), wild card No. 2:
The Rams barely escaped the Giants on Sunday afternoon and are another win, or Seattle loss from traveling to Detroit for WildCard Weekend.
Remaining schedule: at 49ers
7. Seattle Seahawks (8-7), wild card No. 3:
The Seahawks are leading the Steelers by four in the first half, and a loss would give the Rams a postseason spot.
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals
