NFC playoff picture after Eagles slip, 49ers clinch number one seed

The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate to not have to worry about their last regular-season game because they have already secured the top spot in the NFC playoff picture with their victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 17. But the Arizona Cardinals, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, weren’t without assistance.

Now that the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are tied for first place in the NFC East, their playoff rankings have also changed. With five teams having secured their playoff berths, that leaves two spaces open on the NFC side of the bracket. In addition, two division titles need to be decided in Week 18.

With a bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs after securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the 49ers have no choice but to rest and recover. The focus of Sunday’s division game against the Rams will be primarily on their rival, who has also secured a postseason spot.

The fact that the Cowboys defeated the Lions at home was not shocking. It was, however, rife with controversy. With the Eagles’ defeat and Dallas’ victory, they were able to reclaim the top spot in the NFC East and the No. 2 seed, which guarantees them at least one home playoff game.

The Cowboys will automatically win their division if they defeat the Commanders on Sunday. However, the Eagles also win the title in the event of a tie plus tie or a loss.

The Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell, had an incredible season and won a division title for the first time since 1993. You have to appreciate this team and its projection when you consider how furious he and the rest of the club were following a contentious end in Dallas. Even though this club is now ranked third, there is a slim possibility that the No. 2 spot could become vacant.

It would feature the Eagles versus the New York Giants, the Cowboys versus the Commanders, and the Lions versus the Minnesota Vikings.

With a victory over the Saints in Week 17, the Buccaneers could have officially won the NFC South, but they choose to leave it open for one more weekend as three teams remain in contention.

To capture their third straight division title, the Buccaneers will now need to travel to play the Carolina Panthers. However, a draw plus the Saints losing or tying against the Falcons would be their only other chance to secure the division. They would need to at least tie plus a loss by the Seahawks plus a loss or tie by the Packers in order to make it to the NFL playoffs at all.