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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

NFC Playoff Picture: 49ers in control of No. 1 seed after Eagles loss to Cowboys

The Eagles are 10-3 and still a lock for the postseason, but they’ll need to do some searching before next Monday night against the Seahawks after a 33-13 loss to the Cowboys.

Philadelphia’s sixth straight loss in Dallas handed San Francisco the top spot in the NFC and pulled the Cowboys into a first-place tie in the division.

With preparation for the matchup against Seattle set to begin, here’s an updated look at the NFC playoff picture.

1
49ers 10-3 1st in NFC West

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Cowboys and Eagles after beating both teams.

And after the Packers loss to the Giants are the first team to clinch a playoff spot.

Remaining schedule:
at Cardinals
vs. Ravens
at Commanders
vs. Rams

2
Cowboys 10-3 1st in NFC East

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

After a 33-13 win, Dallas currently leads the NFC East thanks to a better division record, and having played one more game.

If the Eagles and Cowboys win out, Philadelphia will win the NFC East based on the better conference record.

Remaining schedule:

at Bills
at Dolphins
vs. Lions
at Commanders

3
Lions 9-4 1st in NFC North

Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions hold a two game lead over the Vikings in the NFC North and are the No. 3 seed in the conference. Detroit trails San Francisco, Dallas and Philadelphia by one game for the top record in the NFC.

Remaining schedule:
vs. Broncos
at Vikings
vs. Cowboys
at Vikings

4
Buccaneers 6-7 1st in NFC South

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers lead the NFC South after Sunday’s win over the Falcons. They have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Saints and have a better record against common opponents than the Falcons, hence the division lead.

Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Jaguars, vs. Saints, at Panthers

5
Eagles 10-3 2nd in NFC East

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are still tied for the NFC East lead after Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, but Dallas holds the tiebreaker thanks to currently having a better division record. If Philadelphia wins out, the Eagles win the NFC East based on having a better conference record.

Remaining schedule:

at Seahawks
vs. Giants
vs. Cardinals
at Giants

6
Vikings 7-6 2nd in NFC North

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings hold the No. 6 seed in the conference, and are among four teams with a record vying for the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds in the NFC.

Minnesota holds onto the No. 6 seed after the Packers Monday night loss.

Remaining schedule:
at Bengals
vs. Lions
vs. Packers
at Lions

7
Packers 6-7 3rd in NFC North

Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The Packers Monday night loss to the Giants was damaging, but Green Bay still holds the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff race.

Remaining schedule:
vs. Buccaneers
at Panthers
at Vikings
vs. Bears

8
Rams 6-7 2nd in NFC West

The Rams are the No. 8 seed in the conference, holding the division record tiebreaker over the Seahawks (No. 9) by virtue of a head-to-head victory. They hold the tiebreaker over the Falcons (No. 10) based on having a better conference record. The Packers (No. 7) have a better conference record than the Rams, which is why they’re ahead.

Remaining schedule: vs. Commanders, vs. Saints, at Giants, at 49ers

9
Seahawks 6-7 3rd in NFC West

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks have slid down to the No. 9 seed in the NFC, tied with the Rams (No. 8) yet lose the head-to-head tiebreaker. Seattle holds the tiebreaker over Atlanta (No. 10) based on having the better win percentage in conference games.

Remaining schedule:

vs. Eagles
at Titans
vs. Steelers
at Cardinals

10
Falcons 6-7 2nd in NFC South

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons are tied for the NFC South lead.

Remaining schedule:
at Panthers
vs. Colts
at Bears
at Saints

11
Saints 6-7 3rd in NFC South

Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are among three teams with a 6-7 record in the NFC South lead.

Remaining schedule:
vs. Giants
at Rams
at Buccaneers
vs. Falcons

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