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

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) at the line of scrimmage against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

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:

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson tries to tackle Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.

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:

Lions quarterback Jared Goff makes a pass against Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.

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:

Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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:

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs away form Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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:

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball as New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) and cornerback Nick McCloud (44) defend during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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:

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

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

8. New Orleans Saints (8-8), outside looking in

Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepted the ball for the 2-point conversion over Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

After defeating the Bucs on Sunday, the Saints need a win in Week 28, and help.

Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons

9. Minnesota Vikings (7-8), outside looking in

Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings need to win two straight and get help.

Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at Lions

10. Green Bay Packers (7-8), outside looking in

Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers need to win their next two, and get help.

Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Bears