NFC Playoffs: Every Scenario for the Eagles with just 2 weeks remaining in the regular season

The Philadelphia Eagles earned a much needed win against the New York Giants last night, snapping a 3-game losing streak while both the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys lost in Week 16.

That of course, shook up the current playoff standings in the NFC, 12 teams still mathematically alive to make the playoffs with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Here’s how the NFC playoff picture currently stands entering Week 17:

NFC Playoff Picture:

San Francisco 49ers

Despite getting their asses kicked last night by the Baltimore Ravens, the San Francisco 49ers remain the No. 1 seed in the NFC heading into Week 17. 

Remaining Regular Season Schedule: at Washington Commanders, vs Los Angeles Rams. 

Philadelphia Eagles 

The Eagles hold a one-game lead over the Cowboys in the NFC East and are slotted in the No. 2 seed for the playoffs. The Eagles are No. 2 and the Lions are No. 3 based off SOV (strength of victory). 

Remaining Regular Season Schedule: vs Arizona Cardinals, at New York Giants 

Detroit Lions 

The Lions clinched the NFC North with a win against the Minnesota Vikings. They are currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs after losing the SOV (strength of victory) tiebreaker to the Eagles (No. 2 seed). 

Remaining Regular Season Schedule: at Dallas Cowboys, vs Minnesota Vikings

Dallas Cowboys 

The Cowboys lost to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, falling out of the No. 2 seed and first place in the NFC East. 

Remaining Regular Season Schedule: vs Detroit Lions, at Washington Commanders 

How the Eagles can earn No. 1 Seed & First Round Bye in Playoffs

The Philadelphia Eagles increased their chances by winning last night against the New York Giants to yet again, overtake the San Francisco 49ers for the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs. 

The Eagles will need to win their final two games (vs. Cardinals, at Giants) while the 49ers AND Lions both need to lose one game each for the Eagles to earn the No. 1 seed and first round bye in the playoffs. 

How the Eagles can secure the No. 2 Seed & NFC East Title

In order for the Eagles to win the NFC East and ultimately secure at least one home game (potentially two) in the NFC playoffs, they need to win their next two games (vs Cardinals, at Giants). They would finish the season 13-4 and the Dallas Cowboys would finish 12-5 (if they win out).

The Lions would have the No. 2 seed if both the Eagles and Detroit finished with the same record. The Eagles would take home the division and No. 2 seed in the playoffs if they win out, and the Lions lose at least one of their final two games (at Cowboys, vs Vikings).

How the Lions can take the No. 2 Seed from the Eagles

If Detroit beats the Cowboys next week and then defeats Minnesota in Week 18, the Eagles would be locked into the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs, losing a tiebreaker to Detroit.

Again, the Lions would have the No. 2 seed they finish with the same record as the Eagles. Philly would take the No. 2 seed in the playoffs if they win out, and the Detroit loses at least one of their final two games (at Cowboys, vs Vikings).

Nightmare Scenario: Eagles No. 5 Seed & No Home Playoff Games

If the Eagles managed to lose their last two regular season games (unlikely) and the Cowboys win their last two games, they would finish the regular season 11-6 and Dallas would be 12-5. The Eagles would lose the NFC East and travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers on Wild Card Weekend as the No. 5 seed.

This is the only situation in which the Eagles would NOT have a home playoff game.