NEWS UPDATE: NFC playoff picture after Cowboys’ Week 14 win over Eagles

NEWS UPDATE: NFC playoff picture after Cowboys’ Week 14 win over Eagles.

The NFC Playoff Picture was drastically altered after the Cowboys defeated the Eagles and the Buccaneers defeated the Falcons.

The NFC playoff picture shifted dramatically in Week 14. From the Chicago Bears shocking the Detroit Lions to the New York Giants surprising the Green Bay Packers, the week was full of upsets. Although not all of these games had an impact on the standings, there are two new division leaders and a new No. 1 seed entering Week 15.

In Week 14, the first team in the NFL clinched a playoff berth. Following the Packers’ loss, the San Francisco 49ers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot. The 49ers appear to be the team to beat in this conference, with only one loss to an NFC team.

Just like the AFC, the wildcard spots are pretty much up for grabs. The No. 5 seed will most likely go to whichever of the top two NFC East teams doesn’t win the division. The sixth and seventh seeds are the spots most open. The Vikings have a one-game lead over the rest of the wildcard contenders, but their quarterback situation could make it hard for Minnesota to hold onto their lead. Meanwhile, the Packers are barely clinging to the seventh seed. They looked like they would surely secure a Wild Card berth during their three-game winning streak, but their loss to the Giants puts their status in jeopardy.

1. San Francisco 49ers (10-3, 1st in NFC West)

Everything has gone to plan for the 49ers since their bye week. They’ve won five straight games, which includes defeating the Seattle Seahawks twice and the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers have secured their playoff spot, and now control their own destiny thanks to the Cowboys taking care of the Eagles this weekend. If they win out, they’ll have homefield advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their toughest games the rest of the season will be matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams. Losing either could cost their No. 1 seed chances.

2. Dallas Cowboys (10-3, 1st in NFC East)

The Cowboys had one of the biggest jumps in the playoff picture in Week 14 after defeating the Eagles. The win vaulted the Dallas to the top of the NFC East, and from the No. 5 seed to the No. 2 seed. Come January, Dallas of course would prefer to host at least one playoff game. However, keeping the division lead won’t be easy with games remaining against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.

3. Detroit Lions (9-4, 1st in NFC North)

The Lions were one of the best teams early on this season when they started 8-2. However, they haven’t looked like that same early season team, instead getting upset recently by the Packers and Chicago Bears. The Lions luckily have enough of a lead that they should still make the playoffs and most likely win the division, but they have to be careful not to falter down the stretch. With two matchups versus the Vikings, the NFC North is very much up for grabs still.