NFC Playoff Picture Entering Week 16: Lions Stay Alive With Comeback Win

With the tip of the common season quick approaching, it was an eventful weekend within the NFC playoff image, with time beyond regulation outcomes altering the postseason panorama. Nevertheless it was one regulation consequence from Sunday that maybe had the largest influence, because the Lions stayed scorching with a 20–17 comeback win on the street towards the Jets.

Detroit took the lead for good on a 51-yard landing move from Jared Goff to Brock Wright with 1:49 remaining. The Jets drove to the Lions’ 40-yard line to arrange a possible game-tying, 58-yard discipline purpose from Greg Zuerlein, however New York’s kicker couldn’t join.

It was the Lions’ sixth win of their previous seven video games, conserving them within the working to safe a playoff berth for the primary time since 2016. Right here’s the place issues stand after the Week 15 slate:

1. Eagles (13–1): Philadelphia obtained all it might deal with on its journey to Chicago, overcoming two first-half interceptions from Jalen Hurts to notch a 25–20 win. Hurts made up for his early miscues, ending the sport with 315 passing yards to go together with 61 dashing yards and three dashing touchdowns. AJ Brown hauled in 9 catches for 181 yards, whereas DeVonta Smith had 5 receptions for 126 yards. The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win at Dallas on Christmas Eve.

2. Vikings (11–3): Effectively that was one thing, wasn’t it? The Vikings have been on a roller-coaster experience all season lengthy, and Saturday’s historic 33-point comeback over the Colts was the largest twist but. The win locked up the NFC North division title, and Minnesota will look to proceed its push for the No. 2 seed with a house sport on Christmas Eve towards the Giants.

3. 49ers (10–4): The 49ers saved up their profitable type with a 21–13 Thursday night time street win at Seattle, giving them their seventh consecutive victory. Brock Purdy continued to impress and unlocked the beforehand slumping George Kittle for a two-touchdown efficiency. Christian McCaffrey additionally stayed scorching, topping 130 yards from scrimmage for the third straight sport. San Francisco performs host to Washington on Saturday.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–8): It was one other ugly day within the NFC South. Tampa Bay jumped out to a 17–0 lead on Cincinnati, however the Bengals ended the sport on a 34–6 run. Tom Brady threw for 312 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Buccaneers protection has allowed 69 factors over the previous two weeks. The remainder of the division wasn’t in a position to take benefit, although—each Atlanta and Carolina might have moved right into a tie for first with wins on Sunday, however fell to the Saints and Steelers, respectively. The Bucs play at Arizona subsequent week earlier than ending the season towards the Panthers and Falcons.

5. Dallas Cowboys (10–4): The Cowboys’ vaunted protection obtained carved up by Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, permitting their most factors (40) since Week 12 of the 2020 season. Given final week’s near-loss to the hapless Texans, it is perhaps time to begin worrying in Dallas. Nonetheless, the Cowboys clinched a playoff berth when the Giants beat the Commanders on Sunday night time. A Christmas Eve matchup at house towards the Eagles looms subsequent for Dallas.

6. New York Giants (8–5–1): The Giants jumped up one spot after taking down the Commanders, 20–12, on Sunday night time. New York will want a win towards the No. 2 seed Vikings on Saturday so as to hold their playoff possibilities alive.

7. Washington Commanders (7–6–1): The Commanders misplaced to the Giants on Sunday night time to swap locations with New York within the playoff image. Each group within the NFC East stays within the playoff chase by way of Week 15. Washington has a troublesome street matchup on Saturday towards the NFC West-champion 49ers.

Within the Hunt:

8. Seahawks (7–7)

9.  Lions (7–7)