The effect of the Eagles’ shocking loss to the Cardinals on the NFC positions
The Philadelphia Eagles may not even host a postseason game after appearing to be one of the top Super Bowl contenders.
Philadelphia, an 11.5-point home favorite against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 at the start of the season, lost its fifth straight game on Sunday. Arizona scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and with 32 seconds remaining in the 35-31 loss, James Conner’s touchdown run sealed the victory.
The outcome significantly affected the NFC standings.
With one game left, the San Francisco 49ers secured the top overall seed. As long as the 49ers continue to progress, of course, they will have home-field advantage until Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, regardless of what happens in Week 18.
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And the Eagles are no longer masters of their own fate in the NFC East. Mike McCarthy’s Dallas Cowboys will win the division if they travel to face the 4-12 Washington Commanders in Week 18. The Cowboys would then receive the NFC’s second seed and, should they advance, the chance to host back-to-back playoff games. Dallas has the advantage over the Detroit Lions and Eagles in playoff tiebreakers.
Few people anticipated the Cardinals to defeat the Eagles. At DraftKings Sportsbook, the Eagles accounted for 93% of the moneyline handle with 95% of the bets placed on the moneyline.
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After the early Week 17 game window, the NFC standings were as follows:
1. 49ers of San Francisco (12-4)
2. The 11-5 Dallas Cowboys
3. The 11-5 Detroit Lions
4. The 8- 8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5. The 11-5 Philadelphia Eagles
6. Rams of Los Angeles (9-7)
7. Seahawks of Seattle (8-7)
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Additionally, the Cowboys’ victory over the Lions in Week 17 was crucial. The Lions would have most likely earned the No. 2 seed at the end of the regular season and the opportunity to host two home playoff games if the contentious outcome had gone in Detroit’s favor.
