Ranking each NFC playoff contender’s remaining strength of schedule: Giants to determine Eagles’ playoff fate

In the blink of an eye, the NFC’s balance of power switched coasts on Sunday. The Eagles started the day as the NFC’s top seed, but fell to fifth after losing to arch rival Dallas, who shot up to the No. 2 seed in the conference. The 49ers then replaced the Eagles as the NFC’s top-seeded team after coasting past the Seahawks. 

Sunday’s shuffle in the standings tells you everything you need to know about what has been a roller coaster of a season, especially in the NFC. While the top teams have separated themselves from the pack, the 49ers, Cowboys, Lions and Eagles continue to rotate positions in the pecking order. One of these teams will have to start the playoffs on the road. That team would currently be the Eagles, who would have to face the 6-7 Buccaneers in Tampa if the playoffs started today. 

With four weeks remaining in the regular season, there are 11 AFC teams that are legitimately in the hunt for a playoff spot. There’s even more on the NFC side after the Giants and Bears’ recent success has slingshot both clubs back into mix. 

This brings us to each contender’s remaining strength of schedule, in order to toughest to easiest. Before we dive into that, here’s an updated look at the current NFC playoff standings.

1. 49ers (10-3)
2. Cowboys (10-3)
3. Lions (9-4)
4. Buccaneers (6-7)
5. Eagles (10-3)
6. Vikings (7-6)
7. Packers (6-7)

8. Rams (6-7)
9. Seahawks (6-7)
10. Falcons (6-7)
11. Saints (6-7)
12. Giants (5-8)
13. Bears (5-8) 

Each NFC contender’s remaining strength of schedule 

1.

Giants

.615 (at Saints, at Eagles, vs. Rams. vs. Eagles)

T2. 

Vikings

.596 (at Bengals, vs. Lions, vs. Packers, at Lions)

T2.

Lions

.596 (Broncos, at Vikings, at Cowboys, vs. Vikings)

4. 

Cowboys

.558 (at Bills, at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Commanders)

T5.

Seahawks

.481 (vs. Eagles, at Titans, vs. Steelers, at Cardinals) 

T5

Rams 

.481 (vs. Commanders, vs. Saints, at Giants, at 49ers)

T7. 

Bears 

.442 (at Browns, vs….

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-each-nfc-playoff-contenders-remaining-strength-of-schedule-giants-to-determine-eagles-playoff-fate/

Author : Bryan DeArdo

Publish date : 2023-12-13 18:05:24

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