The San Francisco 49ers are not sniffing the playoffs anytime in the near future, but it is still at least moderately interesting considering the potential for other teams. Week 14 comes to a close Monday with the New England Patriots hosting the Baltimore Ravens, but in the meantime, the NFC playoff picture has had some further shaking up.
Dallas Cowboys finally lose
The Cowboys opened the season with a loss at home to the New York Giants. On Sunday Night Football, they lost to the Giants again, this time in New Jersey. The Cowboys drop to 11-2 while the Giants improve to 9-4. The Cowboys have a two-game lead with three to go, which should be enough, but if they slip, the Giants now hold the tiebreaker.
NFC West has a bad day
It was not a good day for the NFC West, with all four teams losing. The Seahawks lost in Green Bay, but remain on top of the division because the Cardinals are an awful road team. The Rams dropped to 4-9 with an ugly home loss at the hands of the Falcons. Jeff Fisher has now tied Dan Reeves for the most losses in NFL history. What a day for the division!
Detroit climbs into a bye, but Matthew Stafford gets hurt
The Lions won a wild one over the Bears 20-17, scoring the final go-ahead touchdown with 3:17 remaining. They improved to 9-4 with the win and climb ahead of the Seahawks following Seattle’s loss. The Lions close out the season at the Giants and Cowboys, and then at home against the Packers. Matthew Stafford suffered middle finger on his throwing hand. That will be something to track as the Lions look to continue their winning ways.
NFC standings
1. Dallas Cowboys (11-2)
2. Detroit Lions (9-4)
3. Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-5)
5. New York Giants (9-4)
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)
In the picture: Washington (7-5-1, Minnesota Vikings (7-6), Green Bay Packers (7-6)
AFC standings
1. New England Patriots (10-2)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)
4. Houston Texans (7-6)
5. Oakland Raiders (10-3)
6. Denver Broncos (8-5)
In the picture: Miami Dolphins (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (7-5), Tennessee Titans (7-6), Indianapolis Colts (6-7)