By Sam Bush
The Falcons stayed alive in the NFC playoffs push with their 24-21 win last night over the Bucs, with the Eagles perched at No. 1:
NFC
1. yz- EAGLES (12-2): NFC East champion. They survived the Giants to ensure themselves at least a first-round bye.
2. y-Minnesota Vikings (11-3): NFC North champion. Newly crowned division champions still have shot at home-field advantage … and a shot to play Super Bowl on home field.
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-4): NFC West leader. They gave the Seahawks a shocking beating at CenturyLink Field that likely means L.A. is headed to postseason while Seattle probably isn’t.
4. New Orleans Saints (10-4): NFC South leader. Surprisingly struggled against punchless Jets but managed to retain division lead.
5. Carolina Panthers (10-4): Wild card No. 1. Technically tied for first place but getting swept by Saints keeps Panthers on wild-card path.
6. Atlanta Falcons (9-5): Wild card No. 2. They’ve beaten the Seahawks, Lions and Cowboys, so Atlanta enjoys a one-game lead but owns key tiebreaker over pursuers. Last night’s win in Tampa officially ended Packers’ season.
In the hunt: Seattle Seahawks (8-6), Detroit Lions (8-6), Dallas Cowboys (8-6)
x-clinched playoff berth
y-clinched division
z-clinched first-round bye
