Around the NFL

Saturday's playoff implications: Lions clinch berth

Published: Dec 20, 2014 at 01:24 PM

Gregg Rosenthal

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

Philadelphia's loss is Detroit's gain. The Lions are in the playoffs for only the second time since 1999 after the Eagles' loss in Washington on Saturday.

The Eagles will be eliminated from playoff contention if the Cowboys win again this season. Dallas can win the NFC East and knock Philadelphia out of the playoff mix on Sunday with a win over the Colts. The Eagles have been eliminated from the wild card hunt.

The Lions should be relieved to make the playoffs, but they still have a lot to play for the next two weeks. They could finish anywhere from the No. 1 to the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Detroit faces Jimmy Clausen and the Bears in Week 16 before heading to Green Bay for the season finale, a game that should decide the NFC North champion.

Meanwhile in the AFC, San Diego's insane 21-point comeback in San Francisco gave the Chargers a boost in their pursuit of a wild card spot. If they hadn't fallen on four crucial fumbles or converted two fourth downs in the final quarter, their season would nearly be over. But Philip Rivers' squad is very much alive. They need some help from the AFC North teams in front of them, but the Week 17 Chargers-Chiefs game will have playoff implications.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jay Cutler's benching and what it means for his future with the Bears. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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