Multiple weeks remain in the NFL regular season, but two upset wins have shaken up the NFC playoff picture.
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The Washington Commanders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles while the Carolina Panthers upset the Arizona Cardinals in overtime. These results led to one team being officially eliminated from playoff contention and another likely missing out on the opportunity to clinch a first-round bye.
The Cardinals entered the weekend at 7-7. They were one game behind the Seahawks and the Rams. There was still an opportunity to win out and win the NFC West.
This outcome did not come to fruition. The Cardinals forced overtime during the trip to Carolina, but the 3-11 Panthers delivered the upset win after Chuba Hubbard rushed for a game-clinching score. This dropped the Cardinals to 7-8.
Meanwhile, the Rams defeated the Jets to move to 9-6. These two outcomes ensured that the Cardinals would not be a part of the playoffs this season.
With their loss to the Panthers and the Rams' win earlier today, the Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/EfiJ5oHJrW
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2024
Over in the nation's capital, the 12-2 Eagles visited the 9-5 Commanders. All the Eagles had to do was win the game to clinch the NFC East. A win would also keep the team in a tie with the Lions, who moved to 13-2 after a blowout win over the Bears.
The Eagles lost quarterback Jalen Hurts to a concussion, but the team did early everything it needed to secure the win. The defense forced five turnovers while kicker Jake Elliott gave the Eagles a six-point lead with under two minutes remaining.
The Eagles just could not finish the job. Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led a scoring drive in the closing seconds and threw a touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder. This was his fifth touchdown of the day.
A successful two-point conversion and a turnover on the ensuing kickoff sealed the upset win for the Commanders. They moved to 10-5 for the first time since 1991 while the Eagles fell to 12-3.
Hey @Commanders
Hell of a job today. Proud fan.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 22, 2024
The Eagles are now one game back of the Lions with two weeks left in the regular season. The No. 1 seed and the first-round Bye are both still in play, but they will be more difficult to capture, especially if the Vikings beat the Seahawks to join the Lions at 13-2.
