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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
aharbaugh

Breaking down the path to the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs

The Lions are kings of the NFC North but there is more to be obtained. Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes, and this roster are hoping to just get started as the third regular season for them all together comes to an end. They have a chance at earning the number one seed and getting that much-valued bye week.

The road to the number one seed is going to require some help as well as them doing their jobs and winning out. The other teams in contention are the current number-one seed San Francisco 49ers and the two-seed Philadelphia Eagles.

Here is where things stand for both them and the Lions as they pursue the number one seed collectively.

Detroit Lions Remaining Schedule

  •  Away at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17
  • Hosting the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18

How the Lions Can Secure the Top Seed

  • They defeat the Cowboys and Vikings
  • The 49ers lose to either the Commanders or Rams

San Francisco 49ers Remaining Schedule

  • Away at the Washington Commanders in Week 17
  • Hosting the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18

How the 49ers Can Secure the Top Seed

  • They defeat the Commanders and Rams
  • Keep the same record at worst with the Eagles and Lions

Philadelphia Eagles Remaining Schedule

  • Hosting the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17
  • Away at the New York Giants in Week 18

How the Eagles Can Secure the Top Seed

  • They must defeat the Cardinals and Giants
  • Lions and 49ers lose one of their final two games

Percentage of Teams to Secure the Top Seed

Percentages based on the NFL.com Model:

  • San Francisco 49ers 71%
  • Philadelphia Eagles 20%
  • Detroit Lions 8%
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