At a Glance
- The 49ers edged the Bears 42-38 in a last-minute comeback.
- The Eagles‘ win over the Bills 13-12 keeps the No. 2 seed chase alive.
- Home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs hinges on this outcome.
- Why it matters: A No. 2 seed could give the Eagles a home conference semifinal and a chance to host the NFC Championship.
The dramatic finish of Sunday night’s games left the Eagles still fighting for the No. 2 seed in the NFC. A win over the Bills and a loss by the Bears to the 49ers would lift the Eagles from a worst-case No. 3 to the coveted No. 2 spot. With the 49ers’ victory, that possibility remains on the table.
Eagles’ Seed Race Continues
The Eagles locked into the worst-case No. 3 seed but needed four outcomes to move up: a win over the Bills, a win over the Commanders, and losses by the Bears and the Lions. They delivered the first two, beating the Bills 13-12 and keeping the Commanders in play. The 49ers’ win over the Bears satisfies the final requirement, keeping the Eagles’ No. 2 bid alive.
49ers’ Final-Minute Thriller
The 49ers finished 42-38 against the Bears, marking the team’s second-highest scoring game since 1970. Their only higher-scoring outing was a 48-46 win over the Saints in 2019. The game was decided when Brock Purdy threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings with 2 ½ minutes left, and a final incomplete pass on the last play sealed the victory.
Playoff Stakes and Historical Context
A No. 2 seed would mean a home conference semifinal for the Eagles if they win the wild-card round, and a potential host spot for the NFC Championship if the No. 1 seed falls. Coach did not confirm starter plans for the final game but noted the team is still alive in the chase. The 49ers’ win keeps the Eagles’ hopes alive.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Road playoffs (2009-present) | 1-5 |
| Road playoffs (1950-present) | 5-14 |
| Home playoffs (since 1989-1990) | 15-5 |
| Overall home playoffs | 20-8 |
Key Takeaways
- The 49ers’ comeback win keeps the Eagles’ No. 2 seed fight alive.
- A No. 2 seed offers significant home-field advantages for the Eagles.
- The Eagles’ playoff history shows a strong home record but a weak road performance.
The outcome of Sunday night’s games leaves the Eagles’ playoff destiny still undecided, but the 49ers’ victory has kept their No. 2 seed dream within reach.
