Cowboys got all the breaks, Ravens and 49ers were big winners, locking up No. 1 seeds

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The Dallas Cowboys got another big victory without taking the field Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers took care of business to make sure they get an extra week of rest.

The NFL’s playoff picture is clearer with one week to go.

Nine teams are in. Five spots remain open. Twenty clubs are still chasing the Super Bowl.

Baltimore secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a 56-19 victory over Miami. Lamar Jackson threw five touchdown passes and had a perfect passer rating, helping the Ravens (13-3) secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs while also boosting his chances to win his second AP NFL MVP award.

The 49ers wrapped up the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 27-10 victory at Washington and help from Arizona. When the Cardinals rallied to beat Philadelphia 35-31, that gave San Francisco (12-4) the top spot.

The Ravens and 49ers can rest their starters next week and they don’t have to play until the divisional round Jan. 20-21.

Arizona’s stunning comeback win over the Eagles (11-5) also gave the Cowboys (11-5) control of the NFC East. Dallas would secure the division and lock up the No. 2 seed with a win at Washington in Week 18.

The Cowboys got all the breaks over the weekend. After poor clock management by coach Mike McCarthy nearly blew the game Saturday night, the officials gave Dallas a reprieve and the Cowboys held on to beat Detroit 20-19. The Lions were successful on a 2-point conversion to take the lead in the final minute only to have it negated by a penalty because offensive lineman Taylor Decker was an ineligible receiver when he caught the pass.

Referee Brad Allen said Decker never reported as eligible. Allen and his officiating crew missed a call on the previous drive by Dallas that may have prevented the wacky ending.

A tripping penalty on Cowboys tight end Peyton Hendershot turned a second-and-3 into a…

Source link : https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/analysis-cowboys-got-breaks-ravens-110141503.html

Author : The Canadian Press

Publish date : 2024-01-01 11:01:41

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