Here is an updated look at the NFL playoff bracket after the New York Giants pulled off the 31-24 upset win over the Minnesota Vikings.
The NFL playoff bracket is now looking a little bit clearer, especially on the NFC side of things. That became evident after the New York Giants defeated the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon.
It was a back-and-forth game between the Giants and Vikings, but it was quarterback Daniel Jones who made the difference. The fourth-year quarterback for New York completed 24-of-35 pass attempts for 301 yards and two touchdowns, while picking up 78 yards on 17 carries.
Not to mention that New York overcame a controversial roughing the passer penalty on defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence on Minnesota’s final drive of the game. Yet, the Vikings were unable to tie the game up as Kirk Cousins threw a short pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson on a fourth-and-eight situation, and failed to get the first down.
Now, the Giants have won their first playoff game since the 2011 season and move onto the Divisional Round. Let’s take a look at the NFL playoff brackets after New York’s huge win.
Updated NFL playoff bracket after Giants defeat Vikings
NFC playoff bracket
Let’s now look at the NFC side of the playoff bracket
Wild Card Round
- (6) New York Giants def. (3) Minnesota Vikings 31-24
- (2) San Francisco 49ers def. (7) Seattle Seahawks 41-23
- (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. (5) Dallas Cowboys — Monday, Jan. 16 at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Divisional Round
- (6) New York Giants at (1) Philadelphia Eagles
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Dallas Cowboys winner at (2) San Francisco 49ers
The Philadelphia Eagles received a first-round bye by way of having a 14-3 record, the best in the NFC. With that, they play the lowest seed in the conference that makes it out of the Wild Card round. Since the No. 7 Seattle Seahawks lost to the No. 2 San Francisco 49ers 41-23 on Saturday, the Giants were automatically the lowest seed remaining.
As for the 49ers, they will play the winner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Monday night.
AFC playoff bracket
Now, let’s look at the AFC side of the playoff bracket:
- (2) Buffalo Bills def. (7) Miami Dolphins 34-31
- (4) Jacksonville Jaguars def. (5) Los Angeles Chargers 31-30
- (3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (6) Baltimore Ravens — Sunday, Jan. 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET
There will be more clarity as to what the AFC Divisional Round matchups would look like after Sunday night’s Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens game.
The Kansas City Chiefs hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC after finishing the season with a 13-4 record. They will play the lowest seed in the conference. So, they will play either the Jacksonville Jaguars if the Bengals win, or the Ravens if they are to win on Sunday night.
Buffalo will play the highest seed remaining in the AFC.