NFL Playoff Picture: Lions Are In, Seahawks Eliminated

The Detroit Lions are playoff bound after clinching a wildcard spot with a win over the San Diego Chargers on Saturday evening. The Lions found themselves in the driver's seat with two games to go in the regular season, needing just one win to lock up a playoff spot. And they found it in convincing fashion, jumping out to a 24-0 lead over the Chargers and breezing to a 38-10 finish.

The Chargers were also eliminated from playoff contention, leaving the AFC West race to the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. Earlier in the day, the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated with a loss to the Raiders.

The Seattle Seahawks are also out of the playoff picture after falling to the San Francisco 49ers, 19-17. The Seahawks needed to win out and get some help to make the playoffs, but it's all moot now. The Niners remained in the driver's seat for the No. 2 seed in the NFC heading into the final week, as well.

In the other late game, the Dallas Cowboys' result was rendered meaningless earlier in the day, with the NFC East coming down to Week 17 battle with the New York Giants. The Cowboys were run off the field in a 20-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, but it matters not.