SAD NEWS: Analysis: The Cowboys received all the breaks, while the 49ers and Ravens

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Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys won another significant game without playing. To ensure they got an additional week off, the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens took care of business.

There are nine participating teams. There are still five available places. The Super Bowl is still being chased by twenty clubs.

Baltimore defeated Miami 56-19 to earn the top seed in the AFC. In addition to helping the Ravens (13-3) gain a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, Lamar Jackson’s five touchdown passes and perfect passer rating increased his prospects of winning his second NFL MVP title.

With assistance from Arizona and a 27-10 victory over Washington, the 49ers secured the NFC’s top spot. After the Cardinals overcame Philadelphia 35–31, San Francisco (12–4) took the lead.

The 49ers and Ravens won’t have to meet until the divisional round on January 20–21, so they may rest their starters the following week.

The amazing comeback victory by Arizona over the Eagles (11-5) also handed the Cowboys (11-5) the NFC East lead. If Dallas defeated Washington on the road in Week 18, they would win the division and guarantee the No. 2 seed.

Over the weekend, the Cowboys received all the breaks. The authorities granted Dallas a respite after coach Mike McCarthy’s terrible time management almost cost the Cowboys the game on Saturday night, and the team managed to defeat Detroit 20-19. The last-minute two-point conversion attempt by the Lions to take the lead was nullified by a penalty because offensive lineman Taylor Decker was not allowed to receive the ball at the time he caught it.