As the NFL season heats up and the playoff race tightens, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is the NFC a two-team race? According to Stephen A. Smith, the answer is clear—it’s all about the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions. But is that the full picture, or are there other contenders lurking in the background?
The Case for the Eagles & Lions
On Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their standing as one of the NFC’s top teams with a 26-18 win over the Washington Commanders. Despite some ups and downs, including a concussion scare for quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles showed what makes them dangerous—grit and depth. Saquon Barkley was a force in the fourth quarter, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense stepped up in critical moments.
In the same breath, the Detroit Lions have been turning heads all season. With a balanced offense led by Jared Goff and a defense that has significantly improved, the Lions have emerged as one of the most consistent teams in the NFC. Their win streak and steady performance have earned them the title of top NFC contender for many analysts, including Stephen A.
When you break it down, the Eagles and Lions have been dominant and resilient. Their rosters are deep, they have experienced leadership, and they’ve shown the ability to win in both high-scoring affairs and grind-it-out slugfests. Both teams have earned their spots as the top dogs in the NFC.
Stephen A. Smith is all in on these two. “Right now, if you had to pick the two best teams in the NFC, it would be Philadelphia and Detroit,” he said, adding that while there are other talented squads, the Eagles and Lions are in a league of their own for now. The big question remains: Can anyone else challenge them?
Is the NFC Really Just a Two-Team Race?
Not so fast, says RC, who believes the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals still deserve some serious consideration. The 49ers, despite some recent hiccups, still have arguably the most talented roster in the NFC. With a strong defense and a dynamic offense led by Brock Purdy, they’ve shown they can be a championship-caliber team. Their recent performance, especially when healthy, gives them a legitimate shot to crash the party at the NFC Championship game.
And then there’s Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Yes, they’ve been one of the surprises of the season. With Murray playing at an MVP level and their defense stepping up in key moments, the Cardinals are quickly becoming a team no one wants to face. Don’t sleep on Arizona—Murray’s playmaking ability and the emergence of young talents like rookie Garrett Williams on defense make the Cardinals a real threat.
Can the 49ers Finally Break Through?
The San Francisco 49ers, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, have been knocking on the door for years. They’ve made it to multiple NFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls during Shanahan’s tenure, but they haven’t quite gotten over the hump. For many, the question is: Will this year be different?
Stephen A. Smith raised an interesting point about Shanahan’s legacy: How many times can you knock on the door without breaking through? Despite the talent, Shanahan’s 49ers have often fallen short in critical moments. They’re a formidable team on paper, but can they finally get past the final hurdle? That remains to be seen.
The Eagles: Built for the Postseason?
Even though some critics have pointed out the Eagles’ relatively weak schedule recently, their win over Washington showed they’re ready for the postseason grind. The defense, while sometimes overlooked, is among the best in the league. They know how to win in close games and when the chips are down.
While Jalen Hurts and the offense continue to shine, it was Saquon Barkley‘s performance in the fourth quarter that stole the show on Thursday. He was the spark that helped the Eagles pull away in the second half. His ability to change the momentum late in games will be key as the season progresses, especially in the playoffs, where every possession matters.
Stephen A.’s Bold Prediction
As the season pushes toward the final stretch, Stephen A. Smith remains firm in his stance that the NFC is currently a two-team race between the Eagles and the Lions. He believes their balance on both sides of the ball, their depth, and their proven ability to win in multiple ways make them the favorites to meet in the NFC Championship.
However, RC and Cam Newton both raised valid points: Don’t count out the 49ers or Cardinals just yet. The 49ers have been there before and have the talent to make a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Cardinals could be the dark horse team that surprises everyone.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Really on Top?
The NFC race is heating up, and while Stephen A. Smith is firmly backing the Eagles and Lions, other teams are quickly making their case. The 49ers and Cardinals are still alive in the conversation, and with the playoffs around the corner, things can change in an instant.
The Eagles and Lions may currently have the upper hand, but in the unpredictable world of the NFL, no one is ever truly out of the race until the final whistle blows.
Will it be Philly or Detroit in the NFC Championship? Or will one of the underdogs—like the 49ers or Cardinals—emerge to challenge for supremacy? One thing’s for sure: the rest of the NFC is watching closely, and the next few weeks will tell us a lot about who’s truly on top in the NFC.
Stay tuned—it’s going to be an exciting ride to the playoffs!
