If the playoffs started today, the Eagles would not be in the postseason. But don't worry Eagles fans. There are still two weeks left in the regular season. If the Eagles handle their business, the odds are still in their favor that they will make the playoffs.
The Eagles are on the road in the final two weeks of the regular season as they play at Washington this Saturday before heading up the New Jersey Turnpike to face the Giants. With wins in the two final games, the Eagles will conclude the regular season with an 11-5 record - one more win than last season when they won the NFC East.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there are only two teams since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978 that finished 11-5 and missed the playoffs - the 1985 Denver Broncos and the 2008 New England Patriots.
With that in mind, here's the help the Eagles will need to make the postseason if they defeat Washington and the Giants.
To Win The NFC East
The Cowboys currently have a one-game lead in the NFC East after Sunday night's victory. Dallas' two games remaining are home against Indianapolis and at Washington. If the Cowboys lose either game, the Eagles will win the NFC East based on division record - Philadelphia has just one loss vs. the NFC East while the Cowboys already have two.
To Earn A First-Round Bye
Is it impossible? No. If the Eagles win the NFC East, they will almost certainly be the No. 3 seed. They can't be the top seed and they can't be the fourth seed.
But the Eagles can be the No. 2 seed based on what happens with the NFC North. If Detroit loses to Chicago and Green Bay loses to Tampa Bay next week, the Lions and the Packers will play for the NFC North title in Week 17. If the Lions and the Packers were to tie, that would give the Eagles the No. 2 seed. Unlikely, yes. But impossible? No.
To Earn A Wild Card Spot
This is where it gets a little crazy. Without factoring ties, the Eagles can finish either as the No. 5 seed or the No. 6 seed if Dallas wins its final two games. Let's take a look at how the other division races affect the Eagles.
Seattle plays at Arizona in Week 16. The Eagles can't pass the Cardinals even if Arizona loses out since they win the head-to-head tiebreaker. If Arizona beats Seattle, the easiest path to a Wild Card berth for the Eagles would be if Seattle loses at home to St. Louis in Week 17. In this scenario, the Eagles will be the No. 5 seed if either Detroit or Green Bay loses its final two games. Otherwise, the Eagles will be the No. 6 seed and most likely travel to face Dallas in the Wild Card round!
Okay, what if Seattle wins over Arizona on Sunday night? Is all hope lost? Well, maybe. The Eagles, and this is assuming Dallas wins its final two games, will need either Detroit or Green Bay to lose out. Remember that Detroit is at Green Bay in Week 17.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles' odds of making the postseason with 11 wins are very good, but no matter what the Eagles still need some help.
