Playoff Picture: Vikings vs. Steelers TNF matchup crucial for Eagles Wild Card hopes

We have made it to the most important stretch of the NFL season — December football.

The Eagles currently sit at 6-7 ahead of their bye week — a half-game back out of the final Wild Card spot behind San Francisco and Washington:

1. Cardinals: 10-2
2. Packers: 9-3
3. Buccaneers: 9-3
4. Cowboys: 8-4
5. Rams: 8-4
6. Washington: 6-6
7. 49ers: 6-6

Bubble: Eagles (6-7), Vikings (5-7), Saints (5-7), Panthers (5-7), Falcons (5-7), Giants (4-8), Seahawks (4-8)

The two games remaining against Washington are the most pivotal for the Eagles, their playoff chances shoot up from 38% to over 80% with a sweep of their division rivals.

The most straightforward way to the postseason is to obviously win out — but even in that scenario, Philly needs Minnesota to drop one more game along the way.

The Steelers travel to Minnesota tonight to take on the Vikings — who dropped a devastating game to the Lions last week, damaging their own postseason chances. Another Vikings loss tonight would essentially eliminate them from playoff contention, giving the Eagles full control of their destiny.

Philly isn’t completely eliminated if they lose a game during this final stretch, but things get more complicated if they finish 9-8. For now, let’s hope the Steelers can take care of a reeling Minnesota team tonight.

Top 3 in touchdowns among all rookies (6). Top 3 in touchdowns among all tight ends.

Meet Pittsburgh's new fan favorite: MUUUUUUTH @pat_fry5 | @steelers

📺: #PITvsMIN — 8pm ET on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
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— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2021

Mandatory Credit: Emilee Chinn | Getty Images