Power Ranking Roundup: Where the Eagles stand after the bye week

This past Sunday, the Eagles had a much-needed bye week, allowing them to properly recharge before finishing off their season. Philadelphia is just one win away from returning to .500 on the year. Even though they weren’t playing, the Eagles continued to rise in the power rankings, landing as high as 15th in one ranking. If they can finish the season on a high note, it might just land them a spot in the playoffs.
USA Today: 15th (Previously 17th)
“Whether or not they mount a playoff charge this year – a distinct possibility as they close with four NFC East adversaries – some really nice, unheralded cornerstones here, including TE Dallas Goedert, LT Jordan Mailata and DE Josh Sweat.”
The Ringer: 18th
Pro Football Network: 19th
“The Eagles aren’t dead yet in the NFC Wild Card race. They’ll also be able to control their own destiny in regard to the Washington Football Team, who they’ll face twice down the stretch.
We just saw Gardner Minshew win a game against the New York Jets. He played well, but wasn’t asked to do too much on their way to the victory. Jalen Hurts will return from injury against Washington, but now he’ll have the added pressure of Minshew Mania breathing down his neck.”
NFL: 19th (Previously 20th)
“Gardner Minshew’s excellent spot start against the Jets drew national attention, but the story of the Eagles’ offensive renaissance continues to trace back to a stellar running attack. Philly has rushed for at least 180 yards in four straight games, the longest such streak by an Eagles team since 1950. It’s also the longest streak the NFL has seen since the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens attack of 2018.
Jackson’s early-career arc is obviously something the Eagles are trying to emulate with Jalen Hurts, another extremely fast and athletic quarterback whose passing abilities could use some refinement. The Eagles’ smash-mouth attack should play well in a closing stretch entirely contained within the NFC East.”
Sporting News: 19th (Previously 20th)
“The Eagles had a bye to regroup and take their shot at the wide-open NFC wild-card race for two spots. Washington losing helped big-time, but they need to show more passing pop with Jalen Hurts to help the defense and running game down the stretch.”
Bleacher Report 19th: (Previously 18th)
“The Philadelphia Eagles have a history of backup quarterbacks taking them on playoff runs, including Nick Foles’ magical run to a win in Super Bowl LII.
But although Gardner Minshew played well in a Week 13 win over the New York Jets, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear to reporters that his time as the starting quarterback will end as soon as Jalen Hurts is healthy.”
ESPN: 20th (Previously 21st)
“The Eagles are the top rushing team in the NFL (averaging 160 yards per game) but are third worst in passing (196 YPG), which helps explain why they’re near middle of the pack. They rank 12th in points per game (25.9) and have been solid overall since coach Nick Sirianni switched to a more ground-based attack in Week 8.
The defense has been trending in the right direction, as well, benefitting from the strong play of corner Darius Slay, who has three touchdown returns on the season. The Eagles have limited opponents to 17 points per game over the past four weeks, an encouraging sign as they hit the home stretch, with three of their final four games coming against Washington (20.5 PPG) and the Giants (17.8 PPG).”
CBS: 22nd (Previously 21st)
“They should have Jalen Hurts back this week as they ready to play Washington in a big division game. PS: He is their quarterback, so let’s stop the Gardner Minshew mania.”
It’s a great sign that nearly all of the rankings have the Eagles within the top 20 of the league, and that number will likely take another massive jump with a win on Sunday. Hopefully, all goes to plan with their playoff chances riding on a win over the Washington Football Team.
Mandatory Credit: AP Photo
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