Eagles Playoff Implications: Who you should be rooting for in Week 16

There is nothing that screams holiday spirit quite like rooting for a handful of teams to lose just so yours can sneak their way into the playoffs.

Merry Christmas!

As of late, it has felt like the 49ers were too hot to catch up to, but their loss to the Titans on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 16 has made things much easier for the Eagles.

Nice result in the Eagles’ favor with the Titans’ win over the Niners. Helps their playoff odds and potentially draft positioning with their Colts pick.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) December 24, 2021

Battle for final wildcard spot:

6th Seed: 8-7 49ers
7th Seed: 7-7 Vikings
8th Seed: 7-7 Eagles
9th Seed: 7-7 Saints (Eagles have tiebreaker)
10th Seed: 6-8 Washington
11th Seed: 6-8 Falcons

While San Francisco’s loss was great, it was not enough to officially get Philadelphia into the playoff picture. There are still a couple of games we need to focus on to better the Eagle’s chances at a Wild Card Spot.

Washington vs. Dallas

You know how much I hate it say it, especially on Christmas weekend, but the Dallas Cowboys need to beat Washington.

Dallas officially clinched a playoff spot with the 49ers’ loss to the Titans. There is no longer a threat from the Cowboys if they were to keep winning, while there is a threat to the Eagles if Washington was to come out victorious in their last few games. Philadelphia is second in the NFC East as of right now, but there is not much separation with Washington right on our heels.

Plain and simple, Washington has to keep losing.

Rams vs. Vikings

These pesky Minnesota Vikings that just do not want to lose finally take on an intimidating opponent this week in the Los Angeles Rams and come into this one as three-point underdogs.

Two key players in the NFC are going to their team’s respective COVID lists, and it could affect the Eagles’ wild card chase: https://t.co/KC23B0PGWH
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 23, 2021

The Vikings, Eagles, and Saints are all tied right now with a 7-7 record. While the Eagles would hold the tie-breaker over the Saints because of their win back in Week 11 this is not the case for the Vikings. Minnesota does own the tie-breaker here based on their record versus common opponents.

Philadelphia just needs to end the season with a better record than Minnesota in order to have a chance at the postseason, and the Rams can play a huge part in that this weekend.

Dolphins vs. Saints & Falcons vs. Lions

The Eagles really want the Saints to lose, and it would be really nice if the Falcons could lose as well.

As previously mentioned, the Eagles do hold the tie-breaker over New Orleans so as long as they do not end up with a better record than us at the end of this season, even with a tie, the Birds would still be alive. However, some added wiggle room would be nice.

The Saints are down to a fourth string quarterback this weekend so the chances are looking good.

The Falcons are farther down in the playoff picture, but not by much. I understand we are asking for a lot with the Lions to win another game this season, but Atlanta is a much easier team to beat than Arizona, and again, the wiggle room would be greatly appreciated.

Go Dolphins. Go Lions.

Let me emphasize as well, in order for any of this to matter in the slightest – the Eagles need to beat the depleted New York Giants team on Sunday. As long as Philadelphia comes out on top, things are looking good.

From everyone at TheLibertyLine.com, have a safe and happy holiday and make sure to root against Washington, the Vikings, the Saints, and the Falcons, and keep checking back to the site for all of the latest in Philadelphia sports news.