Playoff Picture: How the Eagles can clinch first-round bye even if they lose in Week 17

Although the Eagles lost to Dallas on Christmas Eve, they still remain in firm control of the NFC’s top seed.

Per FiveThirtyEight, Philadelphia’s chances of clinching a first-round bye dropped from 97% to 95% following Saturday’s loss. If the Eagles can win one of their two remaining games (next week vs. New Orleans or Week 18 vs. Giants), they’ll have effectively wrapped up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

In fact, the Eagles can clinch even if they lose their upcoming matchup against the Saints.

Eagles clinch No. 1 seed in Week 17 with:

• PHI win vs. NO or
• DAL loss vs. TEN, SF loss vs. LV, MIN loss vs. GB

Obviously, it’d be ideal for Philadelphia to handle business at home vs. New Orleans rather than rely on other teams to control their destiny. One factor that hangs in the balance is the health of QB Jalen Hurts, who is reportedly pushing to play on Sunday after missing last week’s game due to a shoulder sprain.

A New Orleans loss would also go a long way for Philly’s draft stock, as they hold the Saints’ first-round selection in next year’s draft. Expect the Eagles to do all they can to ensure a victory and get extended rest for their banged-up roster.

🎥 DeVonta Smith put on a receiving clinic Saturday vs. Dallas. Here’s every clutch catch he made in the second half. pic.twitter.com/KzpAvvzpvO

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) December 26, 2022

Mandatory Credit: NFL.com