Playoff Picture: How the Eagles can still win NFC East, clinch first-round bye

The sky is currently falling in Philadelphia, and rightfully so.

After starting the season 10-1 and maintaining a tight grasp on the NFC’s top seed, the Eagles have dropped two straight games by a combined 43 points. They’ve lacked focus and execution, falling to the fifth seed in the process — but there’s no time for pity.

Despite last night’s loss to Dallas, Philadelphia can still clinch the NFC East if they win out and finish 14-3, based on conference record. According to the New York Times, the Eagles have a 72% chance of winning the division.

The path to a first-round bye and home-field advantage is a little more complicated. The Eagles are now at the mercy of tiebreakers, and they’ll lose the No. 1 seed in any scenario that has them tied with San Francisco due to head-to-head victory.

If Dallas and Philadelphia finish tied atop the conference at 14-3, the Eagles would clinch a bye due to the aforementioned division title. If Detroit and Philadelphia finish tied for first place, the Eagles would win the No. 1 seed with a victory over Seattle, based on strength of victory.

Moral of the story: Philly needs the 49ers to lose a game or two down the stretch. We’ll have a clearer understanding over the next few weeks, but the Eagles have a 23% chance of claiming the top seed as of Week 15.

Remaining Schedules

Eagles

• @ Seahawks (6-7)
• vs. Giants (4-8)
• vs. Cardinals (3-10)
• @ Giants (4-8)

Cowboys

• @ Bills (7-6)
• @ Dolphins (9-3)
• vs. Lions (9-4)
• @ Washington (4-9)

49ers

• @ Cardinals (3-10)
• vs. Ravens (10-3)
• @ Washington (4-9)
• vs. Rams (6-7)

Lions

• vs. Broncos (7-6)
• @ Vikings (7-6)
• @ Cowboys (10-3)
• vs. Vikings (7-6)

Whoever doesn’t win the NFC East will likely be road favorites over the NFC South winner in the wildcard. Tampa Bay leads that division with a 6-7 record.

The Eagles gave themselves room for error thanks to a strong start, but that margin is now gone. If there’s any hope for the playoffs to come through Philadelphia, they better find their dignity quick.

The NFC Playoff Picture 🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/vvxxBAyCK6

— PFF (@PFF) December 11, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images