Monday Night Football has become a must win for the Philadelphia Eagles

By Matt Giraldi | Dec 24, 2017

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs out of the pocket to make a 20-yard pass against the Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2013 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Eagles won 49-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

The question of whether the Philadelphia Eagles would rest starters on Christmas night was answered with an emphatic no.

The discussion leading up tomorrow night’s game centered around resting players. As it turns out, the Minnesota Vikings made that talk a moot point. By shutting out the Green Bay Packers 16-0 last night, the Philadelphia Eagles still need to get one more win this season in order to check another proverbial box.

That’s also why tomorrow night’s game against the Oakland Raiders is now a must win. Obviously, the Dallas Cowboys need a lot of extra help in order to make the playoffs. However, does anyone want the Cowboys, on the final week of the season, coming into Lincoln Financial Field for a chance to stick it to the Eagles? Or even worse, imagine if the Cowboys have the playoffs on the line themselves. Look no further than last week’s game against the New York Giants. NFC East divisional games are unpredictable.

The Cowboys also will have Ezekiel Elliott back for this week and next week. Elliott has played the Eagles only once, but he had 148 yards from scrimmage and the Cowboys won. While the Eagles’ run defense has been sensational all season, Elliott is as fresh as a running back can be entering the final stretch of the season.

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Being fresh is not a way to describe the Eagles. Injuries have ravaged the team all season and continue to do so. Stefen Wisniewski could miss Monday night’s game. Derek Barnett is dealing with a groin injury, while Jalen Mills has been battling an ankle injury. However, both he and Barnett practiced late in the week and should suit up. Getting those guys the chance at limited snaps during the season finale is paramount.

The Raiders might not have much to play for depending on today’s games, but remember this is a team that won the AFC West a season ago. They will likely be getting Amari Cooper back for this game as well. Mills’ health will be interesting to watch as this game progresses. Cooper and teammate Michael Crabtree are a lethal combination, regardless of the Raiders’ record. Additionally, it will be interesting to see whether the Eagles activate Rasul Douglas for this game.

Fortunately for the Eagles, the Raiders are dealing with several injuries of their own. In particular, the big news came out earlier this week that the Raiders were shutting down left tackle Donald Penn for the season. Losing Penn is a big blow to that offense. Entering this game the Raiders have allowed the fourth fewest sacks in the NFL.

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Winning against the Raiders seems pretty easy on paper. For the Eagles though, winning tomorrow night’s game takes on added importance since the Vikings finish the season taking on the Chicago Bears, which, we can all chalk up to a win for the Vikings. Doug Pederson preached to his team about regaining dominant swagger. This is the game to regain that swagger. It’s time for the Eagles to black out the postseason for the Raiders.

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