The Vikings miracle win creates an ideal situation for the Eagles
The Minnesota Vikings may be the team of destiny. But the Philadelphia Eagles’ underdog mentality might snap the hot streak.
The 2017-2018 NFL Playoffs have been nothing short of incredible. With many games coming down to the wire, only four teams remain to contend for the ultimate goal of the season. For the Philadelphia Eagles, their Super Bowl dreams stayed alive after a nail-biting 15-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week at home.
Although the Eagles victory pretty much came down to one major play on defense, the Minnesota Vikings win had a similar feel. For those who missed it, the Vikings were down one point with only one timeout left. The game clock had enough time for two plays, but the Vikings only needed one. Vikings receiver, Stefon Diggs ended up finishing the game with a walk-off 61-yard touchdown catch.
Ever since the biggest play of the season occurred, the Vikings have been labeled as the team of destiny. That one single play has made outsiders of the Minnesota fan base root for Vikings to win it all. In fact, some are going as far as saying the Vikings will have no problem running through Philly and heading to the Super Bowl with all the adrenaline in the world. Little do they know, the Eagles underdog label can and will one up the team of destiny.
The team of Destiny, huh?
Team of Destiny? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Kfsb4kGCXL
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 17, 2018
If history means anything…
Some interesting stats to look at here. If history means anything in the playoffs, then these past miracle situations could indicate that the Vikings will not be so lucky the next time around. In fact, their amazing ending last week could’ve been the peak moment of their season.
Think about it. While the Vikings are still riding high on a miracle victory, the Eagles are back to full contact practices. Even when the Eagles were the favorites of the NFC months ago they never really seemed to let anything get to their heads. Now with all of the extra attention around for championship week, they remain focused and their goal is still the same. Whether they blow out the Vikings or the win comes down to the last play, the Eagles will take their ticket however they can get it.
The road to Super Bowl LII comes through Philly…
As far as the national media goes, the Eagles’ divisional victory over the Falcons apparently was not that impressive. The Vikings still remain as the favorite in this week’s game. It doesn’t seem as though anyone considered that the Eagles are one of the best defenses in the league still. Also, the home environment may have something to do with struggling offenses that come through.
The Vikings offense against Philly’s defense creates a perfect scenario for the Eagles. Since the second half of the Vikings divisional round game, they only put up six points before their final play of the game.
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Once the Saints defense slowed down the Vikings, they had no answers and were forced to kick twice. All while the Saints came back from a 17-point deficit. So while the Eagles are going to face a “team of destiny” they won’t necessarily be the hot hand of the NFC. Now a win for the birds is definitely not a lock, but this game is very much win-able. Do not let the labels make you think otherwise.