For the third time in as many seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles have reached the 10-2 plateau. Two seasons ago, they reached the Super Bowl and came within four points of winning another Vince Lombardi Trophy. Last season brought 'the collapse'. This time around, we're hoping the Birds get back to football's biggest game and they win it.
For that to happen, they must first earn a playoff berth. They haven't done so quite yet but can do so this week. Ten games on the NFL slate potentially affect whether that occurs.
That being said, we'll watch a ton of football this week. Feel free to join in the fun. Any one of ten playoff-clinching scenarios will punch Philly's ticket to the postseason. Consider this your Week 14 rooting instructions.
Thursday Night Football
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
This game's outcome won't affect Philly's chances at a playoff berth unless the Lions win or tie and one of two other scenarios play out later (more on that in a second). This one is more important for the Birds because a Lions loss could give Philly the top spot in the NFC with an Eagles win over the Carolina Panthers.
Long story short, we want a Packers win here! This would give Detroit two losses AND a conference loss. Also, Philly's Week 1 win over Green Bay brought a tiebreaker.
Sunday, December 8th
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
First things first. The Eagles must take care of their own business. If they don't win or tie vs. the Carolina Panthers, they don't reach the postseason. Naturally, we'd rather see the win though.
This one is obvious. We'd all want to see Philly win on Sunday if a playoff berth wasn't on the line.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
If the Eagles snatch the top seed, they aren't in the clear. They must keep winning, but the Lions aren't their only threat. The Vikings are also playing good football and boast a 10-2 record.
But, for now, we'll worry about that later as we want a Falcons loss or tie here. If that happens, Philly clenches with any of the following scenarios:
- PHI win + ATL loss or tie + SEA-ARI tie
- PHI win + ATL loss or tie + ARI loss + LAR loss or tie
- PHI win + ATL loss or tie + ARI loss + DET win or tie
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals meet in a tough NFC West clash. We need the Eagles to win, and we need these teams to tie or an Arizona loss.
Las Vegas Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pull for the Las Vegas Raiders in this one. They're an AGC team playing a road game vs. an NFC opponent. Plus, the Eagles lost that early game to the Buccaneers, and we're sick of seeing them (and Todd Bowles) in the postseason.
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
Again, we have an AFC/NFC clash. Always pull for the AFC when that happens, but a Rams loss or tie potentially assists in Philly moving on to the postseason.