Well, it was fun while it lasted with the idea of potentially getting the number one seed in the NFC.
The San Francisco 49ers' 48-27 domination of the Indianapolis Colts to close out Week 16 of the NFL season sealed the fate that the Philadelphia Eagles are no longer in the running to get the number one seed. Yes, it was a long shot going into the weekend, but still, it's tough not have that bye week.
Philly at least got the most important thing, and that's the division title after beating the Washington Commanders 29-18. The Eagles moved to 10-5 on the season and won the NFC East for the second straight season and the third in the last four years, but what does it mean for the NFC playoff picture now after Week 16 action?
Updated NFC playoff picture for Eagles after Week 16 action completed
Let's first take a look at where the NFC playoff picture stands after the conclusion of Week 16:
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-4)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (8-7)
5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
At this point in the season, the best the Eagles can finish is the number two seed, but that would require Philly to avoid a tie with the Bears. Chicago will own the tiebreaker with the Eagles since the Bears beat them on Black Friday.
The best way for the Eagles to get the number two seed is to win the last two games against the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Commanders, and for the Bears to lose their last two games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. Since the 49ers are gunning for the number one seed and the Lions are fighting for a playoff spot, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility for the Eagles.
Looking at the matchups, the Packers are the Eagles' best option, especially given the uncertainty around quarterback Jordan Love's concussion suffered against the Bears in Week 16. Philly already beat Green Bay 10-7 last month, so that seems like the most favorable matchup for them.
If the Eagles stay at number three, they will face one of the NFC West teams, which seems like a nightmare scenario at this point. The Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers are all good teams that would not match up as well with the Birds.
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Eagles fans should be pushing for head coach Nick Sirianni to gun for the number two seed and make it easier on themselves to start the playoffs.