After their win over the Buffalo Bills, the Philadelphia Eagles moved to 11-5 on the season and are obviously winners in the NFC East for the second year in a row. However, the Eagles cannot earn the top NFC seed. They are guaranteed to be the second- or third-seeded team for the playoffs.
This guarantees them at least one home playoff game, but they'll again play in the Wild Card Round and will face either the sixth or seventh seed, depending on how things shake out in the final week of the regular season.
Since Philly is locked into the second or third seed, it might not be wise to go full-force against the Washington Commanders, as Philly knows the path to the Super Bowl, and the difference between the second and third seeds might not be that much in the eyes of the coaches. This latest Eagles' report indicates they could make some notable roster moves ahead of Week 18.
Eagles could rest some key starters against the lowly, banged up Washington Commanders
Here is the report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo:
From @gmfb: To rest or not to rest? That is the question for the #Chargers (yes), #Rams (no) and #Eagles (I believe yes). pic.twitter.com/m5UzjhLJRZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 30, 2025
It would be a smart move for Nick Sirianni not play all 22 starters, as the significant risk here, obviously, is injury ahead of the postseason. There is also a bit more clarity below the Eagles in the NFC Playoff Picture. If they beat the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions, Philly would be the no. 2 seed and host the Green Bay Packers, who are locked into the seventh seed again.
That would actually be the same thing that happened in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, as well. However, if Philly is the no. 3 seed, they would host the sixth seed, and that is not a guarantee right now. Overall, it's clear that the Eagles are going to take their chances a bit - they are clearly of the mindset that getting some rest for key starters is more important than earning a particular seed.
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However, given how bad the Commanders have been this year, the Eagles still like their chances of victory. No matter how you slice it, though, Philly is going to have to win three games to make it back to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row.
The big picture is what this team is looking at right now.