Two more regular-season games, and we'll set our sights on the fourth playoff appearance under Nick Sirianni. If the Philadelphia Eagles vanquish the Dallas Cowboys they'll complete a season sweep and win the NFC East.
Earning the NFC's top seed seems like a more daunting task than it was last week, but though it will be tougher to do so now, it isn't impossible. Philly is going to need a little help though.
They need the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions to lose their Week 17 games. Then, they need the Vikes to beat Detroit in Week 18.
Oh, and there's one more thing. Philly must win their last two regular-season games. Nothing the Vikes and Lions do matters if the Birds don't take care of their own business.
Winning the following matchups will increase the Eagles' chances of toppling the hated Cowboys on Sunday.
Cooper Rush (without CeeDee Lamb to throw the ball to) vs. the Eagles secondary
CeeDee Lamb's season is over. That helps Philly's chances of winning. Two other Cowboys wideouts are questionable for the game, Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks. That makes Brandin Cooks, Jake Ferguson, and Luke Shoonmaker the healthiest weapons in their passing attack.
Philly's secondary limited the Cowboys' offense during the last meeting between these two in Arlington. Cooper Rush completed 56.5% of his passes for 45 yards on 13 of 23 passing. We'd love to see a similar outing. Another blowout win over Dallas and a season sweep will make one heck of a late Christmas present.
Eagles wide receiver unit vs. a banged-up Dallas secondary
Jalen Hurts will sit this one out. Kenny Pickett gets the start. Getting the ball to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith early and often would be a great idea if he wants his first start in Eagles green to end with a win.
DaRon Bland is as good as they come, but he can be had. The nickelback Jourdan Lewis looks good to go.
The other outside starter, Amani Oruwariye, is out. That means, more than likely, Andrew Booth will get some work. Advantage Philly.
Saquon Barkley vs. history and the Dallas defensive line
Most teams enter their games vs. Philly thinking the same thing. 'We have to stop Saquon Barkley'. The theory makes sense, and if Dallas is smart, they'll try to take RB1 away and take their chances vs. a passing game led by Kenny Pickett.
Here's the thing. Saying you'll stop Saquon is one thing. Stopping him is something else entirely. His run at history continues. Those thoughts must be placed on the back burner. We expect a big day for 26.
Micah Parsons vs. Jordan Mailata and/or Lane Johnson
Obviously, Dallas earns a psychological edge if they can create pressure and rattle Kenny Pickett. They like to move Micah Parsons around the formation, but if you're Philly, you're confident because your O-line's bookends are Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson.