Here we go with the NFC playoff scenarios as there are now three different opponents the Philadelphia Eagles could face in the Wild Card.
Things got complicated after the Atlanta Falcons upset the Los Angeles Rams in the final game of Week 17. It has now completely changed what could be coming for the NFC playoffs because of the loss, as the Rams can't be the number one seed and can only be the fourth or fifth seed.
As for how this will affect the Eagles, the seeding for Philly won't change, but there is now a clearer look at who they could play in the playoffs.
Eagles' possible NFC Wild Card scenarios going into Week 18
First of all, the Eagles need to win and the Chicago Bears to lose for Philly to be the number two seed. Otherwise, if Chicago beats the Detroit Lions to close out the season, the Eagles will have to settle for the third seed.
If the Eagles can secure the number two seed, they can only play the Green Bay Packers, as their loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 locked them into the number seven seed. The other opponent the Packers could be in the first round is their division rival, the Bears.
The most likely scenario for the Eagles is landing as the number three seed, which could lead to three different opponents. This is where it starts to get complicated. Here's the full breakdown of what could happen:
- If the 49ers win and Bears win: Rams vs. Eagles in Wild Card
- If the 49ers win and Eagles lose: Rams vs. Eagles in Wild Card
- If the Seahawks win, Rams win, and Bears win: 49ers vs. Eagles in Wild Card
- If the Seahawks win, Rams win, and Eagles lose: 49ers vs. Eagles in Wild Card
- If the Seahawks win, Rams lose, and Bears win: Rams vs. Eagles in Wild Card
- If the Seahawks win, Rams lose, and Eagles lose: Rams vs. Eagles in Wild Card
Keep in mind these scenarios do not include tiebreakers as this is simply wins or losses in games. The trend is that the Eagles are highly likely to play the Rams for the second time this season. In their first meeting, Philly stormed back from 19 points down to stun the Rams 33-26 in Week 3.
Read more: Nick Sirianni tried convincing Eagles fans they didn't let up in Week 17 win
There are still questions as to whether Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will have the starters on the field in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders, but it's starting to feel as if they might not step on the field, and Sirianni might be okay with the third seed if they lose. Eagles fans will have to wait and see what happens over the next few days in practice.