Despite Setback, Eagles Still in the Hunt for NFC’s Top Seed
It’s been a tough week for Eagles fans. A 24-15 loss to the Bears on Black Friday wasn’t just a gut punch - it was a reminder that the margin for error in a crowded NFC playoff race is razor-thin.
But here’s the thing: despite the stumble, Philadelphia isn’t out of the hunt for the No. 1 seed. Not by a long shot.
The Eagles sit at 8-4 after that loss, but they’ve still got breathing room in the NFC East. Even with the Cowboys picking up a big win over the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, Philly holds a two-game lead in the division. That’s the kind of cushion that gives them some flexibility down the stretch - and in a playoff race this tight, every inch matters.
Carolina’s Upset Win Gives Philly a Lifeline
Philadelphia also got a little help from an unlikely source. The Carolina Panthers pulled off a shocker, knocking off the Rams 31-28.
That dropped L.A. to 9-3 - a crucial result for the Eagles, who beat the Rams back in Week 3 and now hold a key head-to-head tiebreaker over them. If it comes down to a tie between Philly and L.A., the Eagles have the edge.
That result keeps the Eagles firmly in the mix for the NFC’s top spot, even if they’ll need some help to make it happen.
NFC Playoff Picture After Week 13
Here’s how things stack up in the NFC heading into Week 14:
- Chicago Bears (9-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
- Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
- Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Chicago currently holds the No. 1 seed thanks to a better conference record than the Rams. In the NFC West, the Rams have the edge over Seattle due to a better head-to-head record.
The Packers, meanwhile, are lurking just behind the top three with a half-game advantage over the Eagles thanks to that Week 11 tie. And San Francisco, despite their 9-4 record, is just outside the top six - a sign of how crowded and competitive this race really is.
What the Eagles Need to Climb Back to No. 1
For the Eagles to reclaim the top seed, they’ll need to take care of business and get some help along the way. Step one: beat the Chargers on Monday Night Football. That’s non-negotiable.
Beyond that, they’ll be scoreboard watching. They need the Bears to drop their matchup against the Packers and the Rams to fall to the Cardinals. If both of those results break their way and Philly handles business against L.A., the door to the No. 1 seed swings wide open.
The tiebreaker situation is where things get tricky. As mentioned, the Eagles hold the head-to-head over the Rams - a huge advantage.
But if it comes down to a tie with the Bears, Chicago would get the nod based on conference record. That means Philly needs to avoid that particular matchup on the standings board if they want to control their own destiny.
Still Alive, Still Dangerous
Yes, it’s been an up-and-down stretch for the Eagles. And yes, the loss to Chicago stung. But the season is far from over, and the path to the top seed - while narrow - is still there.
The focus in Philly might be on locking up the NFC East first, and rightfully so. But don’t sleep on the bigger picture.
With a few key results and a strong finish, the Eagles could still find themselves sitting atop the NFC when the dust settles. And if that happens, the road to the Super Bowl could once again run through Lincoln Financial Field.