The Eagles are in the playoffs, but can they take the division? We break down how they can clinch the NFC East in Week 17
It’s been a successful season for the Philadelphia Eagles thus far and they’ve already punched their ticket into the playoffs. Unfortunately, they’re dealing with injuries, namely to quarterback Jalen Hurts, who remains in the concussion protocol and will not play when the Eagles face the rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
Kenny Pickett will make the start in his stead, and he’ll have plenty to play for with the top seed in the NFC as well as the NFC East title up for grabs. The Cowboys are already eliminated from playoff contention, but they’d love to play spoiler to Philadelphia’s hopes at home-field advantage in the postseason.
Here’s what needs to happen for Pickett and the Eagles on Sunday.
Eagles NFC and division clinching scenarios
The Eagles trail both the Lions and the Vikings in the hunt for the top seed, though those two teams share a division and only one of them will be seeded above the winner of the NFC East. That winner will be either the Eagles or the Washington Commanders, who sit two games back of them after splitting the season series a game apiece.
That said, there is also an elimination scenario for Philadelphia. If the Eagles lose, or if either of the Vikings or Lions win, then the Eagles can no longer earn the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Vikings will play the Packers in the afternoon after Philadelphia plays, while the Lions play on Monday night.
In Week 17, the Eagles clinch NFC East title and at least the second seed in the NFC with:
- Philadelphia win/tie OR
- Washington loss/tie
The Eagles can be knocked out of top seed contention with:
- Philadelphia loss/tie OR
- Detroit win OR
- Minnesota win OR
- Detroit and Minnesota tie
The Eagles are seven-point favorites against the Eagles on Sunday, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
NFC standings updated after Thursday Night Football
1. x-Detroit Lions (13-2, win over MIN, 9-1 NFC)
2. x-Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6, win over SEA, 5-5 NFC)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7, wins over TB)
5. x-Minnesota Vikings (13-2, loss to DET)
6. x-Green Bay Packers (11-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7, 5-6 NFC)
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7, losses to ATL, 6-4 NFC)
10. Dallas Cowboys (7-8, 5-5 NFC) — eliminated
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-8, 3-6 NFC) — eliminated
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-9, win over DAL) — eliminated
13. New Orleans Saints (5-10) — eliminated
14. Carolina Panthers (4-11, loss to CHI) — eliminated
15. Chicago Bears (5-11, win over CAR) — eliminated
16. New York Giants (2-13) — eliminated
Teams with an x have clinched a playoff berth.
