PHILADELPHIA – The No. 1 seed looked like a long shot for the Eagles heading into Week 15. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Eagles had just a 16% chance to secure the top spot in the NFC before facing a tough Pittsburgh Steelers team at Lincoln Financial Field. Meanwhile, the team they were chasing, the Detroit Lions, had a 75% chance. With a 6-1 home record, the Lions were hosting the Buffalo Bills, one of the favorites to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX.
After Sunday’s slate of games, the Eagles extended their winning streak to a franchise-record 10 games by defeating the Steelers 24-13. Coupled with the Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Bills on Sunday, the Eagles are now tied for the top seed in the NFC. A No. 1 seed would mean home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. Their chances of securing it have risen to 33%, still not the favorite but a solid one-in-three shot.
Having the NFC playoffs run through Philadelphia is a tantalizing prospect, especially since the Eagles wouldn’t have to board a plane and haven’t had a bye week since Week 5. However, their focus must remain on the immediate task at hand: a divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland that could clinch the NFC East title.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has emphasized a short-term mindset all season, urging his team to take things one day at a time. Even after news of the Lions’ loss, Sirianni maintained his focus.
BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
“We can’t control anything about the Lions, so our main focus is to control what we can control,” Sirianni said. “I know that’s boring. I know that makes for zero press for you guys, and I apologize for that, but our focus is the next game. Our focus is locked in front of us. Our focus is now Washington Commanders.”
Cornerback Darius Slay, who played for the Lions after being drafted by Detroit in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, shared a similar outlook. Still, he expressed a preference for facing the Lions at home in the playoffs.
“We block it out always,” Slay said. “I was in Detroit for seven years. If I’m rooting for anybody, it’s always going to be either us or the Lions. Right now, we’re in a battle for that No. 1 seed, so I do want them to lose, but I always want to see them win too—as long as they don’t play us. Whenever they play us, I want them to get spanked every time.”
The Lions currently hold several tiebreakers, including conference record and common opponents. However, the complexion of the race has shifted dramatically in the past 48 hours. On Sunday, the Lions lost three starters: running back David Montgomery (knee) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) for the season, and cornerback Carlton Davis indefinitely. Their schedule also poses challenges, with a tougher three-game stretch than the Eagles. Here are the final three games for both teams:
| Eagles | Lions | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 15 | @ Washington Commanders (9-5) | @ Chicago Bears (4-10) |
| Week 16 | Dallas Cowboys (6-8) | @ San Francisco 49ers (6-8) |
| Week 17 | Giants (2-12) | Minnesota Vikings (12-2) |
| Combined Record (Winning Percentage) | 17-25 (.405) | 22-20 (.524) |
For the Eagles to secure the top seed, they need to keep winning and have the Lions lose at least once. Another lingering threat to their hopes is the Minnesota Vikings, who also need to lose at least one more game before deeper tiebreakers come into play. The Vikings’ schedule is challenging, starting with a road game against the Seattle Seahawks, followed by their regular-season home finale against the Green Bay Packers, and go back on the road to face the Lions.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
