Eagles face crucial game against Rams

The Philadelphia Eagles were cruising only a few days ago. Philadelphia had the league’s best record at 10-1. They sat in the NFC’s top seed. They had nothing but smooth sailing ahead for a team fresh off a nine-game winning streak.

Then, the Eagles went to Seattle. Despite being favored by more than a touchdown, were handled easily by the Seahawks in a 24-10 statement game. Couple with the Minnesota Vikings beating the Atlanta Falcons, 14-9. Philadelphia fell behind Minnesota in the playoff picture due to a conference record tiebreaker.

Now, the Eagles are on the west coast once more with a game against the Los Angeles Rams up next. The contest is critical for both teams. Philadelphia would clinch the NFC East with a victory and stay in a position to get a bye week come January. Los Angeles needs a victory to stay in front of the Seahawks in the NFC West. The Rams would also jump the Eagles in the NFC standings, putting themselves in the No. 2 seed with Philadelphia dropping into the third seed.

For the Eagles, there is more than just standings that plays into this weekend. Some are starting to talk about Philadelphia being a bit of an overrated group, with its only win against an above .500 team being an October jaunt over the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles lost their only other such affair to the Seahawks. Some believe the playoffs are going to be a step up in class that they may not be able to handle.

NFC Playoffs

If Philadelphia wins on Sunday, it will be in terrific shape for a bye. With only three games remaining, the schedule looks very favorable. The Eagles are home for two of the trio, hosting the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders. The only road game is against the New York Giants, who just fired head coach Ben McAdoo in the midst of a pathetic 2-10 campaign.

It’s likely that the Eagles not only capture a bye in the NFC playoffs but perhaps the top seed overall. Considering the Vikings still have to take on the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field with Aaron Rodgers back at the controls.

For a team and a fanbase that hasn’t enjoyed a championship since the pre-Super Bowl days of 1960, hopes and expectations are running high in the city of Brotherly Love. Considering the talents of Carson Wentz and the formidable front seven, the Eagles have every reason to believe they can make a deep run. Still, beating one of the league’s best would go a long way toward making that goal a reality.