Eagles in position for No. 2 seed after Vikes' loss
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Eagles in position for No. 2 seed after Vikes' loss
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
In what can only be described as one of the most wildly entertaining games of the season, the Bears handed the Vikings a 36-30 overtime loss Monday night at Soldier Field.
What does this mean for the Eagles?
With a win over the Cowboys next weekend, the Birds will be the No. 2 seed in the NFC, meaning a first-round bye and a game at the Linc in the divisional round. The Eagles now control their own fate.
After starting the season 10-1, the Vikings (11-4) have lost three of their last four. If the Eagles and Vikings win next weekend, both teams would finish 12-4, and the Birds own the tiebreaker. If the Eagles win and the Vikings lose, well, obviously the Birds would have the edge for the No. 2 seed.
The Vikings' loss also means that the Saints have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
As if Sunday's matchup in Dallas weren't already big enough, the stakes just got a little bit higher. As you'll see at the bottom, the Cowboys still have a shot at the No. 2 seed too.
There are now three different scenarios (barring ties) for the Eagles on wild-card weekend:
* The Eagles could have a bye as the No. 2 seed.
* The Eagles could travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys as the No. 5 or No. 6 seed.
* The Eagles could travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings as the No. 5 or No. 6 seed.
Here's an updated look:
How can the Eagles get the No. 2 seed?
A win in Dallas against the Cowboys. That's it.
How can the Eagles drop to the No. 5 seed and play the Cowboys?
If the Vikings beat the Giants AND the Cowboys beat the Eagles AND the Cardinals beat the Packers, the Birds would travel to Dallas in the first round as the No. 5 seed.
How can the Eagles drop to the No. 6 seed and play the Cowboys?
If the Vikings beat the Giants AND the Cowboys beat the Eagles AND the Packers beat the Cardinals, Dallas is the No. 3 seed and hosts the Birds in the wild-card round.
How can the Eagles drop to the No. 5 seed and play the Vikings?
If the Vikings lose to the Giants AND the Cowboys beat the Eagles AND the Cardinals beat the Packers, Arizona earns the No. 2 seed, and the Birds travel to Minnesota in the wild-card round.
How can the Eagles drop to the No. 6 seed and play the Vikings?
If the Vikings lose to the Giants AND the Cowboys beat the Eagles AND the Packers beat the Cardinals, Dallas earns the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. The Eagles would then travel to Minnesota in the wild-card round.
its only tuesday?!?!!? i cant wait for sunday!— GetMeToThePlateBoys- Q: Why put the Arz/GB game in your playoff scenerio? Isn't it just confusing the issue? If the Guls loose (which I don't see happening), our opponent is determined by the Min/NYG game only. If Min Wins we play @ Dallas, if Min loses we play @ Min. Or am I missing something.— RickMac09
- This would all be a non-issue if we would have beaten the Raiders, or better yet, the Cowboys when they were here earlier. Win the games you should and everyone is resting this week. Time's yours.— ChahlieM
- yeah himills is an imbecile. Why in gods name would you want to play an extra playoff game where you can be eliminated if you lose. This isnt a round robin son, it is single elimination. Not to mention you get a home playoff game as oppose to going on the road. They should ban you from making any more nonsensical, asinine comments.— jayw66
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- C'mon Birdz - make this easy - just win baby!!— jhjack
- I can't believe I am saying this but himills you are a bigger idiot than philly10/grandpa. If you purposely tank the game than how the eff would it be a disappointing crushing defeat! Nothing else you have said makes the slightest bit of sense either.— Viewkeeper
- This is a huge opportunity! The Bears gave the Eagles a late Christmas present. Lets hope the Eagles seize the moment this Sunday. If they do, the Eagles have a great chance of going to the Super Bowl. Otherwise, no chance of going to Miami.— arrowamy
- Nothing is a lock. Eagles are on the road this year, dallas already beat the Eagles at home and third, they just lost their center. I want them to win as much as anyone else here, just be realistic.— P Even
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- Yeah kjuggs but all the so called experts call the win over the redskins a continued roll for the cowgirls!! They are calling them a hot team because of that win!! let them keep thinking that struggling out a win against the redskins is considered being on a roll and we can walk in there and whip their arses!! Himills you should see some counseling if you really believe what you are writing. Read what you write before you hit submit!!— Iowaeagle
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