Non-Eagles fans, take note. As Week 18 approaches, the NFL playoff picture is starting to take shape. For those on the fence, here's a rooting guide for non-Eagles games that'll help you navigate the wild card round.
**The 2 Seed: Lions at Bears**
If the Eagles secure the 2 seed and beat the Commanders, they'll get a sweet reward. They'll avoid the struggling Packers in the Wild Card Round and host their divisional round game at home β a significant advantage. The only way to make this scenario even better for non-Eagles fans is if the Bears lose, as it would send them to the 3 seed.
**NFC Playoff Teams and Ideal Seeding**
The Eagles' potential playoff opponents are already taking shape. Here's where things stand:
* Seahawks at 49ers: A Seahawks win would be ideal, as it would prevent a Rams matchup in the Wild Card Round.
* Cardinals at Rams: If the Seahawks win, a Rams win would ensure the Eagles avoid them in the playoffs.
* Panthers at Buccaneers: It's better if the Panthers get in and knock off the Bucs' potential 5-seed opponent. The Panthers have looked decent close to the end of the season, while the Bucs are in free fall.
**NFC East**
The Giants' draft position is crucial for non-Eagles fans. If they don't tank, they'll be stuck with a worse draft pick. A Cowboys loss would be ideal, as it would send them to 3rd or 4th overall β but let's be real, that would probably mean the Commanders get a top-10 pick.
**Draft Considerations**
For the Eagles' sake, keep an eye on these matchups:
* Jets at Bills: The more games the Jets lose, the better for the Eagles.
* Browns at Bengals
* Titans at Jaguars
* Chiefs at Raiders
These teams near the top of the draft order should aim to lose or tie to give the Giants a worse pick.
**The 2 Seed: Lions at Bears**
If the Eagles secure the 2 seed and beat the Commanders, they'll get a sweet reward. They'll avoid the struggling Packers in the Wild Card Round and host their divisional round game at home β a significant advantage. The only way to make this scenario even better for non-Eagles fans is if the Bears lose, as it would send them to the 3 seed.
**NFC Playoff Teams and Ideal Seeding**
The Eagles' potential playoff opponents are already taking shape. Here's where things stand:
* Seahawks at 49ers: A Seahawks win would be ideal, as it would prevent a Rams matchup in the Wild Card Round.
* Cardinals at Rams: If the Seahawks win, a Rams win would ensure the Eagles avoid them in the playoffs.
* Panthers at Buccaneers: It's better if the Panthers get in and knock off the Bucs' potential 5-seed opponent. The Panthers have looked decent close to the end of the season, while the Bucs are in free fall.
**NFC East**
The Giants' draft position is crucial for non-Eagles fans. If they don't tank, they'll be stuck with a worse draft pick. A Cowboys loss would be ideal, as it would send them to 3rd or 4th overall β but let's be real, that would probably mean the Commanders get a top-10 pick.
**Draft Considerations**
For the Eagles' sake, keep an eye on these matchups:
* Jets at Bills: The more games the Jets lose, the better for the Eagles.
* Browns at Bengals
* Titans at Jaguars
* Chiefs at Raiders
These teams near the top of the draft order should aim to lose or tie to give the Giants a worse pick.