Don't worry Donovan, we're finally blogging about you!
The Eagles have definitely got the short end of the blogging stick this year. Between Penn State (who this blog is for, make no qualms about it) and the Phillies (who’s next to improbable run to a world championship was something worth writing about), not much has been said about the midnight green this year. Speaking of midnight, I’ll admit that despite wearing the Randall Cunningham throwback tonight, I thought that midnight had struck for this team when they lost to the Giants at home in week 10.
But five weeks, one loss and one tie later, the Eagles still have a chance. A win tonight on Monday Night Football against the Browns would move them to 8-5-1, leaving them in 8th place in a jumbled NFC playoff picture.
The Eagles would have to win out, a tough task against two division foes, but if they would they’d squeeze through to door into January.
Let’s give hope a chance.
Here are the current playoff positions in the NFC:
9. Chicago Bears (8-6)
2 Remaining Games: vs. Green Bay (5-9), @ Houston (7-7)
The Bears have one of the easier roads to travel to the playoffs. Genn Bay come to Chicago next week on a Monday night and then they travel to Houston to finish the season. While Bears fans shouldn’t be any more excited than us Eagles fans, the chances of them winning out are good. They’d need some help though, we’re pretty sure that Minnesota would have the tie-breaker over them due to a better record vs. common opponents.
Projection: 10-6
8. Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1)
3 Remaining Games: vs. Cleveland (4-9), @ Washington (7-7), vs. Dallas (9-5)
It sets sup fairly simple for the Eagles; win out and hope Minnesota clinches the north this weekend (I really think they can win out too, they have more momentum than any team in the NCF except for Carolina). If so, the Falcons drop to 9-6, and couldn’t do any better than 10-6. If the Eagles win out, they would be 10-5-1, thanks to that tie. The Eagles lost to both Washington (who they lead 14-0 after 1 quarter) and Dallas (in an offensive shootout) earlier this season. Dallas/Philadelphia on the last day of the season in Philly for a playoff spot, how great will that be?
Projection: 10-5-1
7. Atlanta Falcons (9-5)
2 Remaining Games: @ Minnesota (9-5), vs. St. Louis (2-12)
Let’s start off by saying Matt Ryan is undoubtedly the NFL rookie of the year, regardless of is the Falcons make the playoffs or not. Minnesota is a tough game on the road because the Vikings will be playing for the division themselves. The Falcons also need a miracle, either Oakland or San Diego to beat the Buccaneers in the next two weeks. Sand Diego might be the best option, the Chargers need help and must win out to represent the AFC West.
Projecton: 10-6
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)
2 Remaining Games: vs. San Diego (6-8), vs. Oakland (3-11)
The Bucs are in as of now, and with wins against two west-coast teams at home will be in the playoffs. They beat Minnesota 19-13 in week 11 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay.
Projection: 11-5
5. Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
2 Remaining Games: vs. Baltimore (9-5), @ Philadelphia (7-5-1)
Dallas will play the last regular season home game at Texas Stadium on Saturday night against the Ravens, who are currently sixth in the AFC at 9-5. After that, the ‘Boys will face a must win game in Philly to make it to the playoffs. Win out and they will be in the playoffs, lose one and they need help; lots of help if the loss comes to the Eagles.
Projection: 9-7, because I don’t like the Cowboys
4. Arizona Cardinals (8-6)
2 Remaining Games: @ New England (9-5), vs. Seattle (3-11)
Arizona has clinched the west, and will host a first-round playoff game on Wild-Card weekend. Not much else to be said, the Cardinals have 8 of the divisions 18 wins.
Projection: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings (9-5)
2 Remaining Games: vs. Atlanta (9-5), vs. NY Giants (11-3)
Minnesota hosts the Falcons this week and the Giants to close the season. Both teams will have a lot to play for, and Minnesota is better than only one of those teams. The Falcons have too much against them this weekend, and Minnesota clinches the division. The Giants will be a much tougher opponent, however.
Projection: 10-6
2. Carolina Panthers (11-3)
2 Remaining Games: @ NY Giants (11-3), @ New Orleans (7-7)
A showdown in New York will determine the home-field advantage for the NFC next Sunday night. I’m not sold on Carolina just yet, but if they win on Sunday, I have them in my Super Bowl. The Giants are fading fast, and the Panthers may be the next best option.
Projection: 12-4
1. New York Giants (11-3)
2 Remaining Games: vs. Carolina (11-3), @ Minnesota (9-5)
As previously mentioned, the Giants must win next week to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While they have lost two in a row, I still believe they are the best team in the NFC. If Brandon Jacobs can make it back, I expect the Giants to win out and road to Tampa Bay will run through East Rutherford.
Projection: 13-3
Here’s how I have the NFC Playoffs looking:
- New York Giants (13-3)
- Carolina Panthers (12-4)
- Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
- Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5-1)
We’ll see how it all ends up, hey, our last prediction worked out well.
