Can the Eagles Secure the No. 2 Seed? Playoff Scenarios and the Starter Dilemma

The No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs is still in play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

With the Eagles' 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, coupled with the Chicago Bears' 32-28 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night, the NFC's No. 2 seed is still up for grabs.

With their win Sunday night over the Bills, the Eagles improved to 11-5 heading into next week’s regular season finale against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles' Path to the No. 2 Seed

Chicago is also 11-5, but holds the tiebreaker over Philadelphia as a result of their Black Friday game in November, won by Chicago, meaning, if both Philadelphia and Chicago win on Sunday, the Bears are the No. 2 seed, and Philadelphia would be No. 3. However, if Philadelphia earns a victory over Washington and Chicago falls to Detroit, the Eagles would be the NFC's No. 2 seed, and the Bears would be No. 3.

The Great Debate: To Rest or To Play?

So the big question all week will be, should the Eagles play their starters in the game with the chance to move up to the No. 2 seed or rest their starters?

Last year, the Eagles were the No. 2 seed and were able to get three home games in the playoffs, thanks to the No. 1 seed Lions falling to Washington.  As the No. 3 seed, you are only guaranteed one home game and would have to travel to either the No. 1 seed (Seattle, SF, or LA) or Chicago in any game involving those seeds.

Last season, the Eagles rested many of their players in the final Week 18 game against the New York Giants and were still able to win the game, while resting their starters for the playoff run.

How to Listen: Eagles vs. Commanders Finale

Next week’s Eagles-Commanders game has been announced for a 4:25 p.m. and at the same time, the Bears will face the Lions. The broadcast will air on 97.3 ESPN and will begin at 3 p.m. with the pregame show from the Eagles Radio Network.