It All Comes Down to Week 17
Does this situation feel familiar? That’s because last season the Eagles and Cowboys faced off in week 17 with a lot on the line. The game was at 4 pm and all the early games had already played out in the Eagles favor. A win over the Cowboys would mean a playoff spot and a loss would leave them out of the post season. Who could possibly forget the outcome of that one? The Eagles crushed Dallas at home ending their playoff hopes.
This year much of that scenario is the same. Eagles and Cowboys, 4:15, week 17, a lot on the line. The only difference is that this season both teams already have their playoff spots locked up. The importance of game 17 this year is winning the NFC East and possibly getting a first round bye in the playoffs.
We hoped the Eagles could lock up the division earlier than this but deep down inside we all knew it would end this way- with added pressure on the last week of the season against the team’s most hated rival. There’s no doubt that this will be one for the ages. Here’s why it’s important for the Eagles to win this:
Right now the Eagles are 3rd in the NFC. If they win this game, they win the NFC East which would be a great honor. It would also guarantee them at least 1 home playoff game.
If they win and the Vikings lose one of their last 2 games (@Bears, vs Giants), the Eagles will take the 2nd seed in the NFC which earns them a much needed round 1 bye. Even if the Vikings win both, the Eagles would hold onto the third seed in the NFC and play their first game in Philly against the lowest remaining seed.
A loss would be bad. For one, the Cowboys would take the division title and that’s always annoying. Secondly, the Eagles could fall from 3rd or even 2nd in the NFC to 5th or 6th and play all their playoff games on the road.
So while this team may have earned a playoff spot a few weeks ago, there is still a lot more to play for. The importance of this week 17 game in Big D cannot be stressed enough. Let’s hope they can go out their and win under pressure.
Check back later in the week for our game predictions.
