Get ready for the NFC East (and NFC) stretch run!

by John Kincade

It's hard to believe that with 6 games left to play that the Eagles have playoff clinching scenarios in play as they prepare for their first December game. It will also be their LAST home game in December. The Titans game will be the last Linc showdown until the final 2 home games in January. Let’s take a look at what stands in their way.

At (10-1) the Eagles are atop the NFC East and have some breathing room. They hold a two game lead over the (8-3) Dallas Cowboys and a 3 game lead over the (7-4) NY Giants. Three of the Eagles remaining 6 games will be within the division against those teams. The next 3 will determine whether the Dallas game is seriously dangerous or a complete non-factor in determining the division champion.

Dallas has a (7-3) mark in the NFC. That could end up being critical if the Eagles drop the Christmas Eve game in Dallas. The next three weeks look pretty manageable for Dallas. They face the Colts and the Texans the next 2 weeks at home so don’t expect them to give the Eagles an early gift. They have one road game at Jacksonville which might be tricky, but I’m expecting them to be riding high at (11-3) going into the showdown with the Eagles. After the Eagles visit the Cowboys close out with road games at the Titans and Commanders. Those could be very difficult tests as those teams should still be in the playoff hunt.

That would require Philly to not give up any ground in the race over their next 3 games. The games all appear winnable, but won’t be easy. Derrick Henry and the Titans have a bully ball mentality and will challenge their run defense to be up to par. Road games vs the Giants and the Bears follow. The Giants have lost 3 of their last 4 and have been falling out of the divisional race. The Bears have one of the worst records in the NFL. If the Eagles can head into Dallas at (13-1) they guarantee that game won’t matter to them nearly as much as the Cowboys.

Minnesota remains the top threat outside the division to up end the Eagles January plans. At (9-2) but already having lost to the Eagles all Philly must do is tie them in record to secure standing above them in the NFC Playoffs. They also have a very workable schedule coming up. They are home vs the NY Jets, at the Lions and then home vs the Colts and the Giants. (13-2) is most certainly a possibility for them. They finish out with road games at Green Bay and at Chicago so don’t expect any favors.

In other words, the Eagles better keep their foot on the gas and not give away any games they are favored to win. Two losses in their final 6 would open the possibility that the Vikings could jump them, that would cause the Eagles to possibly drop to the 2 seed. That would take away the bye week, still afford them 2 possible home games but makes the road to Arizona much more dangerous.