Predicting An NFC Standings Shift by New Year’s Day 2024
The Eagles have been in a very rough schedule stretch that the local media labeled “the gauntlet.” It started out well with wins against the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buffalo Bills. The last two contests have been a disaster, and the Eagles have slipped in the NFC standings.
They got punked by the 49ers in their worst loss since the 2021 season. They also fumbled away any chance to win at Dallas. The final game is against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. It feels like a must-win situation. I decided to reflect on what things will look like for them as 2024 dawns. I’ve got a feeling a lot of narratives are going to change.
Cowboys, 49ers on Sunday 12/17
Dallas loses a shootout at Buffalo 34-31, and they drop a half-game behind the Eagles. The 49ers don’t cooperate. They win a hard-fought battle in Arizona to retain a grip on the top seed in the NFC.
Eagles on Monday 12/18
The Eagles look better but still can’t get the defense up to the standard. They survive the Seahawks with a late score and escape with a 27-20 victory. They are a full game ahead of the Cowboys.
Cowboys on Sunday 12/24
The Cowboys losing streak extends to two games with a loss to the Miami Dolphins. They fall 1.5 games behind the Eagles in the NFC East.
Eagles, 49ers on Monday 12/25
The Eagles trounce the Giants in their best performance in months. They pull two games ahead of the Cowboys.
The Ravens fall short of upsetting the 49ers, who continue their hold on the NFC top seed.
Cowboys on Saturday 12/30
The Cowboys throttle the Lions at home to break their losing streak.
Eagles, 49ers on Sunday 12/31
The Eagles have a tougher time than expected defeating the Cardinals, but they prevail and clinch the NFC East. The 49ers sleepwalk through a win at Washington.
How will the NFC standings shift?
My guess is that as you toast the year 2024, the Eagles will have secured no worse than the #2 seed in the NFC.
We should all ask Santa Claus to help the Ravens on Christmas. I don’t see them beating the 49ers.
The second seed would currently mean a matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Philadelphia on Wild Card Weekend. If a lower seed doesn’t pull off an upset, it could mean a home game against Detroit in the Divisional Round. If Dallas upsets San Francisco, the Eagles could host the NFC Championship Game. However, if San Francisco wins out, they will host the Eagles.
How do you see this all playing out?
It's time to move on to the Seattle Seahawks.
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) December 13, 2023
With that being said, the guys on @975JKShow have a question.
Is there anything the Eagles can do against the Seahawks that will change your perception of this year's team amid the recent struggles?
📸Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/P2Nqc5toWL
Watch The John Kincade Show on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.
Philadelphia Eagles Projected 2023 Week 15 Starters
Jalen Hurts
Quarterback, #1
Oklahoma University/University of Alabama
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (53rd overall) in 2020D'Andre Swift
Running Back, #0
University of Georgia
4th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Detroit Lions (April 2023)A.J. Brown
Wide Receiver, #11
Ole Miss
5th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Tennessee Titans (April 2022)DeVonta Smith
Wide Receiver, #6
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (10th overall) in 2021Quez Watkins
Wide Receiver, #16
Southern Miss
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (200th overall) in 2020Dallas Goedert
Tight End, #88
South Dakota St.
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (48th overall) in 2018Jordan Mailata
Left Tackle, #68
Jeff Stoutland University
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 7th Round (233rd overall) in 2018Landon Dickerson
Left Guard, #69
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (37th overall) in 2021Jason Kelce
Center, #62
University of Cincinnati
13th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (191st overall) in 2011Sua Opeta
Right Guard, #78
Weber State University
4th NFL Season, Signed Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (November 2019)Lane Johnson
Left Tackle, #69
Oklahoma University
11th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (4th overall) in 2013Josh Sweat
Defensive End, #94
Florida State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 4th Round (130th overall) in 2018Fletcher Cox
Defensive Tackle, #91
Mississippi State
12th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (12th overall) in 2012Jordan Davis
Defensive Tackle, #90
University of Georgia
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (13th overall) in 2022Haason Reddick
Edge Rusher/Linebacker, #7
Temple University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2022)Nicolas Morrow
Linebacker, #41
Greensville University
6th NFL Season, Signed in Free Agency (March 2023)Shaquille Leonard
Linebacker, #50
South Carolina St.
6th NFL Season, Signed in Free Agency (December 2023)Kelee Ringo
Cornerback, #22
University of Georgia
1st NFL Season, Drafted in 4th Round (105th Overall) in 2023James Bradberry
Cornerback, #24
University of Arkansas/Samford University
8th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (May 2022)Bradley Roby
Cornerback, #33
Ohio State University
10th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (October 2023)Kevin Byard
Safety, #31
Middle Tennessee State
8th NFL Season, Acquired in trade from Tennessee Titans (October 2023)Reed Blankenship
Safety, #32
Middle Tennessee State
2nd NFL Season- Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (May 2022)
