Week 18 Eagles Power Rankings- Going Into The Playoffs
The regular season is coming to a close. And what a regular season it was for the Eagles. They sit at 13-3 and already have the NFC East and the 2-seed wrapped up. Letting them kick their feet up this week. But what do around the league think about them heading into the playoffs? Find out in the week 18 Eagles Power Rankings roundup.
Week 18 Eagles Power Rankings
ESPN- 5 (Previously 3)
“Baun developed into one of the key pieces on a top defensive unit. He is third in the NFL in tackles (150) and has posted 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, building a case for All-Pro consideration. With linebacker being a key position in Fangio’s scheme, Philadelphia will likely prioritize getting Baun under contract.“
The logic of the ESPN power rankings has made no sense this year. They beat the Ravens and dropped. They struggled to beat the Panthers and rose. Now after they blew out the Cowboys, without Jalen Hurts, they fall? Meanwhile, the Bills jump them?
They never explain it either because each week has some theme, and this week the theme was the most important free agent. They are correct about that part at least, only because they let Tim McManus write it. But whoever at ESPN makes the rankings themselves is all over the place.
CBS Sports- 5 (Previously 6)
“The defense bounced back against the Cowboys after a rough showing against the Commanders. Does Saquon Barkley play this week to try to get the rushing record?”
The defense did bounce back. It is almost like they have been playing well all year and it was 1 bad game that Pete Prisco overreacted to last week.
Yahoo Sports- 1 (Previously 1)
“The Eagles blew out a Cowboys team that had won four of five games, and did it with Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee playing QB. Jalen Hurts should return soon. And the Eagles will resume on their path as a Super Bowl favorite.“
Give Frank Schwab credit for being one of the few Power Ranking writers who did not overreact last week. He has been pumping up the Eagles most of the season actually.
Sports Illustrated- 3 (Previously 5)
“I can almost stomach putting Barkley out there on his own but when the record necessitates an all-in performance from a banged-up offensive line and a handful of wide receivers who have spent the season blocking for this guy downfield, is it really worth it?“
As much as I would love to see Saquon Barkley break the record, I have to agree with Connor Orr on this. It is not just the risk of injury. The value of a bye week for the starters is too big to pass up. The Eagles had an early bye. That is usually a disadvantage, as you have to play so many weeks in a row without time off. But they have a chance to find a loophole in that. Take the rest.
NFL.com- 5 (Previously 4)
“If Philly’s defense needs to carry the load in the playoffs, it has shown itself capable more often than not. Week 17 was a good reminder of that, with the Eagles forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six. This is a complete team, assuming the quarterbacks’ health is on the upswing by the postseason.“
They let the Vikings jump ahead of the Eagles. In his narrative for the Vikings, Eric Edholm explained it was because of QB’s health. But Hurts had a concussion. He would likely be back this weekend if the game meant anything, but he will definitely be back for the playoffs. So not really sure how that logic tracks.
That said, the Vikings have a better record and are coming off of a very impressive win. So I can’t really argue with moving the Vikings up, even if I would have the Eagles higher.
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5 Impressive Numbers From Eagles Big Win Over The Cowboys
5
Kickoff were a major issue last week. Braden Mann didn’t get a single touchback. Which is why they made the switch to Jake Elliott. Now granted, it was much warmer and hence easier to kick the ball out of the End Zone, but 5 of his 7 kickoffs went for a touchback. When the kick was returned, the Eagles did a much better job covering the return. Kavonte Turpin, the best return man in the league, averaged just 24 yards per return.
After giving up favorable field position on nearly every drive against the Commanders, the Eagles were able to win that battle this week. Elliott should continue to handle those duties going forward. Maybe it will help him keep warm too and lead to better results on long FGs.
