Eagles playoff scenarios: Philadelphia still has realistic chance to earn No. 2 seed in NFC entering Week 18 action

The Philadelphia Eagles are once again a top team in the NFC. Their performances throughout the season have earned them a legitimate opportunity to grab a top seed in the NFC. While they cannot reach the top overall seed in the conference, No. 2 is still in Philly's crosshairs.

Eagles' route to earning NFC's No.2 seed in Week 18

With the San Francisco 49ers beating the Chicago Bears in Week 17, the Eagles still have a chance to earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC during Week 18. The Eagles need to beat the Washington Commanders and have the Bears lose to the Detroit Lions in order for that outcome to come to fruition.

Unfortunately (or maybe luckily), the Eagles-Commanders game will be at the same time as Bears-Lions. With that, Eagles fans will be able to keep an eye out to see how that one is shaking out as their own team's game unfolds. Regardless, Philly will have notable motivation to win in Week 18.

If the Eagles beat the Commanders (and finish 12-5), the worst possible landing spot for them would be the No. 3 seed. in the conference. Why does the seeding matter between second or third place in the conference? The No. 2 seed avoids the top-seeded NFC team until the Conference Championship. That path to the Super Bowl is easier on paper.