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Philadelphia Eagles lose in Week 5 without even playing a game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Oct 7, 2024 1:45 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles didn't even have to play a game in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season to lose.

That's because both the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys pull off victories on Sunday.

Washington crushed the Cleveland Browns 34-13 while the Cowboys came up with a narrow 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Heading into Week 6, the Commanders are leading the NFC East at 4-1. Dallas stands in second place at 3-2 and the Eagles, who are 2-2, currently sit third in the division.

The 2-3 New York Giants are in last place.

NFC East standings after Week 5:

Commanders: 4-1 (+40)
Cowboys: 3-2 (-4)
Eagles: 2-2 (-10)
Giants: 2-3 (-15)

(The other three NFCE teams went 3-0 with the Eagles on their bye)
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) October 7, 2024

The good news for the Eagles is that they not only enter an "easier" stretch of their schedule but they are also expected to get some of their key players back in the lineup.

Top wide receiver A.J. Brown hinted that he is ready to return after spending the last three games sidelined with a hamstring injury. No. 2 wideout DeVonta Smith should also be cleared from concussion protocol after missing Week 4's loss. And safety Sydney Brown, who missed the start of the season rehabbing an ACL injury from last year, is designated to return from the PUP list.

Those are three major boosts as the Eagles get ready to face the Cleveland Browns (1-4) fresh off their Week 5 bye.

The Eagles open the week as 9-point favorites over the Browns with the over/under set at 44.5.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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