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What’s Eagles Easy Path to No. 1 Seed?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Aiden Kauffman | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 1:50 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles can lock up the NFC East title this Sunday with a victory over the Washington Commanders, a game that carries immense stakes as the team fights for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. At 12-2, the Eagles are tied with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings for the NFC’s best record but will need both strong performances and some help to secure the conference’s No. 1 seed.

The formula for the Eagles is straightforward and perfectly clear:

Win out against the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants.

Hope Detroit loses at least once in its remaining three games.

If both conditions are met, the Eagles will claim the NFC’s top seed and the conference’s lone first-round bye.

While the Eagles are in control of their own division destiny, the Lions currently hold the upper hand in the race for the top seed due to a superior conference record (8-1 vs. Philadelphia’s 7-2). Even if the Eagles finish 15-2, they cannot surpass Detroit if the Lions also win.

Philadelphia’s schedule is favorable:

Week 16: at Commanders (9-5)

Week 17: vs. Cowboys (6-8)

Week 18: vs. Giants (2-12)

Meanwhile, Detroit faces tougher opponents, including a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the 49ers (6-8) and a season finale at home against the Vikings (11-2).

The Eagles’ immediate focus will be on Sunday’s game in Washington, where a victory would secure their second consecutive NFC East crown and keep their top-seed hopes alive. If the Lions stumble even once, Philadelphia’s clear path to the No. 1 seed would add another thrilling chapter to their already impressive 2024 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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