Eagles Wake-Up Call: Updated Playoff Scenarios

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An already tremendous football weekend for Eagles fans got even better Monday night as the Cowboys got manhandled by the Bears, 45-28.

That means the Birds (8-5) are now in sole possession of first place in the NFC East going into the final three games.

Here is the Eagles’ remaining schedule:

Opponent Wins Losses Week 15 at Minnesota 3 9 (1 tie) Week 16 vs. Chicago 7 6 Week 17 at Dallas 7 6 TOTAL 17 21 (1 tie)

And the Cowboys’:

Opponent Wins Losses Week 15 vs. Green Bay 6 6 (1 tie) Week 16 at Washington 3 10 Week 17 vs. Philadelphia 8 5 TOTAL 17 21 (1 tie)

Remaining opponents for both teams have identical records: 17-21-1.

Let’s take a look at the nine potential scenarios that could unfold in the next two weeks. With five of them, the Week 17 game will still determine the division winner:

1. Both teams go 2-0.

The Eagles would enter Week 17 with a one-game lead. But with a victory in the finale, the Cowboys would own the first tiebreak, which is head-to-head record. Dallas already won the first meeting and would have a sweep with another victory.

2. Both teams go 1-1.

Same explanation as previous scenario.

3. Both teams go 0-2.

Once again, same explanation.

4. Eagles go 1-1; Cowboys go 2-0.

The teams would have the same record going into the finale, and that game would determine the division winner.

5. Eagles go 0-2; Cowboys go 1-1.

Same deal as previous scenario.

***

There are three scenarios in which the Eagles could have the division wrapped up going into that Week 17 game:

6. Eagles go 2-0; Cowboys go 1-1.

The finale would be meaningless. The Eagles would have a two-game lead going into that game, and the division would already be locked up.

7. Eagles go 1-1; Cowboys go 0-2.

Same as the previous scenario. The Eagles would enter the finale with a two-game lead and the division clinched.

8. Eagles go 2-0; Cowboys go 0-2.

Same idea as previous two scenarios. Only in this case, the Eagles would enter the finale with a three-game lead.

***

And finally, there is one nightmare scenario for the Eagles in which they would be out of division contention going into that game.

9. Eagles go 0-2; Cowboys go 2-0.

Week 17 would be meaningless. The Eagles would enter the finale one game back, and the Cowboys would own the tiebreak (division record).

We’ll get to wild-card scenarios at a later time, but right now the Panthers (9-4) and 49ers (9-4) are both a game up on the Eagles for those spots.

WHAT YOU MISSED

A position-by-position game review of how the Eagles’ offense performed vs. Detroit.

T-Mac takes a look at Chip Kelly and the big-play concept.

Football and snow: Some great photos here from Sunday’s game.

Nick Foles adapts and survives in the elements, writes McManus.

Kelly adjusts gameplan, O-Line dominates, five leftovers, snap counts and more.

“I will remember this game always.” Details on the scene at the Linc.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Adrian Peterson is unlikely to play Sunday against the Eagles, according to Ryan Goessling of ESPN.com:

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will not need surgery on his sprained right foot, but is unlikely to play on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Peterson sustained a mid-foot sprain in the second quarter on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, as linebacker Arthur Brown tackled him while he tried to stretch for a first down. X-rays were negative on Peterson’s foot, a MRI showed no structural damage or risk of a Lisfranc injury, and Peterson said on Monday afternoon he planned to play Sunday. But he was still scheduled to undergo a CT scan on his foot, and the Vikings planned to send the results of Peterson’s medical exams to a foot specialist.

Tommy Lawlor of IgglesBlitz.com tries to evaluate how good the Eagles are:

Before the season I predicted 8 or 9 wins. I saw a good coach, enough talent for him to work with and a soft schedule. I did not envision the offense doing amazing things. I did not envision the defense going 9 straight games without allowing an opponent to score 21 points. Chip Kelly and his staff have done an amazing job. Time will tell us just how good the Eagles truly are, but I do think it is time to accept the fact that this is a good team.

COMING UP

We’ll hear from Pat Shurmur, Billy Davis and the players. Also, a special Tuesday edition of Birds 24/7 on 97.5 The Fanatic. We’ll be at Smiths in Center City from 6 to 7 if you want to stop on by.

** Note: Wake-Up Call was posted early today to get the playoff scenarios out there.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.

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