Who will the Eagles play in the playoffs? Breaking down Week 18 seeding scenarios
The Philadelphia Eagles are safely in the playoffs, but the last week of the regular season could still determine just how far they go on that run.
The Philadelphia Eagles know they’re headed to the playoffs. What they don’t know yet is who they’ll play. But they know their options, and that what they do in the final week of the season will help determine that.
With one regular-season game left against the Washington Commanders, the Eagles’ first-round playoff matchup is still very much up in the air.
Eagles playoff picture: Where they stand right now
The Eagles have already clinched the NFC East and enter Week 18 as the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture. If they finish in that same position, they would earn a home game in the Wild Card round against the No. 6 seed. As things stand, that opponent would be the Los Angeles Rams.
However, the Eagles still have a path to move up one spot.
How the Eagles can move up to the No. 2 seed
Current NFC standings ahead of Week 18 games:
- Seahawks (can move down to No. 5)
- Bears (can move down to No. 3)
- Eagles (can move up to No. 2)
- Panthers or Buccaneers (winner will be locked into No. 4)
- 49ers (can move up to No. 1 or down to No. 6)
- Rams (can move up to No. 5)
- Packers (locked into No.7)
Philadelphia can jump to the No. 2 seed if two things happen in Week 18:
- The Eagles beat the Commanders
- The Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions
If both results occur, the Eagles would move ahead of the Bears in the standings and secure the No. 2 seed. If the Eagles lose, or if the Bears win, Philadelphia is locked into the No. 3 spot.
The advantage of the No. 2 seed
The biggest advantage of finishing No. 2 isn’t just the opponent; it’s home-field advantage. As the No. 2 seed, the Eagles would not only be guaranteed a home game for the Wild Card round, but be guaranteed to host a Divisional Round game if they advance as well.
As the No. 3 seed, the Eagles would likely need help from other teams to host a second playoff game.
Possible first-round opponents
Depending on how Week 18 shakes out, the Eagles could face one of three teams:
- Los Angeles Rams - The most likely matchup if the Eagles stay at No. 3
- Green Bay Packers - The opponent if Philly moves up to No. 2
- San Francisco 49ers - A less likely but still possible scenario
Philadelphia has beaten both the Rams and Packers this season. The Eagles did not play the 49ers this year and were blown out by San Francisco the last time they met in 2023.
Should the Eagles rest their starters in Week 18?
Resting starters would help protect key players from injury and allow them to enter the playoffs fresh, especially important after a long season and without a bye week heading into the postseason. The downside is giving up a real chance at the No. 2 seed.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has taken both approaches in past seasons. Sometimes it’s worked. Sometimes it hasn’t. He’s said that he’s considering it for this season.
“We will end up doing what we think is the best for the team,” Sirianni said this week. “It’s a marathon of a season.”
Week 18 doesn’t determine whether the Eagles make the playoffs, but it could determine how far they go. Whether Philadelphia pushes for better seeding or prioritizes rest, Sunday’s decision will shape their playoff road.
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