Eagles Will Host Packers In The 1st Round Of The Playoffs
The Eagles came into this weekend with nothing to play for. They knew they had already won the NFC East, and they knew they would be the 2-seed. The only thing to decide was who they would play, Packers or Commanders.
But now we know. After the Packers lost to the Bears, on top of the Commanders beating the Cowboys anyway, the Packers finished as the 7-seed, and the Commanders the 6-seed. So while we do not yet know when they play, we do know who they will play, and where. The Eagles will host the Packers either on Saturday or Sunday to kick off their playoff journey this year.
It will actually be a rematch. These two teams began their season, and now one of them will end the other one’s season. They played the 2nd game of the whole season down in Brazil, with the Eagles coming out with the week 1 victory.
But both teams are very different now. For one, the Eagles are a better team. They still had not found their identity back in week 1, though Saquon Barkley’s first game certainly gave us a hint of what it would eventually be. The Eagles’ defense was not the powerhouse yet that finished the season with the fewest yards allowed, and the 2nd fewest points allowed.
Packers Not As Healthy As The Eagles
The Eagles enter the playoffs with nearly all of their players available. The biggest missing piece is Brandon Graham. But with the exception of Avonte Maddox, who was replaced with Cooper DeJean for the better, everyone who started week 1 vs the Packers is available as of now.
The same can not be said for the Packers. Jordan Love went down in week 18 but should be back for the Wild Card game. Christain Watson may not be so lucky. The Packers WR went down with a non-contact knee injury. His status for the game is unclear, but the Packers are not optimistic he will be good to go. They will also be without their All-Pro CB Jaire Alexander who recently went on the IR. LB Quay Walker is also questionable having missed week 18.
The Packers’ injuries are not devastating. They are certainly healthier than the Lions are heading into the playoffs. But they could be without several key pieces, while the Eagles will come in not only healthy but rested, having sat most of their starters in week 18.
If the Eagles beat the Packers, they will then play the highest seed to advance from the other NFC Games, with whoever winds up the 1 seed awaiting the lowest seed. Meaning the 1 team they can’t play is the Commanders. But they could end up playing the Lions or Vikings, whoever doesn’t win the 1-seed. But if the Bucs advance, it will be the Bucs coming to Philly for the divisional round.
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