Philadelphia Eagles Bye Week: Updated NFC Playoff Picture After Week 10

While the Philadelphia Eagles were resting, the rest of the NFC East was in action, with two opponents falling in Week 10.

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) are in the advantageous position of just needing to worry about themselves.

As long as the Eagles maintain or improve the play that got them to the NFL’s best record through nine weeks, they control their own destiny on the path to back-to-back NFC titles and Super Bowl appearances.

But that isn’t keeping other NFC East Division teams, and conference teams in general, from trying to position themselves for a run at Philadelphia’s crown. 

Here’s what went down in Week 10 while the Eagles were getting a little rest and relaxation:

NFC EAST DUO GOES DOWN

With the Dallas Cowboys (6-3) hosting the New York Giants (2-8), we already knew one division foe was going to be taking a loss and widening the gap between them and Philadelphia.

Honestly, the Eagles would probably prefer it if it was the Cowboys who took that loss, but it wasn’t likely, and the 49-17 final score makes this Giants loss look closer than it really was.

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders (4-6) snatched defeat from the jaws of victory losing to the Seattle Seahawks (6-3) 29-26. 

Because of this, the Eagles will come back to play in Week 11 with a two game lead in the NFC East and three divisional contests - including two against the Giants - left in the final eight games of the regular season.

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts eludes Chiefs pressure in Super Bowl LVII / USA Today

PLAYOFF POSITIONING

The Detroit Lions (7-2) were able to survive a 41-38 shootout with the Los Angeles Chargers (4-5) and stay just one game behind Philadelphia in the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Don’t expect them to go anywhere either. While the Eagles have the 23rd ranked remaining strength of schedule, the Lions have the 27th.

Beyond Detroit, the San Francisco 49ers (6-3) got back into the win column after losing three straight while the Seahawks’ win keep both teams tied in record and two games back of Philadelphia.

The NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints (5-5) lost their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (6-4), who now pull up the rear of divisional leaders looking to challenge for the No. 1 seed.

NEXT OPPONENT: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-2)

The NFL schedule makers knew exactly what they were doing when they scheduled a Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs in Week 11.

Not only did they schedule this contest for Monday Night Football - literally saving the best for last - they also gave each team matching bye weeks to ensure both have time to get healthy and come in with the best gameplan possible.

We don’t often praise the NFL, but this time, they deserve a hat tip as we’ll all be waiting in anticipation for Monday night.

Even better, the league still got their pound of Kelce flesh as popular brothers Jason (Philadelphia’s center) and Travis (Kansas City’s tight end) were in the news, on the broadcast, and helping to keep the league’s two best teams fresh in fan’s minds while the team’s were enjoying the week off.