FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2017, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles' Chris Long (56), Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Rodney McLeod (23) gesture during the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Philadelphia. Baltimore’s Ben Watson and Philadelphia’s Malcolm Jenkins have strong views toward anthem protests and those who oppose them, based on their religious beliefs. But even pastors can’t agree on the controversial topic that has enveloped the NFL this season. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
The Eagles capitalized on the Cowboys’ loss on Sunday to the Miami Dolphins by beating the New York Giants 33-25 on Christmas Day to improve to 11-4 and take a one-game lead in the NFC East with two games remaining in the regular season.
We already knew that the Eagles had already stamped their ticket to the playoffs for the third year in a row. The Eagles’ chances of winning the NFC East greatly improved with the gift on Christmas Eve as the Miami Dolphins won their first game of the season over a team with a winning record, beating Dallas (10-5) on a last-second field goal, 22-20. All five of Dallas’ losses this season have come on the road. The Eagles simply need to run the table to win the division, becoming the first team to win the NFC East in consecutive seasons since Philadelphia dominated the division from 2001-04.
Now, what about the No.1 seed for the second year in a row? San Francisco’s loss to Baltimore on Christmas night opened the door back up for the Eagles, who are now in a tie with both the 49ers and the Lions for the best record in the conference.
Philadelphia needs some help as the Eagles lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with San Francisco. The Eagles will finish no worse than the No. 5 seed.
