For the first time in a couple of weeks, one team has the sole lead in the NFC East. The Redskins’ .500 record is enough to put them in the division’s driver’s seat, and they’re in the playoffs with a win against the Eagles in Week 16. That’s (obviously) a must-win for the Birds, but it won’t be enough to secure a playoff spot on its own. Here’s how they make the postseason:

Beat the Redskins and the Giants

If the Eagles win out the rest of the season, they guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs. No matter what happens in Week 17 for the ‘Skins or Week 16 for the Giants, the Eagles win whatever tiebreaker they face and find themselves with a playoff home game.

Beat the Redskins, Lose to the Giants, Vikings beat Giants and Cowboys beat Redskins

If the Giants lose their Week 16 matchup against Vikings, they can beat the Eagles and still miss the playoffs in favor of the Birds. For this to happen, the Redskins would also have to lose to the Cowboys, forcing a tiebreaker which, once again, the Eagles would win. So, to simplify: The Eagles must win next week against the Redskins. The Giants would have to lose to Minnesota. The Redskins would have to lose to Dallas. All that happens, and the Eagles are in.

Here’s how they don’t make the postseason:

Beat the Redskins, Lose to Giants, Redskins beat Cowboys

Redskins win the division with a record of 8-8. If the Giants win out, they also end with an 8-8 record but lose the fourth tiebreaker level to the ‘Skins.


Lose to the Redskins

See ya next year.

Week 16 is big. Not only could a loss spell the end of the Eagles’ season, but that prospect should light a fire under DeSean Jaccson’s ass. The ‘Skins are surging. It’s time for the Eagles’ defense to step up and show the league that Kirk Cousins isn’t that good. But after last night, putting anything on the shoulders of this defense is a terrifying proposition.