How Eagles can impact their seeding in playoffs with win vs. Cowboys

[time2rock]

How Eagles can impact their seeding in playoffs with win vs. Cowboys

Updated: Jan. 08, 2022, 6:30 a.m. | Published: Jan. 08, 2022, 6:30 a.m.

By Chris Franklin | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been moving about the NovaCare Complex, going over the game plan for their Saturday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles have already clinched a playoff spot, thanks in part to last week’s 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team and wins by the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.

Having already clinched a postseason berth, Sirianni has not yet shared his plans for the starters and if any of them will play Saturday. The Eagles have 11 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, with center Jason Kelce coming off of it Friday. Injuries have also placed a questionable designation on right tackle Lane Johnson (rest/knee), and rookie left guard Landon Dickerson (thumb).

With so many injuries and a playoff game the next week, Sirianni may choose to rest key players. However, one carrot is still dangling in front of the Eagles if they decide to go after it. The Eagles can affect where they will play during Super Wild Card weekend, along with help once again from the 49ers.

The Eagles enter Saturday’s game as the seventh and final seed in the division. Currently, the Eagles are tied with the 49ers, with both teams sporting a 9-7 record. However, the 49ers are currently ahead of the Eagles as the sixth seed because of their 17-11 win over the Eagles in Week 2.

If the Eagles were to beat the Cowboys, there is a good chance they could move up to the sixth seed if the Los Angeles Rams defeated the visiting 49ers, a scenario that is very possible. The Rams are fighting with the Arizona Cardinals to see who will win the NFC West and earn a home playoff game that comes with winning the division.

The Eagles moving up to the third spot means they will most likely face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a matchup that could benefit the Eagles in a couple of areas. The Buccaneers, who beat the Eagles in Week 6 28-22. Unlike the first matchup, the Eagles will not face Buccaneers wide receivers Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown. Godwin suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 16, and Antonio Brown was released by the Buccaneers Thursday after leaving in the middle of last week’s game against the Jets.

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2022/01/how-eagles-can-impact-their-seeding-in-playoffs-with-win-vs-cowboys.html

[UK_EaglesFan89]

The Eagles could play their starters, win and still end up the #7 seed. I just don't see the value or benefit in the starters playing significant time on Sunday. A drive or two? Yeah OK I could be convinced of that but even that's a risk. 

[VaBeach_Eagle]

2 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I just don't see the value or benefit in the starters playing significant time on Sunday.

There is value and benefit if we beat the Cowboys. Beating the Cowboys is always valuable and beneficial. Is it worth the risk of injury? There's where the decision has to be made. 

But I'll always see some value and benefits in beating the Cowboys lol.  

[UK_EaglesFan89]

1 hour ago, VaBeach_Eagle said:

There is value and benefit if we beat the Cowboys. Beating the Cowboys is always valuable and beneficial. Is it worth the risk of injury? There's where the decision has to be made. 

But I'll always see some value and benefits in beating the Cowboys lol.  

Yeah OK thats fair. To us as fans and to some of the players there is value.