Eagles' Dominance in NFC East, What Else Matters for Non-Fans?
As the NFL season draws closer to its conclusion, one thing is clear: Philadelphia Eagles are cruising toward an easy division title. With four more wins than their closest rivals, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, they seem almost unstoppable. The only other team within striking distance, Los Angeles Rams, lost to Eagles in Week 3.
Now that the stakes are high, who should non-Eagles fans be rooting for? While it's easy to take a break from watching every game, there are some crucial matchups worth paying attention to.
Giants vs Lions: A Draft Position Dilemma
In this Sunday's matchup between New York Giants and Detroit Lions, it might seem like just another meaningless game. However, with the NFL Draft looming, any win for the Giants could mess up their chances of securing a top-10 draft pick. Meanwhile, if the Lions keep winning, they'll be well on their way to missing the playoffs, which is beneficial for the rest of NFC teams.
Buccaneers vs Rams: Contenders Clash
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams are two of the best teams in the NFC, but the Rams have a slight edge. A loss by either team would be ideal for non-Eagles fans, as it could help determine the conference seeding.
Seahawks at Titans: Seahawks on the Rise
Seattle's 7-3 record has put them right behind the Eagles and Rams in the NFC standings. If they continue to win games, they become an even bigger threat. The more losses they suffer, however, the better for their playoff chances.
Packers vs Vikings: Packers' Consistency Questioned
Green Bay is struggling with consistency issues under new head coach Matt Lafleur. While they have shown flashes of brilliance in 2023 playoffs, it remains to be seen if this trend will continue. Losing more games might not be bad news after all.
Steelers at Bears: A Harsh Reality Check
The Chicago Bears' win-loss record may look deceiving, but their schedule is about to get a whole lot tougher. If they want to secure an NFC playoff spot, they'll need to hold strong against the Steelers and then face the Eagles, Packers, and 49ers in the coming weeks.
Panthers at 49ers: Just a Speed Bump?
Carrboro's Panthers are unlikely to pose a challenge for anyone outside of their division. If the Eagles take on 7-seed seed 49er, however, it will be an ideal test for the top contender.
Draft Considerations
The following matchups could greatly impact the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Jets at Ravens: Eagles Own the Pick
- Patriots vs Bengals: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Jaguars vs Cardinals: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Falcons vs Saints: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Browns at Raiders: Irrelevant to the Eagles
Meanwhile, the Commanders and Giants are irrelevant to non-Eagles fans as they're locked in a heated battle for a middle-of-the-pack draft position.
As the NFL season draws closer to its conclusion, one thing is clear: Philadelphia Eagles are cruising toward an easy division title. With four more wins than their closest rivals, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, they seem almost unstoppable. The only other team within striking distance, Los Angeles Rams, lost to Eagles in Week 3.
Now that the stakes are high, who should non-Eagles fans be rooting for? While it's easy to take a break from watching every game, there are some crucial matchups worth paying attention to.
Giants vs Lions: A Draft Position Dilemma
In this Sunday's matchup between New York Giants and Detroit Lions, it might seem like just another meaningless game. However, with the NFL Draft looming, any win for the Giants could mess up their chances of securing a top-10 draft pick. Meanwhile, if the Lions keep winning, they'll be well on their way to missing the playoffs, which is beneficial for the rest of NFC teams.
Buccaneers vs Rams: Contenders Clash
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams are two of the best teams in the NFC, but the Rams have a slight edge. A loss by either team would be ideal for non-Eagles fans, as it could help determine the conference seeding.
Seahawks at Titans: Seahawks on the Rise
Seattle's 7-3 record has put them right behind the Eagles and Rams in the NFC standings. If they continue to win games, they become an even bigger threat. The more losses they suffer, however, the better for their playoff chances.
Packers vs Vikings: Packers' Consistency Questioned
Green Bay is struggling with consistency issues under new head coach Matt Lafleur. While they have shown flashes of brilliance in 2023 playoffs, it remains to be seen if this trend will continue. Losing more games might not be bad news after all.
Steelers at Bears: A Harsh Reality Check
The Chicago Bears' win-loss record may look deceiving, but their schedule is about to get a whole lot tougher. If they want to secure an NFC playoff spot, they'll need to hold strong against the Steelers and then face the Eagles, Packers, and 49ers in the coming weeks.
Panthers at 49ers: Just a Speed Bump?
Carrboro's Panthers are unlikely to pose a challenge for anyone outside of their division. If the Eagles take on 7-seed seed 49er, however, it will be an ideal test for the top contender.
Draft Considerations
The following matchups could greatly impact the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Jets at Ravens: Eagles Own the Pick
- Patriots vs Bengals: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Jaguars vs Cardinals: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Falcons vs Saints: Ideal Outcome for the Eagles
- Browns at Raiders: Irrelevant to the Eagles
Meanwhile, the Commanders and Giants are irrelevant to non-Eagles fans as they're locked in a heated battle for a middle-of-the-pack draft position.