The Cowboys loss to Chicago this past Monday night put the Eagles in complete control of their playoff destiny but they will probably have to win out to actually lock-up the division and earn one of the five remaining spots in the NFC (Seattle already clinched). Dallas still holds the edge with a victory in the first meeting this season as well as a perfect 4-0 record in the division.
The Cowboys play Green Bay this Sunday (without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback) and the hapless Redskins in Week 16 before welcoming Philly to town in the season finale. The Eagles are on the road this Sunday against Minnesota in a game they are favored by 5.5 points. They will be back home next Sunday night against Chicago before making that trip to Big D. Unless one of these teams completely falls apart in their next two contests, the Week 17 showdown between the two will be for the division title. Dallas has been in this same exact situation the past two seasons and came up short against the Giants in 2011 and Washington last year. We have to hope that history continues to repeat itself at least one more time.
The Birds' five-game winning streak has been a great ride, but given their past history, I am still leery of completely jumping on their bandwagon. So much so, that have not used them as my NFC East 'pick of the week' during this run other than a play on the UNDER against Arizona in Week 13. Nick Foles continues to perform at a high level, LeSean McCoy is having the best season of his career and the defense has not allowed more than 21 points in the last nine games. The biggest difference with this team could be a head coach that continues to defy the odds with his unconventional style. I was always a big Andy Reid fan, but he did have trouble keeping his team loose in pressure situations. Chip Kelly looks like he is having fun both on and off the field and this is reflected in the demeanor of his entire team. Last Sunday against Detroit they looked like a bunch of kids playing in the snow and more importantly there was no sense of panic even when they trailed 14-0 early in the third quarter.
It has always been hard being an Eagles' fan especially in situations like this, but I cannot help but get the feeling that this team is on its way to accomplishing far more than it was ever expected to this year. I am not going as far to say that I am making arrangements for an early February trip to see some old friends in North Jersey, but I am excited at the prospect of seeing Jerry Jones' face when his team blows a third straight chance to win the NFC East against three different teams.
For my complete preview of all the games in the NFC East this Sunday as well as my 'pick of the week' click the link below for this week's article that was previously posted at Doc's Sports.
NFC East Weekly NFL Betting Picks: Week 15
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