The Eagles and Commanders meet for the second time of the season in Week 16. They’re also poised to face each other in the opening round of the playoffs, assuming the Eagles don’t move up to No. 1 overall.
Philadelphia earned a convincing victory over the Commanders to start the season. The 26-18 win makes the final score seem close, but in reality, Saquon Barkley and the Eagles controlled this contest. At the same time, the Eagles defense severely limited Jayden Daniels until Zach Ertz caught a touchdown with 28 seconds left in regulation.
The Eagles still maintain an advantage in this matchup because their elite defense (17.6 points allowed per game) can keep up with Daniels, a rookie quarterback. Another Philadelphia win in Week 16 could set the tone for this potential playoff matchup and force the Commanders to fight for their playoff lives with some other NFC wild card contenders.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6, AFC South leaders) vs. 6. Green Bay Packers (10-4, Wildcard No. 2)
The Packers were one of the best teams in the NFL this season. They are 10-4 and their losses have all come against teams with 11-plus wins – two against the Lions, one against the Eagles and one against the Vikings. They have dominated other competitions, as evidenced by their 30-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, and they expect to be a tough opponent in the postseason.
The Buccaneers won’t mind. Tampa Bay has beaten the Lions and Eagles this season and could consider itself a postseason behemoth-killer. Baker Mayfield is enjoying another outstanding season, this time under first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen, and the Buccaneers’ versatile offense could be a nice test for Jeff Hafley’s rock-solid Packers defense.
Add to that the fact that Mayfield and Jordan Love both have a bit of a gunslinger mentality, and this could be one of the most entertaining first-round matchups. Many NFL fans will be looking forward to this result, although Atlanta Falcons fans are still hoping they can catch up and overtake the Buccaneers in the NFC South race.
4. Los Angeles Rams (8-6, NFC West leaders) vs. 5. Minnesota Vikings (11-2, Wild Card No. 1)
Let’s be honest: The NFC West likely won’t be decided until the final week of the season. Despite this, the Rams still have the best chance to win the division, especially after Geno Smith’s knee injury.
The Vikings are practically a postseason lock already. The only question is whether they will win the NFC North or settle for the first wild card spot. If the latter scenario holds true, they could head into a meeting with the Rams that would pit mentee Kevin O’Connell and mentor Sean McVay in a battle between the NFL’s most creative offensive minds.
McVay’s offense against Brian Flores’ defense would be a real chess match, so this is another matchup that neutral NFL fans would love to see.
DE’VONDRE CAMPBELL: 49ers suspend linebacker because he refuses to come into game against Rams
NFL playoff image
AFC
Kansas City Chiefs (13-1, AFC West winner)
Buffalo Bills (11-3, AFC East winners)
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4, AFC North leaders)
Houston Texans (9-5, AFC South winner)
Baltimore Ravens (9-5, Wild Card No. 1)
Denver Broncos (9-5, Wild Card No. 2)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6, Wild Card No. 3)
On the hunt : Indianapolis Colts (6-8), Miami Dolphins (6-8), Cincinnati Bengals (6-8).
NFC
Detroit Lions (12-2, NFC North leaders)
Philadelphia Eagles (12-2, NFC East leaders)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6, NFC South leaders)
Los Angeles Rams (8-6, NFC West leaders)
Minnesota Vikings (11-2, Wild Card No. 1)
Green Bay Packers (10-4, Wild Card No. 2)
Washington Commanders (9-5, Wildcard No. 3)
On the hunt : Seattle Seahawks (8-6), Arizona Cardinals (7-7), Atlanta Falcons (6-7), San Francisco 49ers (6-8), Dallas Cowboys (6-8), New Orleans Saints (5-9)
