Northwest Stadium will be the site of one of the NFL's storied rivalries on Sunday when the Washington Commanders host the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the day.
Beyond the pride of defeating a district rival, Sunday's game between the Commanders and Eagles has significant playoff implications for both teams.
Philadelphia is already guaranteed a playoff berth and is aiming for the conference's top seed. We can't win it this weekend, but we can win the division title.
As for the Commanders, they still have dreams of an NFC East title, but if they can break through in a few games this weekend they could secure a playoff spot.
Let's look at different scenarios.
eagles playoff photos
In Philadelphia, things are very simple. If they win or tie against the Commanders, the Eagles will become NFC East champions.
However, if the managers win, they will remain in the title race for at least another week.
The Eagles are tied with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions at 12-2 for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. None of these three teams will be able to claim the top spot in their conference in Week 16.
commanders playoff photos
Washington's playoff scenario is even more complicated, and even with a win over their division rivals, the coaches will need a lot of help to celebrate Sunday night.
Here are three different paths to the playoffs for Washington this weekend.
In the first scenario, the Managers defeated the Eagles on Sunday. If the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie with the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams lose or tie with the New York Jets, Washington's playoff berth will be confirmed.
- Managers win AND Falcons lose/tie AND Rams lose/tie
Second path? Again, starting with a win over the Eagles. And if the Falcons lose or tie with the Giants and the Seattle Seahawks lose or tie with the Minnesota Vikings, the managers will join in the dance.
- Commanders win AND Falcons lose/tie AND Seahawks lose/tie
Now comes the third scenario, which again starts with Washington beating Philadelphia. Add to that a loss for the Falcons, a loss or tie for the Rams, a loss or tie for the Seahawks, and a loss or tie for the Arizona Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers, and managers will be affected.
However, there is one catch to this third scenario. If the Rams and Seahawks both tie, the Commanders will not qualify for the playoffs.
- Commanders tie AND Falcons lose AND Cardinals lose/tie AND Rams lose/tie AND Seahawks lose/tie (but not) both (Relationship between Rams and Seahawks)
Impact on tiebreaker
If Philadelphia wins on Sunday, it will clinch the district title and dominate the coaches this season.
However, if Washington wins, the season series between the two teams will be tied at 1-1. This means that if there is a possibility of a tie, you will move on to the next position. second tiebreakwhich is a division record as both teams are in the NFC East.
Heading into Week 16, the Commanders have a 2-2 record in the NFC East, while the Eagles have a 3-0 record. A win for Washington would improve its record in the division to 3-2, while dropping Philadelphia to 3-1.
The Eagles have games remaining against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, while the Commanders have one final divisional game remaining, against the Cowboys in Week 18.
