Every victory in the NFL is hard earned, but the Lions may have a tougher test down the stretch than the Eagles will.
We can’t remember where we heard this, but we know we heard it somewhere. Forgive us for not providing the proper credit, but we’ve also added a few scenarios since we first heard the idea thrown out for fodder. What if the Philadelphia Eagles could construct their path to the Super Bowl and write their postseason itinerary?
What hand might they deal to themselves if it were that easy? Which idea sounds better? Would it be better to host the current leaders of the NFC, the Detroit Lions, at Lincoln Financial Field? What if they couldn’t but we could wave the magic wand at hope for a polished offensive attack on the road?
Let’s focus on the home-field advantage angle for a second. Does it matter? After all, Philly has constructed a road record of 5-1 this season. Ford Field is a different animal though, correct?
Would you rather see Philly play at home or on the road if it came down to a game versus the Lions in January
The Eagles seemingly have an easier path to the number-one seed than the current conference-leading Detroit Lions.
Once we reach this juncture of the season, we often begin entertaining the same conversations. Many of those discussions hinge on playoff positioning, seeding, home-field advantage, and possible matchups.
Often we’ve thought dome teams suffer when forced to play outdoors in January. We do so because history and data suggests they do. This version of the Lions is a different animal though.
Like Philly, Detroit has been excellent on the road. They have crafted a better record with a perfect 6-0 mark. Highlights of their season include road wins over the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans.
The Lions run the ball well, play physical football, and play hard on defense. That translates to good showings in domed stadiums and outdoor games when the weather is nasty.
Still, we’d rather see Philly overtake them and earn a first-round bye as the NFC’s top seed. It’s possible. The Birds only trail the 10-1 Lions by one game in the conference standings. Philly has some tough dates but a seemingly easier schedule the rest of the way.
Detroit’s remaining games
Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving (HOME) Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football (HOME) Buffalo Bills (HOME) Chicago Bears (AWAY) San Francisco 49ers (AWAY) Minnesota Vikings (HOME)
The Eagles’ remaining games are as follows
Baltimore Ravens (AWAY) Carolina Panthers (HOME) Pittsburgh Steelers (HOME) Washington Commanders (AWAY) Dallas Cowboys (HOME) New York Giants (HOME)
As you can see, four of Philly’s remaining six games will be played at home. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers represent stiffer challenges, but we think the worst-case scenario is a split with the road loss in Baltimore. We believe Philly will wind up sweeping the NFC East.
On any given Sunday (or Thursday and Friday), any NFL team can beat another. Wins should probably never be counted before they occur.
Some might state the Lions have an easier road based on Philly’s tussles with the Ravens and Steelers, but no one should overlook the possibility that Detroit could lose every game on their remaining schedule. They won’t, but the probability for losses seems high. Pay close attention to those games vs. the Packers, Vikings, Bills, and 49ers.