Road to Victory: Eagles clinch a playoff berth
For the fourth time in four years with Nick Sirianni as the head coach, the Philadelphia Eagles are in the playoffs.
The Eagles clinched their spot on Sunday thanks to their 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers, combined with Atlanta's loss to Minnesota and Arizona's loss to Seattle.
Philadelphia improved to 11-2 (.846) by winning its franchise-record-tying ninth consecutive game. The Eagles are the eighth NFL team to win nine consecutive games after a bye week since byes were introduced in 1990, per Elias Sports. Philadelphia has started 11-2 or better through 13 games for just the fifth time in team history, having also done so in 2022 (12-1), 2017 (11-2), 2004 (12-1), and 1980 (11-2).
Sirianni is just the second head coach in franchise history to direct three straight 11+ win campaigns, joining Andy Reid from 2000-04 (five).
Furthermore, he has produced a 45-19 (.703) career record in four seasons with Philadelphia. According to Elias Sports, Sirianni's .703 winning percentage is the sixth-highest in NFL history and best among all current NFL head coaches.
The next objective for the Eagles is to clinch the NFC East. The Cowboys host the Bengals on Monday night.
1. Eagles – 11-2
2. Commanders – 8-5
3. Cowboys – 5-7
4. Giants – 2-11 (eliminated from playoff contention)
For the rest of the NFC, here is how the playoff picture looks in the standings (Note: The four division winners receive the first four seeds in the playoffs):
1. Lions – 12-1 (1st in NFC North, clinched playoff berth)
2. Eagles – 11-2 (1st in NFC East, clinched playoff berth)
3. Seahawks – 8-5 (1st in NFC West)
4. Buccaneers – 7-6 (1st in NFC South)
5. Vikings – 11-2 (1st Wild Card)
6. Packers – 9-4 (2nd Wild Card)
7. Commanders – 8-5 (3rd Wild Card)
In the Hunt
• Rams – 7-6
• Falcons – 6-7
• Cardinals – 6-7
• 49ers – 6-7
On the other side, this is how the AFC playoff picture is shaping up:
1. Chiefs – 11-1 (1st in AFC West, clinched playoff berth)
2. Bills – 10-3 (1st in AFC East, clinched division title)
3. Steelers – 10-3 (1st in AFC North)
4. Texans – 8-5 (1st in AFC South)
5. Chargers – 8-4 (1st Wild Card)
6. Ravens – 8-5 (2nd Wild Card, Wins head-to-head tiebreaker over Broncos)
7. Broncos – 8-5 (3rd Wild Card
In the Hunt
• Colts – 6-7
• Dolphins – 6-7
With a win over the Chargers on Sunday night, the Chiefs can clinch the AFC West for a ninth straight year. – Compiled by Liam Wichser
