The Philadelphia Eagles are defending Super Bowl champions and while they’re gearing up for a playoff run to defend their title they lost a huge chance to earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs with a 24-17 loss to the Washington Commanders in the week 18 regular season finale.
The Eagles finished the season 11-6 and have already clinched the NFC East Division title and a home playoff game. The Commanders finished the season 5-12 and were eliminated from playoff contention following a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Key details (quick answers)
- Wild Card Weekend: January 10-12
- Eagles seed: The Eagles are the NFC’s No. 3 seed
- Why it matters: The Eagles will get to play at home in the NFC Wild Card Round
- Official game times: expected late Sunday night once the bracket is fully set
Eagles’ Next Opponent: Who Will Philadelphia Play in the NFL Playoffs?
The Eagles will face the No. 6 seed San Francisco 49ers next weekend in Philadelphia after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
The Eagles could have had the No. 2 seed if they beat the Commanders because the Chicago Bears lost to the Detroit Lions. In 2024, the Eagles had the No. 2 seed but were able to host the NFC Championship Game after the Commanders upset the No. 1 seed Lions in the NFC Divisional Round.
NFL Playoff Schedule: Wild Card Round Begins Saturday, Jan. 10
The NFL will play its Wild Card Weekend from January 10-12, the Divisional Round will be January 17-18 and conference championship games will be on January 25.
The Seattle Seahawks earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs and will have a bye in the opening round and home field advantage. The Bears will host the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers and the No. 5 seed Rams will travel to play the No. 4 seed Carolina Panthers, who clinched the NFC South Division title when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
The time slots for the Wild Card round are essentially locked in, however, so you can start setting up your food delivery orders now:
- Sat., Jan. 10: 4:30 p.m. ET, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Sun., Jan. 11: 1 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. ET, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Mon., Jan. 12: 8:15 p.m. ET
Eagles Didn’t Play Starters vs. Commanders
The majority of the Eagles’ starters weren’t on the field against the Commanders, with head coach Nick Sirianni deciding with one home playoff game already locked in place it was more important to get another week of rest for his starters instead of try to make a play for a No. 2 seed that could be out of their hands anyways.
It’s the same tactic the Eagles used last season in the regular-season finale and it led to a win over the New York Giants.
The biggest question for the Eagles against the Rams will almost certainly be the health of NFL All-Pro right offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
Johnson, a likely future Pro Football Hall of Famer, missed 7 regular season games due to injury and hasn’t played since he suffered a Lisfranc injury in a Week 11 win over the Lions.
Eagles Playoff Schedule: Next Opponent, Date & Game