It is hard to imagine Week 15 playing out any more perfectly for the Philadelphia Eagles. It started with the defense pitching a shutout against the Las Vegas Raiders and star quarterback Jalen Hurts being back to the best version of himself. The 31-0 win halted a three-game losing streak and put the Eagles firmly in the driver's seat in the NFC East. This led into Sunday Night Football, where the Dallas Cowboys would be embarrassed defensively by the J.J. McCarthy-led Minnesota Vikings, beating Philly's hated rival 34-26.
Losing to the Vikings was damning for the Cowboys, but they still aren't out of the mix yet. Nevertheless, the Eagles have a chance to end their NFC East rival's playoff hopes before the Cowboys even hit the field in Week 16.
Eagles Can Eliminate Cowboys with Win vs. Commanders in Week 16
Week 16 will see the Eagles take on the rival Washington Commanders for the first of two games played in the next three weeks. A Philly win would officially eliminate Dallas from the playoff mix, meaning head coach Nick Sirianni's squad can end the Cowboys' bid before the latter even takes to the field next week.
There is something special about watching Dallas lose in a big spot that can't help but warm the hearts of Philly fans. It serves as a reminder of who really runs the NFC East and why Dallas was never going to have a real chance at making a late-season comeback. For the Eagles, it is impossible to believe they won't get the job done next Sunday after what fans witnessed against the Raiders.
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, but it's hard to imagine the Eagles losing to the Commanders. In their last 17 games against the Commanders, the defending Super Bowl Champions have gone 14-3. That includes when Philadelphia destroyed Washington by 32 points in the 2024-25 NFC Championship Game.
Now, there is no hint of last season's team, with quarterback Jayden Daniels consistently missing time with injuries, and the Washington defense's regression. It is clear that the Commanders have let go of the rope and are already looking forward to the 2026 season.
There simply isn't a clear motivation for Washington to come into this game locked in an attempt to deny Philadelphia an earned division title. Meanwhile, the Eagles can use the winnable matchup as a tune-up before the playoffs, giving them every reason to blow the Commanders out (even if the Cowboys' fate didn't depend on it.
There's no better feeling for Philly fans than when the Eagles are soaring, and the Cowboys are just scraping by. And if things go to play on Saturday, that trend will hold true for at least one more season.