What's Happening?
The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to rest several key starters in their upcoming Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders. This decision comes despite the potential to improve their playoff seeding. Coach Nick Sirianni announced the plan, which includes resting quarterback Jalen Hurts and possibly other starters, during a team meeting. The Eagles are currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC but could move up to No. 2 if they win against the Commanders and the Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions. The Eagles have previously used Week 18 as a strategic rest period for key players, a decision informed by past experiences where resting players proved beneficial for postseason performance.
Why It's Important?
The decision to rest starters highlights the Eagles'
strategic approach to the postseason, prioritizing player health and readiness over immediate seeding gains. This move could impact their playoff performance, as rested players may perform better in high-stakes games. However, it also risks losing the opportunity to secure a higher seed, which could affect their playoff matchups. The Eagles' approach reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams balance the benefits of rest against the competitive advantages of higher seeding. This decision could influence other teams facing similar choices in future seasons.
What's Next?
The Eagles will face the Commanders with a lineup that includes backup players, testing their depth and resilience. The outcome of this game, along with the concurrent Bears-Lions game, will determine the Eagles' final playoff seeding. If the Eagles win and the Bears lose, they will secure the No. 2 seed and host the Green Bay Packers. Otherwise, they will remain the No. 3 seed and face either the Los Angeles Rams or the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders, meanwhile, are expected to start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson, as they contend with their own injury challenges.
