The Philadelphia Eagles had a critical decision to make this week.
With their presence in the playoffs already guaranteed, the Eagles were candidates to give some key players the week off from competing in game action.
While the Eagles have a shot at getting the second-best seed in the NFC, many fans were hoping to see the Eagles take the risk and improve their odds of beating the Washington Commanders by bringing out the starters.
Other fans and analysts also believed that the Eagles could use another week of fine-tuning before they reach the postseason. Ultimately, Nick Sirianni’s decision will be resting most of the key starters. Therefore, some key names like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and AJ Brown are expected to have the afternoon off.
Sirianni Explains His Logic
“At the end of the day, it’s not a guarantee that we can the two-seed, but I can guarantee that we can rest the starters,” the head coach told the media.
“I just thought that was the best thing for our football team. We feel good about the guys that are going to go out there and play. Obviously, you can’t rest everybody, so we’re going to go in there to try and win the game with some guys that haven’t played a ton of snaps … We just felt like that was the best thing for the football team for this week.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni on his decision to rest the starters: I can’t guarantee the two seed, but I can guarantee rest. Pic.twitter.com/97ahwGjX4m
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) January 2, 2026
The Eagles know they will have a shot at one of three opponents next week. They could host the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, or the Los Angeles Rams.
Getting the second seed would mean a meeting with the Packers would take place for the NFL’s Wild Card round. The Eagles met with the Packers earlier this season and came away with a low-scoring, tight win. They are 3-0 against the Packers over the past two seasons, including a round-one victory in the playoffs last year.
A win against the Commanders, along with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions would get the Eagles the second seed. Rolling out starters in need of two scenarios playing out in their favor is a big gamble for the Eagles.
If Philadelphia doesn’t get the second seed, then they’ll have to see who finishes as the NFC’s sixth seed.