What does a 2nd seed standing get the Philadelphia Eagles?  How about some history?  I've seen a couple comments about 1st round byes leading to Eagles doom... The reality as I see it is while other NFC East teams have come out flat with a 1st round bye... Reid has done historically well with 2 weeks to prepare the team.. On the other hand, pending our placement (2nd or 6th) history also points out what I think has the most potential to change the shape of the playoffs.. and it's been mostly overlooked.  That potential playoff wildcard, Domes.

Domes... the only thing keeping Brett Favre away from 37 Degree kickoffs and an ugly stat line. According to this ESPN article (written before Favre's loss last night to the Bears):

"A Favre-led team has not won on the road when the game-time temperature was 37 degrees or below in nearly eight years."

... A stat that includes last week's 37 degree kickoff & loss to the Panthers, and now continues to hold after last nights loss to the Bears in sub 30 degree weather.  This stat may prove to be the story of the playoffs, and it's fully dependent on our Eagles / Cowgirls showdown next week.

Here is how the scenarios work:

• If the Eagles win, we get second seed.  Favre & the Minnesota Vikings (at either 3rd or 4th) will host climate controlled game under their own dome.  And then (if 3rd, more likely) with a win, come to the Linc for a chilly reminder of the winter. If 4th & a win, they'd head to NO to take on the Saints in their dome.
• If the Dallas Cowboys win... Favre & the Vikings stay cozy.  A Vikings loss to the New York Giants, means Cowboys or Arizona Cardinals host round 2 in either Jerry's World (Dome) or in some not as cold, but still chilly Arizona temps (High 60s, Low 40s).  A Vikings win would let them host games in their own dome until the Conference championship, which would either be in their dome or New Orleans dome, depending on how the Saints fare in the post season.

So there you have how next weeks game can shape the playoffs via history & Favre.  Here's to another 44-6.