NFL Playoff Picture: Eagles blow huge opportunity to control their fate

The Eagles blew it.

They had a chance to beat the Cowboys at home and virtually secure the NFC East with just two games remaining. They had a chance to become the first team since the 2001-2004 Eagles to win the division in back-to-back seasons. They came up short.

Philadelphia's loss drops their playoff chances from 73.4% to 35.8%. They are not officially eliminated yet by any means, but now they will need help to qualify for the post-season.

In order to win the NFC East now, the Eagles will need to win out against the Washington Redskins and New York Giants while hoping Dallas loses at least one of their final two games against the Indianapolis Colts and Washington. The Eagles would also clinch if Dallas loses out and the Birds win at least one more game. Philadelphia would own a tie-breaker in those scenarios due to a better division record.

The Eagles really need the Colts to be the Cowboys next week.

There is still hope that the Eagles could earn a wild card berth, but the problem is literally every team in competition with them holds a tie-breaker. Philadelphia will need to win out and have to hope for other NFC competitors to lose.

Philadelphia's loss to Dallas cost them the chance to control their fate. The Birds are in serious jeopardy of missing out on the playoffs.