Updated look at the Eagles’ playoff odds

The Philadelphia Eagles are still alive in the NFC East after defeating the New York Giants. We’ve already discussed their path to the post-season, but what are the chances the Eagles actually make the playoffs?

In order to put things in perspective, let’s take a look at the Eagles’ playoff odds in the context of the rest of the division, via Football Outsiders:

As you can see, the Eagles’ win combined with Washington’s loss on Thanksgiving increased their odds by over 7%. The reigning Super Bowl champions have a 21.1% chance to make the playoffs with five games to play.

Philadelphia’s best shot is winning the division. It’s not impossible that they could win a wild card spot but it is very unlikely. It’s probably No. 4 seed or bust for the Eagles.

The Eagles could see their playoff odds jump up again after Week 13. If the Cowboys lose to the Saints on Thursday Night Football (New Orleans opened as 7-point road favorites) and the Eagles beat Washington on Monday Night Football, well, that’ll be real good. Of course, the Eagles haven’t won back-to-back games all year, so you can hardly assume they’ll just dominate the Redskins.

Beating the Giants did not fix all of the Eagles’ ever-present issues. But it did keep them alive. And even though you might (fairly) feel like the Eagles won’t stand much of a chance of winning in the playoffs, it’d be pretty cool to AT LEAST be the first team since 2004 to repeat as NFC East champions.

I think it’d be hard to say the season was total failure if the Eagles can win the division. Disappointing, yes, but not a disaster.