Who is competing with the Philadephia Eagles?

     The Eagles are heavy favorites to win their division, the conference, and maybe even the Super Bowl. They lead the league producing eight pro bowlers. However, when does all this end? Do the Eagles have any quiet underdogs chasing them and their 13-1 record? There are plenty of teams that want to challenge the team, but are there any capable of battling a ridiculous Eagles squad?  

        1. The 49ers.        

    The 49ers are an obvious group to contend with a hot Eagles' team. With one of the weirdest quarterback situation and arguably the best defense in the league right now, San Fransisco is an obvious team hungry to take down the Eagles and win the NFC. The team boasts Nick Bosa, the NFL's leading pass rusher with 15.5 sacks. Their defense has only allowed 286.1 yards per game. Their defensive line held Kenneth Walker to only 47 yards, Raheem Mostert to only 30, James Conner to only three yards a carry, Austin Ekeler to only 24 yards, and the list goes on. Their line terrorizes runners and the team has made a huge comeback. They were 3-4 at the start of this season, before winning seven straight and clinching the NFC West. Besides their collapse against the Chiefs, where they gave up 44 points and allowed five sacks, the most points they have given up this season is 28 to the Falcons. And during their seven game win streak, they have allowed only 11 points per game. Their rookie quarterback, Brock Purdy, has taken the NFL on by a storm, beating Tom Brady and already throwing for 402 yards and four touchdowns in his lone two starts. 

Brock Purdy is the NFL's most surprising star

Photo Credit: NFL.com

        2. The Vikings

    I didn't want to put the Vikings in second place, but the Cowboys disastrous loss forced me to. While many are ranting of the Vikings incredible comeback, which truly was incredible, there are many unanswered questions. The Colts led 33-0 at halftime. Special teams scored, Matt Ryan threw a touchdown, and Kirk Cousins thrrew a pick-six. They Vikings then turned the game around in the third quarter and Greg Joseph sealed the game in overtime with a field goal. The Vikings beat the Colts 39-36. Although this comeback was amazing and the biggest in NFL history, it begs the question: how were the Vikings down 33-0 at halftime to the then 4-8-1 Colts in the first place?! A week before, the Cowboys destroyed Indianapolis 54-19! Sure the Vikings have amazing stars such as Justin Jefferson, and K.J. Osborn had an excellent game with 10 receptions, 157 yards, and a touchdown, but not only did Minnesota lose to Philly already, but the Vikings recently lost to Detroit. When the Vikings and the Eagles played, Cousins threw three interceptions and Jefferson was held to only 48 yards. In Minnesota's huge loss to the Lions, their defense allowed three Jared Goff touchdowns, including one to a wide open Jameson Williams. The Vikings defense is terrible and if Justin Jefferson was anywhere else, they would bomb the season. 

    3. The Cowboys

The Cowboys would be much second on this list if they didn't lose to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. After that game, there are two reasons Dallas didn't win. 1: They as a team are overrated, or 2: The Jaguars are pretty good. Jacksonville is a good football team, but Dallas really should have beat them. Dak Prescott has put together an okay season, throwing for 17 touchdowns, but barely beating the Texans doesn't help their case heading into the postseason. The Cowboys can still clinch the division, but it will take a lot, and the Cowboys don't look that hot right now. 

    4. The Giants

    Playing in the most competitive division in the NFL currently, the Giants have done well. They can still clinch the playoffs, and their competition across other NFC divisions is limited. They beat the Commanders which put them forward in the fight for the playoffs. They don't really prove much of a threat to the Eagles though, after being demolished at home in week 14.

    5. The Buccaneers

    The Bucs literally are undeserving of a playoff spot. The only reason they are higher than the Commanders is because they lead the NFC South. They are a Tom Brady-led team that could literally crack the postseason with a 6-11 record. They are a dog toy to all the other playoff NFC teams. A thing that dogs pick up, and then rip apart mercilessly to shreds. Their division is disgusting right now, and any team could make a leap into the playoffs. It really is unfair that Tampa Bay could make the playoffs with a worse record over a team last in their division with a better record. This team is obviously missing Bruce Arians. Nothing more to say. 

    6. The Commanders. 

The Commanders are respectable, with rookie Brian Robinson continually receiving more touches, and rookie Jahan Dotson making some remarkable catches. Chase Young is also set to return, and Taylor Heinicke is doing all he can to push the Commanders into the postseason. There is not much hope, but there is always next year for the surprise team. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above photo was taken from an NFL.com page. The image is a preview to a video (here) on page. Image used for commentary.