Full Breakdown
Eagles' Decision to Rest Starters Costs Them No. 2 Seed in Playoffs
1/6/2026, 12:41:17 PM
Eagles' Regular Season Finale Against Commanders
In a pivotal Week 18 matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Washington Commanders, needing a win to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. However, the Eagles opted to rest many of their starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, resulting in a 24-17 loss. This decision locked the Eagles into the No. 3 seed, setting them up for a wild-card game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni defended his choice, emphasizing the importance of player health over playoff seeding. "One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee anything else," Sirianni stated. He acknowledged the potential consequences of his decision but prioritized entering the playoffs healthy.
The Impact of the Decision
The Eagles' loss was compounded by the fact that the Chicago Bears lost to the Detroit Lions, which would have allowed Philadelphia to move up to the second seed had they won. Instead, the Eagles will now face a challenging matchup against the 49ers, who finished the season with a 12-5 record. Sirianni's decision to rest starters was met with mixed reactions, with some former NFL coaches criticizing the move as a missed opportunity for a better playoff position.
Despite the loss, the Eagles did see some individual successes. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the season, achieving this milestone early in the game before being pulled for safety.
Criticism and Support for the Decision
Critics of Sirianni's decision pointed out that the Eagles squandered a chance for a more favorable playoff path. Former NFL coach Rex Ryan expressed disbelief at the decision, stating, "If we had a chance for the two seed? Hell yeah, you’re playing the whole game." Conversely, others, including former Eagles defensive end Chris Long, supported the decision to rest players, citing the need to protect key players from injury.
Sirianni's decision was not without its consequences on the field. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee struggled, completing 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. The Eagles' defense, featuring many backups, faltered, allowing two fourth-quarter touchdowns to Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson, who is a third-string player.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Matchup Against the 49ers
As the Eagles prepare for their wild-card game against the 49ers, the focus shifts to the upcoming challenge. The 49ers, despite their recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks, have a potent offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. Defensive end Brandon Graham emphasized the need for the Eagles to bring energy and play fast on defense to succeed.
The Eagles' playoff journey begins on January 11, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field. While the decision to rest starters has sparked debate, the team is now focused on making a deep playoff run, with Sirianni reiterating the importance of health and readiness for the postseason.
Conclusion
The Eagles' decision to rest key players in their regular-season finale against the Commanders has drawn significant scrutiny, particularly after the loss cost them a higher playoff seed. As they prepare to face the 49ers, the outcome of Sirianni's gamble will be closely watched, with the potential for both redemption and further criticism on the line.
