Winner of Giants vs. Eagles has Leg Up in NFC East

The winner of this weekend’s Giants vs. Eagles game will have a leg up in the NFC East and for that matter, will most likely win it. Dallas (8-4) and the Eagles (8-4) are currently atop the division and one game ahead of the Giants (7-5). Even though there are several different ways the division can play out, a win for the Giants, coupled with the fact that Dallas’ next two games are against division leaders and in addition Philly and Dallas meet in week 17, gives them the edge in the division. With a win Sunday, and presuming the Giants can beat the Redskins the following week, the Giants will own the tie-breakers over both Philly and Dallas. 

Philadelphia may be the Giants’ final obstacle that stands in the way of the division title. By the time week 17 comes around and the Giants travel to Minnesota, the Vikings may opt to rest their starters for the playoffs. On the other hand, a loss to the Eagles may be the final dagger in the Giants division hopes and maybe even their playoff hopes. 

Here’s a breakdown of the NFC East, excluding the Redskins (3-9):

Dallas Cowboys (8-4) (2-2 in division) Final four games: vs. San Diego (9-3), at New Orleans (12-0), at Washington (3-9), vs. Philadelphia (8-4)

Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) (3-1 in division) Final four games: at New York (7-5), vs. San Francisco (5-7), vs. Denver (8-4), at Dallas (8-4)

New York Giants (7-5) (*3-1 in division) Final four games: vs. Philadelphia (8-4), at Washington (3-9), vs. Carolina (5-7), at Minnesota (10-2)

*Giants 2-0 against Dallas