For Non-Eagles Fans, a Wild Card Round Guide to Rooting Against the Competition
As the NFL playoffs enter the crucial Wild Card Round, we're here to help you out with some advice on which teams to root for – or against. Here's your rooting guide for non-Eagles games this weekend.
The Eagles' playoff fate is all but sealed in Sunday's game against the 49ers, meaning they'll be facing one of three potential Divisional Round opponents: the Rams, Panthers, or Bears. While the Rams are undoubtedly the most complete team among the three, their home-field advantage in Philly might give them an edge.
However, if we're looking for an ideal matchup, it's hard to argue against a Panthers win on Saturday. The Eagles would then face Carolina, which would be a dream come true. A Panthers victory is essentially a gift to every other playoff team in the league – and from the Eagles' perspective, it would set them up nicely.
On the other hand, if the Panthers lose, you'll need to decide between rooting for the Rams or Bears. While playing the Bears in Chicago might seem like an easier matchup, there's still a significant talent gap between the two teams. Ultimately, your choice comes down to which team you prefer facing – and whether you think playing at home would give them an advantage.
Meanwhile, the Packers' game against the Bears is a bit more complex. A Packers win on Saturday could set up the Eagles for either a Rams or Panthers matchup in the Divisional Round. But if the Packers do emerge victorious, it's hard to see how that wouldn't be beneficial for them – and ultimately detrimental to the Eagles.
As for the AFC games, there's no clear favorite emerging from this batch of matchups. The Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, Chargers, and Steelers are all vying for a spot in the Super Bowl – but none of them stand out as particularly dominant at this point.
One team that does seem like an ideal Super Bowl opponent would be either the Chargers or Steelers. If one of these teams emerges as AFC champions, they'd face a relatively weak opponent in the playoffs – which could make their path to the championship easier.
With all these factors in mind, here's your rooting guide for non-Eagles games this weekend:
* Saturday: Panthers win over Rams = Eagles play Panthers
* Saturday: Rams win over Panthers = Eagles play Rams
* Saturday: Bears win over Packers = Eagles play Bears
* Sunday: Bills win over Jaguars = Chargers or Steelers emerge as AFC champions
* Sunday: Chargers win over Patriots = same as above
* Monday: Texans win over Steelers = same as above
Of course, these are just suggestions – and ultimately it's up to you to decide which teams you want to root for (or against).
As the NFL playoffs enter the crucial Wild Card Round, we're here to help you out with some advice on which teams to root for – or against. Here's your rooting guide for non-Eagles games this weekend.
The Eagles' playoff fate is all but sealed in Sunday's game against the 49ers, meaning they'll be facing one of three potential Divisional Round opponents: the Rams, Panthers, or Bears. While the Rams are undoubtedly the most complete team among the three, their home-field advantage in Philly might give them an edge.
However, if we're looking for an ideal matchup, it's hard to argue against a Panthers win on Saturday. The Eagles would then face Carolina, which would be a dream come true. A Panthers victory is essentially a gift to every other playoff team in the league – and from the Eagles' perspective, it would set them up nicely.
On the other hand, if the Panthers lose, you'll need to decide between rooting for the Rams or Bears. While playing the Bears in Chicago might seem like an easier matchup, there's still a significant talent gap between the two teams. Ultimately, your choice comes down to which team you prefer facing – and whether you think playing at home would give them an advantage.
Meanwhile, the Packers' game against the Bears is a bit more complex. A Packers win on Saturday could set up the Eagles for either a Rams or Panthers matchup in the Divisional Round. But if the Packers do emerge victorious, it's hard to see how that wouldn't be beneficial for them – and ultimately detrimental to the Eagles.
As for the AFC games, there's no clear favorite emerging from this batch of matchups. The Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, Chargers, and Steelers are all vying for a spot in the Super Bowl – but none of them stand out as particularly dominant at this point.
One team that does seem like an ideal Super Bowl opponent would be either the Chargers or Steelers. If one of these teams emerges as AFC champions, they'd face a relatively weak opponent in the playoffs – which could make their path to the championship easier.
With all these factors in mind, here's your rooting guide for non-Eagles games this weekend:
* Saturday: Panthers win over Rams = Eagles play Panthers
* Saturday: Rams win over Panthers = Eagles play Rams
* Saturday: Bears win over Packers = Eagles play Bears
* Sunday: Bills win over Jaguars = Chargers or Steelers emerge as AFC champions
* Sunday: Chargers win over Patriots = same as above
* Monday: Texans win over Steelers = same as above
Of course, these are just suggestions – and ultimately it's up to you to decide which teams you want to root for (or against).
but idk who's gonna be more trouble @ the divisional round lol rams are lookin fierce but eagles got this 
meanwhile i think packers doin some sneaky stuff 2 set up eagles 4 a matchup w/ either rams or panthers 
and afc games r all good 2 go, chargers and steelers seem like the way 2 go 
like what's up with all these matchups? can someone explain why a panthers win on saturday would be a good thing for the eagles? wouldn't they just get lucky and play in the super bowl anyway? 
they have that electric offense and tyreek hill is a game changer...if they can get past the patriots this weekend, i think their path to the championship would be super smooth 
. And even if the Panthers lose, it's not like it'll be all bad news - we still get to root against the Rams or Bears 
. On the other hand, I'm kinda rooting against the Packers on Saturday 
️... their win would give the Eagles a tough matchup either way 
. But honestly, who doesn't love watching some intense football games this weekend? 
the chargers or steelers would b awesome to face in the super bowl tho - they seem like they got a relatively easy road to the championship 
I gotta say, if I'm bein' real with ya, playin' the Panthers would be a dream come true! 
As for the Rams, they're just too complete of a team right now, so I'm not sure who'd wanna root for 'em. 
The Packers game is all about who wins and loses, though – if they come out on top, they're basically set for the Eagles to face whoever comes next. 
they're both pretty solid. and what's up with this whole "dream come true" thing? just say it straight up, if the eagles play the panthers, that's awesome. no need to sugarcoat it 
