The NFL flexed Chicago and Philadelphia to Sunday Night Football on NBC after Week 14. It was possible that both teams would be playing for a chance to win their respective divisions. There is a chance that could happen but both teams will need results from the early games to go their way. In fact, by the time the Bears and Eagles take the field on Sunday night, it could be a meaningless game other than for seeding in the NFC playoffs.

With two games to go, the Eagles lead the Cowboys by one game in the NFC East. Dallas currently hold the head-to-head and division record tiebreaker over Philadelphia. If the Cowboys (three-point road favorites) defeat the Redskins in Week 16, the Eagles wouldn’t be able to clinch the division with a win over the Bears. The Cowboys and Eagles play in Dallas the last game of the season so that game then would decide the NFC East.

The NFC North is a little more complicated. Two losses in a row by the Lions has given the Bears and Packers new life and control of their own destiny. The Lions host the Giants and Packers host the Steelers in late afternoon games Sunday. If the Lions loss their third straight and Packers win, then the result from the Bears game on Sunday night won’t matter. The division would be decided at Solider Field in Week 17 when the Packers come to town.  Continue reading →