NFL

Eagles Bye Week: Three NFL Games That Could Shape Philadelphia's Draft Future

Eagles Bye Week: Three NFL Games That Could Shape Philadelphia's Draft Future

The Philadelphia Eagles enter their bye week at a critical juncture, granting them a much-needed respite amid a seven-game losing streak. Although the team won't be on the field in Week 10, the outcomes of other games will resonate with their future plans.

The weekend's 14-game schedule features a London showdown between playoff hopefuls and a fierce NFC North battle at Lambeau Field, but for the Eagles, the games involving other losing teams hold greater significance.

Three Games to Monitor

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Sunday's clash at Nissan Stadium will be the first game for defensive tackle Jordan Davis since the Eagles traded him to Jacksonville at the deadline. Philadelphia received two high draft picks in return. The Jaguars expect the massive run-stuffer to elevate their already elite defense, and his integration with veterans like Arik Armstead and Josh Hines-Allen will be closely watched. Beyond Davis, the game carries draft implications: the Eagles' 2-7 record currently gives them the No. 5 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Tennessee (1-7) is one of three teams with fewer than two wins through nine weeks. A Titans upset would bring them level with Philadelphia in the standings, boosting the Eagles' chances of securing a top-five selection. The two teams will meet again in Week 12.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
The focus remains on the 2027 draft when considering this matchup. While Philadelphia could string together some wins, its playoff odds are extremely slim, making victories by teams below them in the standings meaningful. Miami (1-7) and Indianapolis (2-7) are two of four teams in that category. A Colts win would push them ahead of the Eagles with a 3-7 record, while a Dolphins victory would temporarily place them above Philadelphia due to strength of schedule. Either way, the Eagles will hold a top-four pick entering Week 11. Miami quarterback Kyle McCord is set to make his NFL debut on Sunday after Malik Willis suffered a groin injury. McCord, a former Eagles fan who played high school football at St. Joseph's Prep, was selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft before being waived after the preseason.

Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens
The Chargers join the Titans, Dolphins, and Colts (whose first-round pick is owned by the Jets) as the four teams currently standing between the Eagles and the No. 1 overall pick. Los Angeles travels to Baltimore on Monday night as the NFL's only winless team, marking the franchise's first 0-8 start since 2000. The Ravens could be vulnerable after acquiring quarterback Jacoby Brissett to start following injuries to Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (turf toe). Wednesday was Brissett's first practice with the team as he races to get up to speed. Only two teams have gone winless in a full season since 2000: the 2008 Lions and 2017 Browns, both 0-16. No one wants to join that group, so the Chargers should have extra motivation. Any Los Angeles win moving forward benefits Philadelphia.

Key Analysis

While the Eagles are off, their draft position could shift based on these games. The outcomes of matchups involving other struggling teams will be scrutinized by Philadelphia's front office as they look to build for the future.