NFL: 5 Reasons Why the Philadelphia Eagles Will Make the Playoffs

Don't look now, but there is a pulse Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Eagles destroyed the New York Jets 45-19 on Sunday, and have won two straight games for only the second time this season.

Philadelphia's faint playoff hopes are still alive. The Eagles got help from the New York Giants, who lost to the Washington Redskins (23-10). 

In order for the Eagles (6-8) to make the playoffs, they will have to win their next two games: at Dallas, and home against Washington; hope that the Giants lose to the Jets Sunday; and hope that the Giants beat Dallas in the regular season finale. That would give the Eagles, Giants and Cowboys, identical records at 8-8. However, the Eagles win the tiebreaker. Any loss by Philadelphia or win by Dallas—or if the Giants beat the Jets on Sunday—will eliminate the Eagles.

It is only wishful thinking, but remember the 2008 season, when the Eagles made the playoffs on the final Sunday: by beating Dallas, and losses by Chicago and Tampa Bay. That season, the Eagles fell one game short of the Super Bowl.

No team is more dangerous right now than Philly. Both lines (offensive and defensive) are playing excellent; the offense—when clicking—is the most dangerous in football; and Micheal Vick is back after missing games because of broken ribs.

If the Eagles do make the playoffs, which I think will happen, they could pose a threat to the Green Bay Packers—who fell back to Earth in Sunday's 19-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here are five reasons why I think the Philadelphia Eagles will make the NFC playoffs.

5. Brent Celek

Tight end Brent Celek, who had been a missing man in the offense, had the game of his life against the Jets.

Celek caught five passes for a season-high 156 yards and one touchdown. It was the first 100-yard receiving game for Celek since the 2009 season. That year, Celek had three 100-yard receiving games.

Quarterback Micheal Vick is finally involving Celek in the offense.

Celek had a breakout year in '09 (76 catches, 971 receiving yards and eight touchdowns), but his numbers have fallen drastically the past two seasons.

For the Eagles to have a chance at winning, Celek will have to be involved in the offense.

4. Jason Babin Is Playing Like a Man Possessed

There is no defensive lineman in the league right now that is playing better football than Eagles defensive end Jason Babin.

Babin's takedown of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (pictured above), was just one of three sacks by Babin on Sunday.

In the last three weeks Babin has posted eight sacks; taking over the NFL lead in that category with 18. With two games remaining, Babin has a good chance of breaking the late Reggie White's team record of 21.

Of all the free agents that were signed by the Eagles in the offseason, Babin, is definitely earning his five-year, $28 million deal.

3. Micheal Vick Is Playing Better

After missing three games because of broken ribs, Vick is back, and he is playing efficient football.

On Sunday, Vick was 15-for-22 for 274 yards and one touchdown; he also rushed for 32 yards and one score.

Vick's vision has improved immensely. 

Tight end Brent Celek had been a forgotten in the offense, but Vick is getting the ball to him. Celek has been targeted 11 times in the past two games, with nine receptions.

The main thing is Vick is running less often (seven rushing attempts since returning), and seeing the field and spreading the ball around.

For the Eagles to have a chance, they will need Vick to run less and see the field better.

2. Andy Reid Is Using Better Judgement

Reid, who is know for his inability to challenge calls, has shown improvement in this area in the last two games.

There was a challenge in Sunday's game against the Jets that was a clear call. The old Reid probably would not challenged the call and let an opportunity pass.

However, Reid, who was called out by Eagles fans a few weeks ago, is coaching like his career is riding on the rest of the season.

The question is: Has Reid finally stopped being stubborn and allow his best players (LeSean McCoy and Jason Babin) to dominate?

1. Favor Is Own the Eagles' Side

For as bad the Eagles have played this season, for some reason, things are actually playing in their favor.

Philadelphia has already beaten the Dallas Cowboys once (34-7), and the Cowboys have hit a speed bump in the past three games.

Also, the Giants—after an emotional win over Dallas two weeks ago—have regressed. The Giants game with the New York Jets is a tossup. Both teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eagles needs a Giants loss and a victory over the Cowboys to have a shot going into the final week.

If all of that plays out, memories of 2008 will resurface.

That season the Eagles were left for dead and needed a miracle going into the final Sunday. Philadelphia received two gifts earlier: Tampa Bay and Chicago lost.

When the Eagles took the field against Dallas in the late game, the Linc (Eagles' home stadium) was rocking. Philadelphia would pound the Cowboys 44-6 and make the playoffs.

The Eagles went on to beat Minnesota and the Giants, before losing to Arizona in the NFC Championship game.

With the way the Eagles are playing, they are a team that could run the table in the playoffs. Green Bay is hurting; San Francisco's offense is inept; and New Orleans cannot win in cold environments.