Nick Sirianni made the wrong decision.

He decided to rest most of the Eagles’ starters Sunday in their 24-17 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The NFC’s second seed was still up for grabs, and the Eagles could have gotten it as the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears. 

Instead, the Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in an NFC Wild Card Round matchup. 

The Eagles could have gotten an easier first-round matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles could have potentially had two guaranteed home playoff games. 

But not now. 

Even if the starters played the first half or even just the first quarter, the Eagles probably could have defeated the Commanders.

All the mistakes the backups made that cost the Eagles, such as Kelee Ringo’s pass interference and poor read on Josh Johnson’s go-ahead rushing TD, Tanner McKee’s costly interception or the numerous penalties, might not have happened if the starters played, again, even for just the first half. 

The potential to earn the second seed was there, but Sirianni gave that opportunity up, and he has no regrets. 

“I knew this was an outcome, that these things could happen,” he said after the game. “One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee them anything else. Being healthy and going into the playoffs healthy is a big deal for us.”

I get that, but when there’s a chance to get the second seed, you take it. I know it was out of their control, but the Lions won. That is what makes this sting. The Eagles are so much better at home, and being at home for the playoffs is a huge deal for every team.

However, the situation now is what it is. 

Sirianni’s decision doesn’t necessarily mean the Eagles’ postseason run is over. It just means the road to defend their Super Bowl title is more difficult.

Maybe the physical and mental break will work? That will be answered in the next few weeks, maybe even as early as Sunday.

“I know there will be debate on that,” Sirianni said about his decision.

But right now, the focus is on the Niners, a familiar foe for the Eagles. 

As of Monday night, the Eagles are three-point favorites against the Niners.

Vic Fangio’s defense has been clicking on all cylinders recently, and it’s very possible they can stifle the Niners. The only issue is stopping Christian McCaffrey.

The Eagles have not been great against the run, but that has changed in recent weeks. However, they contained James Cook in their win over the Buffalo Bills, and Cook is one of the leading rushers this season. So, that was very good to see as they prepare for CMC. It’s hard to fully stop him, but if the Eagles can contain him just enough, they could win this game. 

The pass rush can get to Brock Purdy and make him uncomfortable, much like they did to Josh Allen. Players like Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis could have big games.

Quinyon Mitchell may be covering Juan Jennings, who has really been having a good finish season. He is second on the team behind CMC in receiving yards and lead the team in touchdowns. However, Mitchell can most certainly shut down Jennings.

The Eagles are strong at linebacker with players like Jalyx Hunt, Jaelan Phillips, Smith, Dean and Zack Baun. So, hopefully, George Kittle is kept in check.

The defense does not concern me too much, outside of CMC. 

 But the offense does.

With them being rested Sunday, they are coming off a 17-yard half against the Bills. That’s how they will start the playoffs, coming off an abysmal performance. That was another reason they should have played Sunday, and it’s a cause for concern. 

However, the Niners’ defense is banged up and, honestly, not great. Of course, we have seen the offense struggle to take advantage of bad defenses this season. We have seen the inconsistencies and lack of making adjustments, which is all on Kevin Patullo.

But if there is one person I trust, it’s Jalen Hurts. 

He knows how to win. 

He IS a winner. 

As long as the defense plays like it has, Hurts should do enough on offense to lead the Eagles to the Divisional Round. Also, Saquon Barkley should be a threat with a week of rest. He needs to get at least 20 carries. The more he runs, and hopefully efficiently, the less time the Niners and CMC will have the ball. 

The Eagles should be able to win, but everything has to be perfect. The Eagles have not played a complete game this season, so Sunday’s matchup will most likely be very close in the final minutes, like against the Bills.