If we don't beat the Eagles this weekend, it's very likely they don't lose a game until they have to face the Packers the last weekend of November. A loss puts us two games behind them in the standings and having to face the Packers and Vikings before the end of November.
A loss this weekend and we could be 3 games out of first by the end of November.
Wins matter. When they come doesn't. If we lose to the Packers in October and the Eagles lose to them in November, that's a wash, even if it makes us feel differently about the standings in the meantime.
So far, both Dallas and Philly have beaten WAS and their NFC West opponent (Cowboys beat the Rams, Eagles beat the Cardinals).
The Eagles have beaten the Lions, Vikings and Jaguars. Dallas ought to be favored in all those games, I would think.
The Cowboys have beaten the Bengals and Giants. The Giants are feisty but the Eagles should be heavily favored. The Bengals are a mess but I suppose they could put it together before playing Philly. That's an opportunity to make up a game.
Dallas lost to Tampa Bay. The Eagles should be favored against New Orleans (their NFCS opponent). We probably give up a game there.
So, hope the Bengals figure it out, match what the Eagles do against other opponents, and of course beat the Eagles.