Jay Ajayi continues to get more playing time as the playoffs approach | Early Birds

Jay Ajayi's playing time increased on Sunday for the third consecutive game, proving that Ajayi should be viewed as the Eagles' top running back. (Here's the playing time distribution for the whole team.) Ajayi took 35 snaps, which was 51 percent of the offensive plays. After playing fewer than 30 percent of the snaps in his first three games with the Eagles, Ajayi has increased from 41 percent to 47 percent to 51 percent during the last three. Look for this to grow in the postseason; his production warrants it: Ajayi is averaging 6.4 yards per carry with the Eagles and has become more of a factor in the passing game. Other playing-time takeaways: Chance Warmack took every snap at left guard; Joe Walker did not enter the game on defense; Bryan Braman stepped right in as a core special teams player, tying for the team lead with 81 percent of the special teams snaps.

At Doug Pederson's day-after news conference, he was asked whether he would rest his starters if the Minnesota Vikings lose on Saturday and the Eagles clinch the top seed before playing Monday against the Oakland Raiders. Pederson said he's not able to think like that because the Vikings game is out of his control, so he's preparing the Eagles like normal. That's the answer I expected Pederson to give, but it makes sense to have contingencies this week. The best approach is prepare as if they need to win the game to clinch regardless of what happens with the Vikings. That way, Nick Foles and the starters get a full week of work. But if the Eagles clinch on Saturday night, I'd consider taking some key players out at halftime on Monday to avoid injury and give playing time to some down-the-depth-chart players. Pederson has done this when the Eagles had big leads in the fourth quarter this season. I'd consider treating the second half that way during the next two games. What would you do? (Of course, this discussion is pointless if the Vikings win.)

Malcolm Jenkins and six teammates joined 30 police officers and Strawberry Hill Police Athletic League officers on Monday afternoon to pack and deliver food baskets and toys to 140 Philadelphia-area families as part of the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise. Fellow defensive backs Rodney McLeod, Patrick Robinson, Jalen Mills, Jaylen Watkins, Corey Graham, and Sidney Jones also participated. They surprised the families with the food and gifts, hand-delivering them to homes. It's the third year Jenkins' foundation held the event.

Will Doug Pederson rest his starters? He doesn't need to make that decision yet, but he might soon.

What does Pederson think about a defense that has allowed 88 points during the last three games? Les Bowen's day-after story breaks it down.

Marcus Hayes thinks Pederson is the coach of the year.

What did Jeff McLane learn in the Eagles' win?

Paul Domowitch offered five reasons the Eagles won.

In the latest Birds' Eye View podcast, McLane and I discussed Nick Foles' first start, the defensive breakdowns, the accomplishment of a first-round bye, and more.

If you missed Monday's newsletter, there's reason for both celebration and concern.