No matter how hard he tried, Brian Dawkins couldn't will the Denver Broncos to victory in his emotional return to Philadelphia.

David Akers kicked a 28-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining, lifting the Eagles to a 30-27 victory over the Broncos on Sunday.

Kyle Orton rallied the Broncos from a 27-10 deficit in the third quarter, but Donovan McNabb led the Eagles on a winning drive in the final minutes.

Rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin set up Akers' kick with an outstanding, 27-yard catch along the sideline to the Broncos 13. The catch initially was ruled incomplete, but it was overturned after replays showed Maclin kept both feet inbound while making a diving reception.

Three plays later, Akers nailed a gimme.

The Eagles (11-4) can clinch their sixth NFC East title this decade if Dallas loses at Washington in the Sunday night game. If the Cowboys beat the Redskins, the Eagles will play at Dallas for the division title next Sunday. A victory over the Cowboys coupled with one loss by Minnesota would give Philadelphia a first-round bye.

The Broncos (8-7) are trying to avoid a major collapse after starting 6-0. They no longer control their playoff destiny and are tied with four other teams for the final two wild-card spots in the AFC.

McNabb threw for 322 yards and three TDs, tight end Brent Celek had 121 yards receiving and one TD and Philadelphia won its sixth straight game.

The Eagles have set a franchise record for most points in a season, surpassing the 416 they scored last year. They have 429 points, an average of 28.6 per game.

A seven-time Pro Bowl safety in 13 seasons in Philadelphia, Dawkins returned in a Broncos uniform after signing a two-year contract in free agency.

Dawkins, who didn't come out for pregame warmups, received a rousing ovation when he was introduced. He went through his familiar routine, gyrating and contorting his way onto the field. Dawkins turned a backward, rolling somersault into a reverse handstand before sprinting down the line and nearly taking out a camera man.

He hugged teammates after the game and blew kisses to the fans as he ran off the field.

Orton began Denver's comeback bid with a 7-yard TD pass to Jabar Gaffney, completing a drive that started at the Philadelphia 25 after a short punt, 11-yard return and a penalty.

Macho Harris fumbled the ensuing kickoff following a hard hit by Darrell Reid and Robert Ayers recovered at the Eagles 16. Orton then hit Knowshon Moreno over the middle for a 16-yard TD that cut it to 27-24.