The NFL season begins in September, but it is never too early to start making predictions on the season ahead. This will be a multiple part series predicting and analyzing all 17 games of the Eagles season. This season features a very different feel as Nick Sirianni has taken the helm as head coach. He will be looking to get the Eagles off to a fast start and maybe shock the NFL world with an NFC East title. The Eagles also brought in DeVonta Smith, who should produce right away in Philadelphia. Look for him to be a major player throughout the season. Lastly, the Eagles have two quarterbacks to choose from by December. Jalen Hurts will more than likely be the starter, but Flacco has the ability to steal the job. This is Early Eagles Season Predictions: Part One.
Eagles vs Falcons, 9/12, 1 pm
This game is very winnable for the Eagles. The Eagles are traveling to Atlanta, which will surely play a factor in some of this game. The Falcons just got rid of their former receiver Julio Jones, who they will miss throughout the season. They also have veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. He did not have as good of a season in 2020 as he has had in past years. Age could be a factor, as Ryan has been in the NFL for many years. Do not count him out though, as he is still formidable weapon on that team. The Falcons also picked up Kyle Pitts, who will surely be a nightmare for a lot of teams.
The Eagles, on the other hand, have a very new team this year and will be looking to start off hot. In the opinion of the writer, Hurts will be the starter that game. If he can get hot throwing the ball and find some of the Eagles receiving weapons early, then the Eagles have a good shot at winning this game. Miles Sanders also needs to produce and become that featured back out of the gate. The Eagles also need to be stout on defense, especially in the secondary to stop Ridley and Kyle Pitts.
Prediction: Eagles Win: 21-17
49ers vs Eagles, 9/19, 1 pm
This game could be dangerous for the Eagles. The Eagles do have the advantage by having the home field advantage. There will be a lot of energy in the stadium and the fans will be loud. Nerves could definitely be a factor for the Eagles players. The 49ers drafted Trey Lance in this year’s draft, who has the talent to be their starter at the helm. That being said, the 49ers will probably go with Jimmy Garoppolo at the beginning of the season to give the rookie a chance to settle into the NFL. The 49ers feature weapons such George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Trent Williams.
The Eagles will have to do a good job defending Kittle, but they also have to give respect to the other 49ers receivers. Again, Hurts needs to do a good job throwing the ball and limit turnovers. Sanders is the key in this game. It’s going to be his job to wear down a formidable 49ers defense. Boston Scott will also have to produce and help Sanders out. The Eagles will definitely have their hands full in game two of the regular season.
Prediction: 49ers Win: 24-14
Eagles vs Cowboys, 9/27, 8:15 pm
This is another game that is not favorable to the Eagles. Its prime time and the game is in Dallas, who are the odds on favorite to win the East. Dak Prescott will most likely be back as quarterback and will probably have another impressive season ahead of him. They also have Ezekiel Elliott toting the rock, who has the ability to run over any offense in the NFL. The Eagles secondary will have to defend against Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, who is underrated.
The Eagles will have to be stellar in the running and passing game. It would be good if they could get some play action rolling and get some of the Eagles tight ends involved during this game. The Eagles would need to win the turnover battle and produce at least three touchdowns for a shot at winning. Hurts need to target Smith in this and hope that he can produce some offense for the Eagles. This will be a tough game overall and it’s not likely the Eagles get the win here.
Prediction:Â Cowboys Win: 34-17
Eagles Record: 1-2Â
This concludes the first part of Early Eagles Season Predictions. Check back later this week for Part Two, which will feature games against the Chiefs, Panthers and Buccaneers.
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